Quick answer
For API and infra products, treat Stack Overflow as a precision layer (error messages, SDK usage) and GitHub as a workflow layer (issues, releases, dependents). Roadmap signal shows up when the same structural gap appears across many repos or tags - not when one user has a broken laptop.
Best for: PMs at API-first B2B companies with public SDKs and issue trackers.
Taxonomy for incoming signal
| Tag | Meaning | Typical action |
|---|---|---|
| DOC | Confusing docs | Improve examples |
| ENV | Local setup | Support playbook |
| CAP | Missing capability | Roadmap candidate |
| REL | Regression | Engineering hotfix |
Voting and selection bias
SO votes reflect helpfulness to answerers, not dollar demand. Use votes as a sort hint, not proof of ARR.
Using Needle
Search both surfaces alongside Reddit/HN where relevant - see Stack Overflow and GitHub product research. Platform access and limits follow your plan in plans.js and the live Pricing page - Needle indexes 10 social platforms in Search.