I built OpenBacklog – an open-source AI backlog manager for solo developers (www.openbacklog.ai)

OpenBacklog is an open-source, AI-driven backlog manager built specifically for solo developers to reduce bloat, context-switching, and manual task upkeep. Rather than a team-heavy project manager, it offers a code-first workflow: paste a feature idea and the built-in LLM explodes it into bite-sized tasks, generates auto-checklists inside your IDE, and links commits back to tasks for instant progress tracking. You can ask the system questions like “Which tasks unblock the MVP?” to get prioritized, dependency-aware task orders, and perform inline edits through chat commands (“split this task,” “add tests,” etc.), turning rough ideas into a runnable backlog in seconds. For the AI/ML community, OpenBacklog shows a practical, developer-centric application of LLMs that blends product-thinking with source control and the editor experience. As an open-source project it invites extension, auditability, and integrations (IDE plugins, VCS/CI hooks), enabling faster iteration from prototype to launch and clearer traceability between code and product intent. Key implications include reduced context switching, more predictable MVP delivery, and opportunities for community-driven improvements—while raising familiar considerations about model quality, integration surface area, and data privacy when tying LLMs directly to code and client workflows.