The complexities of modern-day applications and websites require a collection of tools and technologies to work together efficiently. Moreover, with increasing consumer expectations, companies need to be agile enough to rapidly develop and scale applications that are secure, reliable, and capable of delivering the best user experience. Unlike in the past, when the use of single technology was enough to develop an application, today, the combination of multiple technologies, known as the tech stack, is mandatory for the success of most software projects.
This article will discuss the tech stack in detail, including its definition, benefits, and use cases. We'll also provide a few tech stack examples to help you understand how tech stack works.
What Is a Tech Stack?
A technology stack, or tech stack, combines programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and other tools developers use to develop an application or website. Also known as solutions stack or technology infrastructure, the tech stack is the underlying architecture of an application or website — the technology that powers and defines the application.
Most tech stack diagrams are composed of a combination of frontend and backend components. The frontend tech stack is used to create the user interface, while the backend tech stack is responsible for enabling functionality, connecting the application to other systems, and providing services.
How Does a Modern Tech Stack Work?
A modern tech stack has many more components than traditional tech stacks. Due to the increase in the number of devices that users can access applications from and the need for advanced functionality and scalability, modern tech stacks are more robust and diverse. Modern tech stacks work by combining different technologies to create a unified whole.
A modern tech stack typically includes programming languages, frameworks, databases, cloud-based systems, internal tools, analytics tools, and other components to help developers rapidly create applications. They work together to create an integrated tech stack whereby the components interact with each other and communicate to provide a richer user experience.
Tech Stack Examples
To help you understand the different components of a modern tech stack and how they work together, let’s look at some popular tech stack examples:
- MEAN Stack — This tech stack consists of MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js technologies used to create dynamic web applications and websites.
- LAMP Stack — This popular open-source stack comprises Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. It’s used to create dynamic websites and web applications.
- Ruby on Rails — This tech stack combines the Ruby programming language with the Rails framework to create web applications and websites.
What Are the Benefits?
The tech stack is the cornerstone of any successful application development process. However, your choice of technology stacks can make the difference between success and failure. Here are some essential benefits you can get from the right tech stack:
Helps You Better Manage Application Development
The right tech stack simplifies the development process by providing a comprehensive infrastructure that ensures everything works harmoniously. It makes managing and coordinating development tasks easier and gives the tech team more significant control over the entire development process.
Improves Efficiency of Your Software Team
An efficient tech stack can help you reduce the time and effort your tech team spends on development tasks. The tech team can focus its energy and time on more important tasks by eliminating unnecessary steps. This leads to improved efficiency, faster development cycles, and cost savings for other departments, such as the sales team.
Helps You Stay on Budget
A tech stack optimized for your project's requirements can make the development process more efficient. This helps minimize costs due to unnecessary delays in development and allows tech teams to stay within their development budget. Additionally, tech stack optimization ensures that the application works at its peak level and runs smoothly with fewer bugs or issues, helping tech teams save on maintenance costs.
Keeps You and Your Team on Schedule
Time management is an essential part of the development process. With a proper tech stack, developers can reduce development time, enabling them to meet deadlines and keep their projects on schedule. An optimized tech stack also helps developers prioritize tasks, allowing them to focus on the essential elements of their project first.
Tech Stack Use Cases
Tech stacks work best when they are tailored specifically for the application you are developing. Therefore, the tech team must consider their project's requirements and select the best tech stack. Below are a few tech stack use cases to help you understand how tech stacks work.
User Interface on Browser
The browser's user interface, or the frontend, is part of an application the user interacts with. It's the layer responsible for an application's visual and interactive elements. Your frontend tech stack should include programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create aesthetic, efficient, and responsive user interfaces. Some technologies that you can incorporate into your frontend stack to develop user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing web applications include:
- HTML: Defines the elements of a page, allowing developers to insert text, images, and other elements
- CSS: Styles and formats the page, allowing developers to define colors, fonts, images, and other design elements
- JavaScript: Provides interactive elements, allowing developers to create dynamic web pages that respond to user input
Programming Language
The programming language is the foundation of any application or website. Therefore, the programming language(s) you use should be compatible with other technologies in your tech stack and fit your project's needs. It should also be supported by the framework you use and must have an active community so developers can easily find solutions to their problems through help desk software.
Popular startup tech stacks often include languages like Python, Ruby, PHP, and JavaScript due to their versatility and robustness. For example, Python is excellent for web development, machine learning/AI, data analysis, and scripting, while Ruby is recommended for startup applications due to its scalability and ability to develop applications rapidly.
Framework & Backend Services
The backend of any web or mobile application is responsible for generating data, making connections to the database, handling user requests, and sending out notifications. A backend framework is designed to manage these tasks and provide structure for developers. It works by providing a set of tools, libraries, and APIs to help developers quickly develop backend applications.
Some popular backend frameworks include Drupal, Ruby on Rails, ASP.NET Core, Django, and Spring Boot. Each technology has unique features and benefits, so choose the one best suited for your project. For instance, if you're developing an e-commerce store, Django may be the best choice because it is designed to handle complex transactions. Alternatively, if you're developing a content management system, Drupal may be the best choice, as it offers powerful SEO tools and a user-friendly interface.
Additionally, you'll need to choose the right backend services, such as databases, caching systems, storage services, analytics tools like Google Analytics, and other necessary components to develop a comprehensive backend technology stack.
Database
The database is the foundation of any web or mobile application. It stores, retrieves, and updates data to provide users with the necessary information. A database is also responsible for making sure all data remains secure. You can choose from several different types of databases for your tech stack, but the most popular are relational databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.
No matter which database you choose, it must be compatible with the other technologies in your tech stack. For instance, if you're using a Ruby on Rails backend framework, you'll need to use a database like MySQL or PostgreSQL. Ruby on Rails is optimized for these databases, making it easier to work with them.
Operating System
The operating system is the foundation of your entire tech stack. It manages a computer system's hardware, software, and user interfaces. Popular operating systems for tech stacks include Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Each operating system has different features and capabilities, so select the most appropriate one for your tech stack. Linux is popular for startup tech stacks because it's open-source, secure, and reliable. Windows is suitable for applications with complex hardware requirements, while macOS is best suited for applications with graphical user interfaces.
Watch Your Applications Grow With the Right Tools
From databases to front-end frameworks, developers need to understand the components of a comprehensive technology stack. Understanding a tech stack is critical to choosing the right tools for your application and ensuring its success. With a well-crafted tech stack, developers can rapidly create applications that are secure, reliable, and capable of delivering the best user experience. Conversely, the wrong choice of tech stack can have serious consequences, so it’s essential to take the time to select the right one.
Is your tech stack optimized for your project? Your software project is only as good as the tools you use and the developers on your team. At Revelo, we have a network of the best software engineers ready to join your team and help you build the perfect tech stack. Our top-notch engineers have the skills to develop applications using modern tech stacks. Find out how Revelo can help you achieve success with your software project.
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