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Starting a technological journey involves the use of particular tools. In this article you shall be introduced to the ecosystem of technology there by getting acquainted to the best technology stacks.
What is Tech Stack?
Fundamental and basic tool to be thought by a developer in a project of mobile or web app is a technological stack, this includes the required software, the programming language and all the components needed for the proper functioning of the project.
This mainly consists of the framework, back-end, databases and programming language for front-end. It enables the creation of a system composed of different application functions works on a distinct infrastructure.
Mainly Tech stack is composed of either client and server sides or just client sides. The determination of the side depends on the project.
The front-end or Client-side is defined as the visual section of the application, this is mainly the eased visual property of the application. The project must be made on an easy to access and welcoming interface for the client’s convenience.
The back-end or server-side is responsible for the data using and is mainly the invisible part for users. This part of the program involves mainly the communication between the server and the database.
Technology stack in both cases may require plain programming language, framework, CMS or maybe a combination of all.
Components of a Tech Stack
Refreshing our memories, a tech stack is composed of 2 main components:
These stakes form the backbone role of the developer building the project.
Front-end Tech Stack
Front-end Tech Stack usually known as the client’s side of the application. Client side is defined as the visual presentation of the product mainly on the screen. The principality in this case is to produce the best experience ,smooth and easy to use interface. In a nutshell it involves the format, design and takes in account the browser presentation of the website or the apps.
Two principal elements are commonly used for front-end stack:
For instance:
AngularJs is a Google open-source MVC framework, mainly used to develop single page apps. AngularJs is a tool used as an animating framework there by changing static HTML pages to dynamic ones. Angular Js has got amazing attributes like MVC Architecture, Pojo model, dynamic binding and dependency in injection that correct critical mistakes.
Another JavaScript library tool from Facebook is ReactJS. ReactJS is a declarative JavaScript library based on flexibility and efficiency. It is an opened source frontend engaged on the design of the app. ReactJS contains a warehouse of amazing features and the codes are declarative making it more predictable and comfortable to debug.
Back-end Tech Stack
Back-end Tech Stack AKA is server-side development. It is defined by the inner workings of the app or the website that users cannot see. They are not visible but they are important tools that keep the mechanic of the app working perfectly. They are important in keeping the app or website operating.
Top Best Back-end Tools
It is evident each programming language has its own specificity making it crucial in the choice of backend. Below are listed the top back-end languages which will led you to a successful achievement of your project:
Main elements included in backend stack
Top Tech Stack Models
To ease your task thereby helping you to save your time and money some stack models have proven their success. These models are obviously regularly updated and improved with time.
MEAN
Bringing amazing numerous positive feedbacks to web developers. It is composed of single language JavaScript and the list below of open source and free technologies.
MEAN involves a practical approach in the speed and efficiency of the apps. Data transmissions done by a unique language JSON (JavaScript Object Notations) and involves free library access too. Scalable software products may be built using this stack .It is efficient for all types of interactive apps and websites.
LAMP
LAMP is an industry standard stack model characterised by its best performance, flexibility and cost efficiency.
These pilled stacks are open source and free. This stack has the particularity to run in any operating system. The components in this stack model can be interchanged and modified depending on the need of the developing team i.e se WAMP for Microsoft operating system and MMP for MacOs.
MERN
MERN has similar attributes as MEAN. The principal difference is the interchanging of Angular.js with React. The difference is that you change Angular.js with React.
The main advantage using MERN is that react has the ability of using codes on the server and the browsers simultaneously. It contains a powerful library and full stack development tools (front-end and back-end). React is also known for its performance and flexibility in interactive user interface. Additionally, React is known for its flexibility and performance in developing interactive user interfaces.
MEVN
Another variable of MEAN is MEVN where we use Vue.js instead of Angular.js as a framework. Over the years of experience Vue.js has been a successful popular tool incorporating the best of Angular and React. Vue.js is easier to learn than others thus in its programming style and provides amazing performance for web apps. Vue.js is easy to learn, delivers a clear programming style, and provides superb performance for web applications.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby On Rails is a programming zone using Ruby, which is a dynamic programming language. Using Ruby on Rails can be an entirely simplifying development process. On the server-side web app development is written using Ruby programming language. In its default mode it allows the use of database management and web pages. ROR is well performant with CSS, JavaScript and HTML for the creation of UIs, JSON or XML for data transfer. Ruby on Rails works well with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for creating UIs and JSON or XML for transferring data.
What Should Your Decision Be Based On?
Choosing the appropriate stack to develop a project may be very challenging especially with the amount of advantages some stacks have on others. While choosing the stack keep in mind the type of project influences the type of technology chosen. For instance an accounting app may need the best security, amazing data and the appropriate programming language and the frameworks that can handle tons of loads. In addition to all these points you need to keep in mind that some components of the stack may be switched. The following list the principal factors influencing our choice of a stack.
Project size
Projects are classified depending on the complexity, this is an important factor that influences the choice of an appropriate technology stack.
Classification according to size may be subdivided into 3 categories
Small Projects
These types of projects mainly involve single pages, digital magazines, portfolios and small web solutions that can imply minimal tools like Webflow or Readymag. Another tool like wix may be used for these types of projects.
Medium sized projects
These types of projects may involve the following :online stores, enterprise and financial apps. Here we require a more complex stack with numerous layers that imply languages as these apps possess numerous features and can be developed with frameworks. While working for a medium-sized protect you must consider cross-platform integration and the presence of multiple systems.
Large projects
Involving into large projects like social networks, marketplaces and data storage sites implies some specific conditions as follows speed, scalability and service ability. Firstly, you need to identify the features needed for the project. Then prepare a list of questions for the developing team to understand if the technology is supported fully. The development of such a project always involves complex combination tools, language and technologies involved in building the app. So as a nutshell deciding on the choice for a complex project requires the consideration of both non-functional and functional requirements.
Team Knowledge
The expertise of your developing team is a very crucial factor that influences vitally the type of stack chosen. Your team must be experienced to meet the proper deadline of the project.
Time To Market
Time of the market is another very important point that must be taken into consideration. Considering the use of an MVP i.e Minimum Viable Product, however if you do we recommend you sing ready-made solutions to help produce in a little amount of time and reduce the cost of production. For instance: Ruby on Rails framework, provided a variety of basic libraries thus saving a tremendous amount of time. Also we have got the involvement of third-party integrations which will help to add functionality without writing it from scratch.
Scalability
Planning a rapid growth may be challenging so tools chosen for your tech stack might be sufficient in scale. Scaling can be done either vertically adding other functional software for new tasks and horizontally adding physical machines to your server or database Ruby on Rail, Golang, Node.js and React. Your app may scale well on AWS, using advanced Ethernet networking technology designed to scale along with high security.
Security
To every project there is a need for appropriate security to follow-up the project, thus high security must be taken into consideration. Most tech stacks may optimum in function but bear a very poor level of security. For instance while developing a medical app, security must be fully taken into consideration, Ruby On Rails, however can be a good choice as it provides DSL ie Digital Subscriber Line. DSL helps you configure a content security policy.
Maintenance
The stack chosen must bear an appropriate programming language easy to modify or easy in architecture. Codes as well must be able to be reusable. Apart from the architecture of the software, reusability and scalability of the app can influence the configuration of dynamic and static components.
Expenses
Here the rule is quite simple ,you must understand that firstly a project is not finished when it’s released. Looking after updates and conceivably upscaling the app or project. So the expenses must not be allocated only for the release but for the whole project.
Secondly, there are numerous technologies that are open-source and free for business. This open source can reduce the expenses allocated to the project, Specific Stacks may be very expensive but worth as well.
Here are some memorable examples of companies and the stack chosen by their platforms
Suggestion What to Choose Based on a Real Case
A prominent Ukrainian start up opened their doors on the subject www.keepintouch.ai, which is a project created and established in August 2020 by Stanislav Stepanenko, CTO. He nailed down 4 points on why he made the choice of a precise stack to fortify the foundations of the start up. Here are his nailing points.
1.The choice of an MVP model of project development
2. Bearing in mind we are a SaaS project we use open-source technologies.
3. We paid attention to the type of technology and the size of the project thus we don’t use very complicated or rare technologies. This is because we focus on producing or implementing features in a very tight timeline, so we needed the implication of an experienced and dedicated team.
4. Our strategy: we work with a limited budget so we can’t hire many developers as a result we use a CTO familiar stack. The enormous part of the iceberg that is the coding is being done by me. We have effective marketing and promotional policies with a minimal amount of expenditure. The founders of the project are all assigned to the project, we have got a marketer, designer and a content maker.
5. Mixing Technologies and tools is also another ability we have. If you feel confident with micro services, go into them. Stay on alert! Many pitfalls may be present during the use of the Tech Stack. I would prefer service-oriented architecture. You can create middleware layers. They will help you to mix/switch platforms.
Remember, you will face issues on each step, so don’t panic.
More advice:
As a conclusion choosing the right path is the key to success so to achieve an implacable result you must be fully informed and trained to know the advantages and disadvantages using different types of stacks. So we wish you good luck on the building and maintenance of your project.
Written by:
Filonenko Vyacheslav
I've been leading a tech department specializing in eLearning applications and Business Intelligence for 10 years
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