What is a tech stack?
A technology stack is a complex of different tools, databases, libraries, and other technologies used to create a software product. Product development teams can choose different software technology stacks for different projects, as these tools have a direct impact on the results: the scope of work, the purpose of the product, its scalability, customization, etc.
Tech stack components
A technology stack for software development allows developers to build a perfect product based on the specific requirements of their clients. They combine different technologies to make them work best for the project they are working on.
The main components of a tech stack may include:
- operating systems: Linux, Android, iOS;
- programming languages: Python, Java, Swift, JavaScript;
- frameworks: React, Angular, Django, .NET;
- servers: AWS, Apache, Google Cloud;
- data storage: MySQL, Snowflake;
- user interface: HTML, CSS;
- API services: Google Apigee, Zapier, Mulesoft;
- performance tools: AppDynamics, Datadog;
- tools for analytics: Google Analytics, Amplitude; and
- business intelligence tools: Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Looker.
Benefits of using a tech stack
A software development technology stack allows both established companies and startups to effectively work on a project, following the vision of the final product and meeting business requirements. A technology stack for the project influences not only the result but the whole process, from the staff you assemble to the cost and efficiency of the work.
So, what does tech stack mean for a business that wants to launch its own product?
- Choosing the right technology stack facilitates organization, planning, budgeting, and prioritization.
- A mobile app tech stack improves the product’s scalability.
- Having a clear idea about the tools and platforms that will be used helps businesses hire the right team, whether full-stack or for specific components of a tech stack.
- A technology stack for startups improves their chances to launch a product fast within the allocated budget.
- Certain tech stack components, such as analytics tools, help you keep track of the product’s performance, find its weak spots, and improve it promptly.
Top tech stacks in software development
Here are the top tech stacks so far:
- the LAMP stack — Stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP, and is considered to be a classic tech stack example, proven by giants such as WordPress and Shopify. This is most commonly used for creating web pages.
- the MEAN stack — Comprises MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js; the full project can be built with a single programming language. The stack includes free open-source tools and is a great choice for cloud hosting.
- the MERN stack — The stack is similar to MEAN but includes React instead of Angular. Although with React, developers need to use third-party services, it’s still one of the most popular options for building single-page products with an interactive UI.
- the MEVN stack — Another variation of MEAN, with Vue.js in place of Angular. Thanks to being more lightweight, the stack is believed to be a great alternative to the previous ones and has been widely employed in the last years.
- the RoR (Ruby on Rails) technology stack — A popular tech stack for startups, thanks to its simplicity, efficiency, and developer-friendliness. An open-source object-oriented set of technologies used for creating web applications.
How to choose a tech stack
The selection of tech stack components depends on the staff, product requirements, the company’s budget, corporate culture, integration with existing systems, and many other things.
Here are some of the decisive aspects you might want to consider when choosing a technology stack for your project:
- Project size and complexity — The bigger and more feature-rich your future product will be, the more complex tech stack your team will need.
- Team’s expertise — Choose technologies according to what your employees can work with. Keep in mind that if the team is unfamiliar with the technology stack, you’ll need to arrange relevant training.
- Budget and time — The tech stack you assemble also depends on the budget you set and the terms for the product release.
- The potential of scalability — After you successfully launch your product, you’ll most likely want to scale it, expand its functionality, and create the base for an increasing number of customers. The right tech stack will allow you to do it seamlessly and most effectively.
- Security standards — Choose technologies that can provide a high level of protection for customer data.
- Maintenance — The technology stack should be suitable for the maintenance and regular updates of the final product.