Major Web Development Technology Stacks

Web developers are increasingly enhancing their web development stacks to keep up with market trends and the quality of web applications. But what factors should you consider when developing your company’s software?

In the same way, a house contractor uses various building materials to put up different sections of the house, such as the foundation, floor, walls, and roof, so does a web developer need a set of tools to create stable, functional, and attractive apps and websites.

When designing a business software, the right set of tools are key to the project’s success, while a poor choice of web development technologies can lead to failure.

The technology stacks give the right appeal into today’s software. Developers use them to enhance mobile and web app’s functionality, design, and scalability.

Still, choosing a relevant tech stack can be challenging for startups and small businesses because they have to balance between a tight budget and access to advanced software necessary to kick start their projects.

To ease the process for you, this article defines what web development technology stacks are, why you should use them, the major web development technology stacks to use in 2021, and how to choose the right one.

What is a Web Development Technology Stack?

A web development technology stack is also known as a solutions stack, data ecosystem, or technology infrastructure. It is a set of technology tools or service developers used to create and run applications. 

For instance, Facebook comprises multiple coding languages and frameworks, such as HTML, Javascript, and ReactJS, making up Facebook’s tech stack.

A tech stack has two broad, equally important characteristics: client-side (frontend) and server-side (backend).

Frontend tech stacks consist of libraries, HTML, CSS, UI frameworks, JavaScript, catching tools, testing tools, and deployment software, among others.

For instance, developers use libraries, package managers, and frameworks to install software dependencies, while build systems are used in automating multiple tasks.

Backend technologies also comprise multiple classes of software, such as programming languages, operating systems, web frameworks, servers, databases, caching systems, and containerisation tools, etc.

Major web development technology stacks also carry other elements, such as the database, application framework, state management tools, and others. These aspects help developers create comprehensive and stable apps or software.

Both frontend and backend web development technologies are used together to create functional, full web tech stacks.

Before reviewing the leading tech stacks in the market, let’s discuss their benefits.

Why you should use Tech Stacks to Develop your Application

The viability, usability, and competitiveness of your web app or software depend on the set of technological tools you choose.

You should use software stacks for many reasons, including to:

In addition to having the right collection of software development technologies, you should ensure that the tools meet the latest development standards and ever-changing trends in the market.

At the same time, a review of the existing web technology stacks, including their features and capabilities, can help you mitigate development risks and improve your confidence in the web app development process.

Now that you understand the benefits you can gain from using software stacks, let’s have a look at the leading ones for developing your apps.

Major Web Development Technology Stacks

MEAN

MEAN comprises:

The MEAN stack is one of the leading software tools used by developers mainly because it is based on JavaScript, which is a single programming language.

This aspect enables app developers to access one language throughout the development process, creating opportunities for code reuse and eliminating unnecessary reinvention.

Another benefit of using MEAN is that it relies on free and open-source technologies, and users can get support from the support community. 

You can use applications made through the MEAN stack for cloud hosting because they are scalable, flexible, and extensible (designed to allow developers to add new functionalities and capabilities). 

It is also easy to deploy the stack since it comes with a web server, while the database can be scaled to meet the upcoming needs of the users.

Basically, MEAN is a great web development technology stack for fast, highly efficient, and interactive apps and all manner of websites.

You can comfortably use it to create calendars, location search and mapping, and news aggregation websites like Google News, New360, Flipboard, and Panda.

LAMP

LAMP stands for:

LAMP makes it to our list of the major web development technologies because it is cost-efficient, flexible, and effective. The stack is not only stable but also simple and powerful enough for crafting custom web apps.

It is also free and open-source, enabling you to run the stack on basically any operating system. You can also modify or interchange other elements within LAMP to build a product that meets specific business needs.

Indeed, it is through LAMP’s capabilities that you can seamlessly handle dynamic pages whereby different content is displayed per page loading.

You can use LAMP with multiple operating systems (OS), including Linux, Microsoft Windows for WAMP stack, and Mac OS for MAMP stack. You can also interchange PHP for Perl or Python programming languages.

Some of the leading open-source content management systems (CMS) using LAMP include Drupal and WordPress. 

MERN

MERN is almost identical to MEAN wherein R, which stands for React, replaces A for Angular.js.

The React integration is the key characteristic making MERN a leading web development technology stack mainly because it uses codes on browsers and servers.

R also comes with a frontend and backend development framework and powerful library for the development of high-end, interactive user interfaces (UIs).

React uses Virtual DOM for easy implementation and JSX (JavaScript modification) for effective and efficient apps and websites.

However, developers using React should be aware of the component’s limitation since R is not a framework, but a library.

MERN is cost-effective and great for UI rendering and performance, but it is mostly suitable for small-scale applications requiring lower productivity.

MEVN

MEVN is also similar to MEAN, whereby V stands for Vue.js, a frontend web framework, which is different from Angular.js.

Vue.js integrates the features of both Angular and React, is easy to learn and provides a clear programming UI and outstanding web apps.

MEVN has gained immense popularity mainly because, unlike Angular, it is a lightweight solution thanks to Vue’s reliability. You can also enhance Vue’s out-of-the-box functionality using third-party services.

Vue blends the best features of React and Angular, giving you a rich stack and great performance. Indeed, MEVN stands out as a new and evolving way to develop powerful and dynamic web apps, while improving website functionality.

Serverless

Serverless stacks are the equivalence of cloud infrastructure, whose goal is to make your IT programs more responsive, scalable, and optimal for business growth and transformation.

Businesses are increasingly using serverless technology to build serverless applications. The stack also provides improved infrastructure management to scale up and scale down the changes in demand for services.

Serverless computing platforms enable you to manage your infrastructure easily since it comes with a wide array of web development services and tools.

For instance, you can seamlessly set up thousands of users on your company’s operating system.

Other benefits of using serverless web technology stacks include lower operating costs, better user experience, and improved scalability. 

On the downside, the serverless stack is ineffective for long-term tasks and can be complex for inexperienced developers.

Still, you should take advantage of the framework’s underlying advantages for improved business performance.

To gain the full benefits of serverless stacks, consider using cloudless services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.

Flutter

Flutter is one of the leading web development technology stacks thanks to its exceptional capabilities, including the ability to deliver attractive and functional apps using the same business logic and UI.

Flutter stack is an open-source program for developing software, such as iOS, Android, Mac, Linux, and Windows applications. All apps can be developed from a single codebase.

The stack’s elements include Flutter Engine, Dart, Foundation Library, and design widgets.

The program will also save you time on deployment, and you can use it to add new features and fix bugs without affecting your website speeds.

Remember to use complementary tools in the backend to cut on the development time and coordinate development resources.

Despite Flutter’s heavy file sizes, limited tools and libraries, and lack of password manager support, using it will guarantee you cost and time efficiencies, high app performance, and a supportive development community.

Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails (RoR) stack uses the Ruby programming language to simplify the overall web and app development process. It is an object-oriented, open-source platform, which you can use to develop lightweight apps for improved flexibility.

Developers for server-side web apps require minimal knowledge to use Ruby. The stack enables you to use default structures to seamlessly manage databases and web pages.

To gain the best from RoR, you should use it with CSS, HTML, and JavaScript to create interactive UIs, and XML or JSON to facilitate the transfer of data.

The stack’s multiple open-source libraries (gems) enhance the development process and lower the delivery time.

In addition to time efficiency, a supportive community, and multiple helpful tools and libraries, ROR also comes with a detailed error log. Developers can use the log to create bug-free and reliable apps.

Choosing the right Web Development Technology Stack

Now that you understand major web development technology stacks, you may be wondering what next? Choosing the right tech stack is as important as the success of your project.

While you will be working with a software company or developers who will be in charge of the web and app development process, you still need to keep in mind the following basic, but key points:

Select the right software company

Choosing the ideal software company that suits your business or project needs is key to your project’s success.

Project scope and details

Discuss the details of your project with the chosen web developer. If you have an existing app, you may need to upgrade the stack.

Ensure to enhance your website or app to meet your developing business requirements, including enhancing scalability, and getting rid of bugs and obsolete technologies.

Type of web application

Simple web applications are suitable for landing pages and simple websites, while mid-level apps are used by large enterprises and eCommerce sites.

Fintech software solutions, social networks, and large eCommerce stores use complex web apps.

Information gathering

Collect as much information as possible from the developer, gain knowledge about standard or major stacks, and seek advice to ensure the product truly meets your needs.

This practice will enable you to gain the desired advantages for your application.

Consistency

The selected software stack should be used consistently throughout the development process.

Time to market (TTM) 

TTM is crucial in web development as it affects your ability to stay ahead of the competition.

The faster you launch your app, the cheaper the development process gets. Your selected web development technology stack influences TTM.

Ensure to choose a software stack with out-of-box solutions (open-source). The platform should also support integration with third-party solutions.

Additionally, the selected developer should be readily available during development, launch, and maintenance.

Remember to also select a solution with rich documentation and a large support community to enable the development team to find solutions easily. At the same time, ensure the stack is easy to test to avoid delaying your TTM.

Development cost

The web development technology stack you choose will determine your development costs. Before selecting the ideal stack, you need to consider the developer’s salary.

Web developers are highly skilled people who at times work for established medium and large corporations. Still, their salaries depend on the type of technologies the developers are experienced in. 

Therefore, your expenses will depend on the tech stack of your choice; high-tech software will cost you more since you’ll need to hire the services of an experienced developer.

You should also consider the app maintenance cost. To manage your maintenance costs, you should go for free open-source stack technology.

For instance, the Ruby on Rails platform is licensed under the MIT license, enabling developers to modify, upgrade, and use it without limitations. 

Security

With the rise in the use of digital technologies, cybercrimes have been on the rise, reaching 11,762 recorded attacks between 2005 and 2020. Indeed, a report by IBM shows that by 2020, a data breach cost $3.86 million.

According to Juniper, the majority of the data breaches are attributable to the IT and network infrastructure used by companies.

In the same way, governments and large corporations are working to reinforce their cybersecurity, so should you invest in secure stacks for the reliability of your app.

Ensure to check that the stack chosen has security guidelines on how to prevent and minimize cyber threats and vulnerabilities. 

Scalability

Invest in a web development technology stack that is scalable both horizontally and vertically. 

Horizontal scalability enables the web app to accommodate more users as your business grows.

On the other hand, vertical scalability means you can add new elements to your web app without affecting its performance.

Different people have different opinions on the aspect of scalability, but it is definitely something you should look into if you want to grow your app and web user capacity, seamlessly. 

Conclusion

A web development stack is a set of technology tools or service developers used to create and run applications. Each tech stack has frontend and backend end frameworks to make it a full-stack development tool.

The right choice of a software stack will enable you to control how your app works, as well as affect data storage, server capacity, scalability, etc.

In this article, we have reviewed for you the major web development technology stacks on trend today, which include MEAN, LAMP, MERN, MEVN, Serverless, Flutter, and Ruby on Rails.

When choosing the right tech stack for your project or business, you need to watch out for several critical factors starting with selecting the right company, discussing the project’s scope with the developer, assessing the TTM, and managing development costs, among others.

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