In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, developers and companies continuously optimize their web development stacks to enhance their software development workflows and deliver exceptional web applications. But what exactly do we mean by web development stacks? Why is it crucial to select the ideal stack for your application? And how can you make the right choice?
Join us as we delve into the latest web development stack trends of 2023 and uncover the answers to these pressing questions.
Before we dive into the fascinating world of web development stacks, let’s ensure that we have a clear understanding of what this term entails.
What exactly is a web development stack?
Although the term is commonly used online, it refers to a collection of tools that are typically employed together to create web applications. These stacks are designed to be reusable, allowing developers and software companies to streamline their development processes. It is not uncommon for individual developers or software companies to specialize in specific stacks or even multiple stacks, leveraging their expertise to deliver outstanding web applications.
In your journey as a potential client of a software company or an aspiring creator of a web or mobile app, it is crucial to take a keen interest in the web development stack employed by the company you intend to collaborate with. By doing so, you can effectively align your project interests and goals with the capabilities and expertise of your chosen vendor.
For every software company, the underlying concept remains consistent: “The web development stack represents the specific technologies in which they specialize and seamlessly integrate to craft innovative applications.”
When it comes to web development, it’s important to note that highly specialized web stacks can be found within the realms of frontend and backend development. This distinction allows us to explore the following:
Frontend Web Development Stacks
These encompass a broad range of frontend technologies that are often combined to create applications. They typically include frontend frameworks, libraries, package managers (which expedite the installation of software dependencies), build systems (for task automation), testing tools, version control systems, caching tools, and deployment software.
At EZTek, our frontend developers meticulously construct specialized frontend stacks, comprising a myriad of low-level tools that synergistically function when used together. While there’s no need to memorize every tool, feel free to inquire about this topic should you have a keen interest.
Backend Web Development Stacks
These encompass a comprehensive set of backend tools and technologies that developers typically utilize in conjunction. Similar to frontend stacks, backend stacks encompass various types of software, such as containerization tools (e.g., Docker, enabling simplified deployment and scalability), APIs (facilitating communication between the UI and developers), databases, search engines (e.g., Elasticsearch), caching mechanisms, and even DevOps tools.
Full Web Development Stacks
These encompass a comprehensive set of backend tools and technologies that developers typically utilize in conjunction. Similar to frontend stacks, backend stacks encompass various types of software, such as containerization tools (e.g., Docker, enabling simplified deployment and scalability), APIs (facilitating communication between the UI and developers), databases, search engines (e.g., Elasticsearch), caching mechanisms, and even DevOps tools.
A full development stack refers to a comprehensive set of web technologies encompassing all the essential components of a modern application: the frontend framework, the backend solution, and the database. These three elements are typically mandatory, but a stack may also include additional elements like an application framework (e.g., Express for Node) or a state management tool (e.g., Redux often used with React, which enhances scalability in larger applications).
Sometimes, full web development stacks are abbreviated based on the constituent technologies. For instance, the MEAN stack (Mongo, Express, Angular, Node) serves as a notable example. However, combinations of technologies can work together seamlessly, regardless of having a fancy abbreviation. For example, Vue or React can replace Angular, Symfony can substitute Node, and MySQL can be an alternative to MongoDB. Another popular web tech stack is the LAMP stack, comprising Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP (or Perl/Python).
Full web development stacks
Before we delve into the specific stacks that are popular in 2023, let’s familiarize ourselves with the fundamental components of a stack.
The Front-end Framework
Let’s begin with an intriguing notion: popularity often reflects the quality of a technology, even though it may seem counterintuitive. This rings particularly true for frontend frameworks.
When it comes to the frontend, our options are somewhat limited, as the programming language of choice is JavaScript (distinct from Java). With this in mind, our focus lies in selecting the most suitable framework. Angular, React, and Vue stand out as some of the most popular frontend/application frameworks. Other lower-level choices are intricately connected to this primary decision. For instance, opting for React often involves leveraging Redux for efficient state management within your application. However, the specific details of these choices can be addressed by the programmers themselves.
Frontend technologies have expanded their reach to include mobile applications as well.
A prime example is the utilization of React Native, which enables significant code sharing between a web application built with React and a mobile application developed with React Native. This not only saves time and effort but also enhances efficiency in the development process.
The Backend Solution
Similar to frontend frameworks, the popularity of a backend solution serves as a reliable indicator of its viability. Generally, a higher level of popularity signifies better support, including a helpful community, extensive documentation, and a plethora of third-party extensions and tools. However, exercise caution when considering sudden spikes in popularity as sole factors in your decision-making process. Once a backend solution is chosen, it becomes a long-term commitment, and transitioning to a different language can be both time-consuming and costly.
When it comes to programming languages, it is important to note that selecting a language in isolation is no longer necessary. Nowadays, most developers work with frameworks, and the choice of a framework inherently determines the language used. For instance, PHP is associated with frameworks like Symfony or Laravel, Node is closely tied to Express, and Python is commonly used with frameworks such as Django or Flask. When approaching a software company with an existing web app or website, be sure to provide information about the specific framework (including content management systems) utilized in its development.
Node deserves further elaboration as a backend solution. It is not a standalone language; rather, it enables the execution of JavaScript (the frontend language) on the backend. Opting for Node allows you to develop an application using JavaScript as the sole programming language. While there are differences between using JavaScript on the frontend and backend, the similarities are sufficient to cultivate a large pool of full-stack developers proficient in both domains.
The Database
In the realm of modern web and mobile applications, a database is an essential component. Interestingly, the specific choice of database holds lesser importance. Instead, focus on determining whether it falls into one of the following categories:
- Relational database (e.g., SQL)
- Document-oriented database
Relational databases store data in a structured manner, where various data types are interrelated. In contrast, document-oriented databases offer a more flexible structure. Strong arguments may be made in favor of one solution over the other, but the optimal choice largely depends on the nature of your app. If your data types naturally fit into predictable structures and relationships, a relational database would be the preferable option to avoid potential complications. However, if a significant portion of your data is highly unique and lacks relationships, a relational database may require extensive customization to function optimally.
As your app gains popularity, your database often becomes your most valuable asset. Therefore, it is crucial to give careful consideration to this aspect right from the start.
Top web development stacks in 2023
In the realm of frontend frameworks, React takes the lead (although jQuery is technically popular, it functions more as a library and can be used alongside any framework). Angular and Vue closely follow suit, maintaining their popularity.
Overall, JavaScript emerges as the most widely used technology, with a staggering 67.7% of respondents admitting to utilizing it to some extent. Considering the dominance of Node on the frontend and the absence of direct competition, this outcome is not surprising. Python, Java, and PHP also enjoy significant popularity. It’s worth noting that TypeScript (used by 25.4% of respondents) further reinforces JavaScript’s popularity, as it serves as a superset of JavaScript, introducing optional new language features. Any JavaScript program is inherently a valid TypeScript program.
When it comes to databases, the survey highlights MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, SQLite, and MongoDB as the most popular choices.
Cloud technologies and their impact on web development stacks
In 2023, an intriguing trend emerges with the advent of cloud technologies, reshaping the concept of web development stacks. These technologies bring simplicity to many aspects, while also introducing an entirely new layer of discussion.
As an esteemed AWS Advanced Partner, we leverage a wide array of AWS tools and services to streamline the monitoring, testing, development, and deployment of web applications. Explore our partnership with AWS and delve into the cloud development technologies we employ to enhance our offerings.
Understanding Full-Stack Developers: Are they still relevant in 2023?
That was quite a wealth of information, wasn’t it? You might be pondering, “Hold on, what about those ‘full-stack developers’? Can they truly handle everything mentioned earlier?” Well, not exactly.
In the early days of the web, when applications were smaller and less complex, and the software development field was less specialized, it was indeed possible for individuals to consider themselves full-stack developers with knowledge of CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, and PHP.
However, the concept of full-stack development has evolved in recent times. Nowadays, full-stack developers are typically experienced professionals who have worked extensively on both frontend and backend development. They possess sufficient knowledge in both domains, leveraging it to facilitate seamless communication between frontend and backend teams. These developers are highly valuable, often assuming roles as tech leads or senior developers at EZTek.
There are also freelance developers who take on entire projects independently. However, this approach is more suitable for relatively simple web development tasks, such as CMS-based websites and basic apps that can be largely built using pre-existing software components. Large custom web applications, on the other hand, are significantly more intricate and necessitate a diverse range of skills and specializations. Developing such applications within a reasonable timeframe requires a collaborative team rather than relying solely on one individual.
Tips for Selecting the Ideal Web Development Stack
While the ultimate decision on the web development stack will stem from conversations with your developers or the chosen software company, there are steps you can take to enhance your chances of making the right choice:
Your Company’s Stack
When choosing a tech stack, there are a couple of important factors to consider. It depends on:
- What you want to build – some technologies may be more suitable for specific use cases than others.
- Current trends – technologies come and go and it may not be wise to commit long-term to one that is being abandoned.
- Availability of developers on the market – sometimes, it may be wiser to go for a technology that offers a good choice of talented candidates.
- Your developers’ own ambitions – good software companies let their developers grow their skills in a way they see fit.
Collaborating with a Software Development Services Provider
When opting to work with an external software development company, the process becomes more streamlined:
- Ensure you select the appropriate software company.
- Having conducted thorough research, you now have a trusted partner with whom you can discuss your web development stack requirements and follow their expert advice. Even if you already have an existing app, consider their recommendations, as your stack may require updates for reasons such as scalability and outdated technologies.
- Stay informed throughout the entire process by refining your approach to selecting the right developers and vendors, expanding your knowledge about different stacks, and seeking guidance. The CTO of the software company you collaborate with can serve as a valuable source of strategic information regarding web development stacks. Curious about EZTek’s stacks? Wondering which programming languages and tools we specialize in for modern web development?
EZTek’s Web Development Stack
At EZTek, our dedicated developers primarily specialize in Java and .NET web development services. As a result, we leverage the following technologies:
- Frontend: Our preferred choices include React or Angular for seamless and dynamic user interfaces.
- Backend: We rely on Java and .NET as the core backend solutions, ensuring robust and efficient functionality.
- Mobile Development: To create exceptional mobile applications, we harness the power of Flutter.
- Databases: For efficient data management, we utilize databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or Mongo.
With our comprehensive web development stack, we strive to deliver cutting-edge solutions tailored to meet your unique requirements.
Summary of Web Development Tech Stack
Now that you have a clearer understanding of how web development technologies intertwine to form stacks, let’s recap some essential points:
- Thoroughly discuss the choice of web development stack with experienced developers as altering it can be both costly and time-consuming.
- A complete web application development technology stack typically comprises a frontend framework, backend solution, and a database. These components form the foundation of our frontend and backend services, from a purely technological standpoint.
- Popularity often serves as a reliable indicator of a technology’s viability, particularly concerning web development frameworks and overall stack selection.
- The role of fullstack developers has evolved significantly over time. In large-scale projects, they act as bridges between frontend and backend teams, rather than attempting to handle every aspect independently.
- To select the ideal stack, partnering with a reputable software development company is paramount. Engage in comprehensive discussions, leveraging their expertise and sharing pertinent business and technical information to facilitate the right choice.
Seeking a trusted partner for your software development needs?
Look no further! EZTek has been recognized as one of Vietnam’s top software development companies, making us an ideal choice to assist you in your software development journey.