Are you thinking of web application development and came across this term Technology stack? A simple google search may hint at software collections and tools, but that’s not all. In-fact it is the most crucial aspect of app development.
And do you know that 82% of vulnerabilities occur in the code of the application! Well, it indicates the essence of the technology stack for app development. Having the right technology stack enhances the probability of a successful app with a broader audience.
Before proceeding to the immense values and active tips to choosing the best technology stack for your web app! Here’s a quick question.
Do you know what exactly constitutes Technology Stack?
It is the compilation of all the software languages, tools and services needed for fruitful development and smooth running of an app. Developing a smooth working user-friendly web-app is highly dependent upon the technology stack of the app.
Already shouldering the responsibilities for the growth and development of your business, you need not worry about the technology stack. A simple consultation with the developers of your app development company will give insights into choosing the best technology stack for the app.
You may face some relatively new terms, primarily if you haven’t dealt in IT before. But don’t worry by the end of this article you will be well-acquainted with all the essential points related to the selection technology stack of a web app.
It will help you in comprehending with the advice of the development team and taking a well-informed decision for your web app development.
Technology Stack in Detail
The technology stack, as already discussed, is the combination of tools and software needed for the development of the app. But what exactly are all these software and tools! To begin with, we divide it into two broad categories:
- The Front-end also referred to as the client or the user’s side and
- The Back-end also called as the server-side.
In simple words, they are the two sides of the same coin. The front end is the side that is accessible to the user while the back end is the side where the app performs specific functions based on the user’s action.
For example, you were using WhatsApp Messenger and typed your friend’s name “Mary” on the search bar. You’ll be able to see all the contacts and texts having the word Mary in common.
So, what you have been able to search and find is your side, i.e. user’s side while to display all the contacts and texts related to her name, the app runs specific algorithms to show quick & proper results, and that’s what constitutes the back end or the server-side of the app.
Let’s have a comprehensive look at the two sides of the stack.
The Front-End or the User’s Side
Following are the most popular tools & software languages used in the Front end:
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HTML (Hyper-Text Markup Language)
It is a popular language used to develop the intuitive architecture and arrangement of content over a web page. The framework of the page in the forms of paragraphs, points, tables etc. are layered using HTML.
Famous Patrons: Netflix, Google Docs, etc.
-
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
It is a software language concerned with the presentation of web pages. The plus point about CSS is that it can be used both with and without HTML to enhance the colors, layout and allows numerous font options for one to choose.
Helpful with the presentation on different screen sizes, the latest version of the language CSS3 also allows responsive design elements.
It is a scripting language and functions for making the web page dynamic and allows integration of animations over the page.
jQuery, AngularJS are some of the common frameworks of JavaScript.
Famous Patrons: eBay, Amazon (uses AngularJS), etc.
The Back-End or the Server’s Side
The back end of the app, although not accessible to the users but requires much more precision and accuracy in coding than the front end. It is responsible for the actual functioning of all the icons you see and use on the web app.
The vital parts of Back end can be further studied under the following sections:
1. Popular Programming Languages
- Python: Handy in a series of applications Python can be applied for calculation-based apps, gaming apps, business apps, etc. Famous patrons of Python are Google search engine, Uber, etc. Common Python frameworks include Pyramid, TurboGears, etc.
- Java: Proven to be a secure and reliable programming language it is one of the most widely used languages. Famous patrons of Java are Twitter, Spotify etc. Common Java frameworks include Spring, Vaadin, etc.
PHP, Scala, Ruby on Rails etc. are also some of the significant back end programming languages that get used nowadays.
2. Database Systems
- SQL: The acronym stands for Sequential Query Language and acts very helpful in updating information over the database. It belongs to the category of the Relational Database Management System. Famous patrons of SQL are Amazon, Slack etc.
- Oracle: It offers high-speed data uploading and retrieving facility to the users. It treats a group of data as a single unit and is an economical option for investors to go for. Amazon uses Oracle also along with MySQL for DBMS.
MariaDB, MongoDB, Redis, etc. are also standard DBMS options for developers.
3. Servers
- Nginx: It is open-source software and can be used for emailing, cache, etc.
- Apache: It is also an open-source software and offers the cross-platform option to developers.
MEAN (MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS & Node), Express, Sails, etc. are some of the renowned servers.
As you have gained a clear idea of all the software languages and tools required for a web app, we can now discuss the guidelines for choosing one.
Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts for choosing the Technology Stack of your Web App
1. Project Size
Do: Define the Project Size
The number of features, the nature of the application, different platforms, etc. you want to access on the app determines the size and complexity of the project. Having a well-defined project is a crucial step towards choosing the right application platform. The project size can be of the following three types:
- Small-Size/Simple Project: They contain just a few landing pages and are meant for simple operations. Typical examples are educational pages of news and magazines intended for informational purpose mainly.
- Medium Size Project: Comparatively they have more advanced features than the simple projects and less advanced features than the big-sized project. Small business apps and eCommerce apps for startups and SMEs that perform multiple functions are good examples of Medium size projects.
- Large- size / Complex Project: Developed to perform a series of functions the large-size complex projects need greater scalability than any other apps. A combination of multiple tools, languages and software are employed to develop and run a complex app successfully. Big eCommerce platforms and social platforms are good examples of such projects.
Don’t: Completely Rely on Online Data
The right combination of the tools and software requires in-depth knowledge and experience from a developer. It is best to discuss the different aspects of the project and consider their valuable advice instead of relying only on internet data.
You may have hours of discussion from the developers of the app development company, but ignoring the views may yield poor app performance form the final product.
An app may have multiple pages and still acts as a simple project, or it may have just a few pages but a high number of features making it a medium level project. So always have explicit consultation with the developer.
2. Security
Do: Focus on the Security
You may not opt for a highly secured technology for your app, but necessary authorization and authentication are a must for an app to build confidence among the users.
Don’t’: Ask too many Details
An app may ask little details for authorization but asking too many questions from the users deteriorates interest and confidence from the app.
3. Scalability
Do: Keep Future Scope
The chosen technology must have convenient scope for future updates to the project. The IoT is advancing at a more significant speed than ever. So, keeping a future aspect is a must for the app.
Don’t: Neglect App Performance
In a survey, 47% of respondents demanded the page loading time to be less than 2 seconds. So, your app must have a considerable speed, especially if it’s a mid or high-level project.
4. Time
Do: Plan Development & Marketing Time
If you are looking for something really quick and efficient, then you may opt for ready-made codes available out there. MEAN which is a combination of MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS and Node. Js helps in the rapid development of any app.
You can also opt for MVP (Minimum Viable Product) of the app to release and test user response to the app at an early stage.
Having a planned schedule helps in ensuring a greater reach of the app while unplanned activities may lead to loss of potential clients of the app.
Don’t: Accept Rely on Naive Offers
An experienced web development company will offer an accurate and pragmatic schedule for project completion. On the other hand, a novice may offer unachievable results in less time, which only creates confusions in the project.
5. Cost
Do: Research Cost
A simple app may take 30 to 45 days and a cost of 15,000 to 30,000 USD. While a medium-sized app may take around two to three months and a charge of 25000 USD to 40,000 USD depending on the number of features.
The ultimate costing depends upon the hourly rates, total dedicated hours, and a great deal on the technology stack only. So, don’t shy away from consulting charges of different technology stack by the company.
Don’t: Compromise Key features
You cannot interfere with the critical elements of the app, primarily when the app is meant to generate revenue. Instead, you can research the cost of the technology stack for a cheaper option.
Conclusion
MEAN, MERN, LAMP, are some of the classic tech stack combinations used in developing an app. With so much to choose from the right choice may seem tricky!
Don’t worry; having a proper consultation then hire app developer in India will ensure the implementation of the best technology stack for your web app.
In this article, I have discussed all the essential terms related to the technology stack. The blog ends with the dos and don’ts of choosing a technology stack.
I hope it proves helpful to the readers.
