Since the advent of the World Wide Web, the Internet has evolved from being a media of information sharing to serving as a platform for many different apps like online trading, e-government, e-commerce, digital libraries, online banking, etc.
Today, most business processes are digitized, and most organizations have varying digital requirements. The products that businesses require to satisfy these needs are a combination of hardware and software.
What are the best technologies to use when building web apps?
There are countless questions clients and partners ask us. There is little room for error in the web app development industry, as the competition level is very high. In this way, the tech stack influences the process of web app development in a way that makes the entire project more scalable, feasible, and less costly.
It’s crucial to first understand what a technology stack is in order to address the most common questions.
What is a Technology Stack?
Tech stacks combine programming languages and software products for creating mobile applications and web applications. A programming language, framework, library, pattern, server, UI-UX solution, software, or tool fits into this category.
Structure of technology stacks
1. Front-End (client-side)
The front-end of a web application displays data to the user. There is only one part of the app which allows user interaction via different web browsers. The front-end developers typically work with technologies such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
2. Back-End (server-side)
Back-ends provide business logic or data persistence to the front end and are what make the front end work. Users are not exposed to this part of the web app. It is the hardest part of the whole process to select the technology stack for back-end development.
The backend is divided into the following elements:
- Scripting languages – Python, PHP, and Java
- Frameworks – Ruby on Rails, Flask, Django, Swift, or Objective-C
- Databases – MongoDB and MySQL
- Server providers – Apache, Nginx
3. Middleware
The middleware integrates backend systems with each other. Most of the time, it is a stand-alone application written in C# or Java.
Selecting the Right Stack: Considerations
There is a possibility that web-based applications are quite challenging, complex, and multi-dimensional. Thus, unless you’re an experienced software developer, you probably wouldn’t know what tech stack to choose for web app development. There’s nothing wrong with that.
It’s best to work with someone who has built similar apps and has valuable expertise. With several kinds of tech stacks out there for web developers, how can you choose the right one?
The following guidelines may help:
1. Type of the Project
It’s important to identify the kind of project you’ll be working on before choosing a technology stack.
1. Small Projects (MVP or single-page apps):
It depends on the project size and the timeline, but if the requirement is for a working prototype within a specified period of time, then technologies like CMS or WordPress can be used. Likewise, you can use design tools such as Webflow, Readymag, Python, or Node.JS to create portfolios, single-page sites, digital magazines, presentations, etc.
2. Mid-range Projects:
Digital multimedia, enterprise apps, government projects, and online stores require an extremely complex technology stack that may include several programming languages. Apps of this type typically involve multiple systems, so they need to be implemented using various frameworks or cross-platform integrations.
3. Complex Projects:
Market platforms, social networks, and trading platforms are considered large and complex projects. Such projects require higher levels of service, scalability, and speed. Because these projects have a broad scope of functions, they require a combination of web app development technologies and programming languages.
2. Team Expertise & Knowledge Base
Web applications are usually developed according to the target platform. The platforms could be mobile, desktop, or both. For picking the right stack, you need to have deep architectural and technical experience.
The best option is to go with a technology that you can work with confidence rather than trying out new technology. Be careful, however, not to give preference to outmoded and ineffective technologies and tools.
3. Scalability/Extensibility
The feature of upscaling is essential to any kind of web app project. Upscaling can be classified into two groups:
- Vertical scalability is the ability to add functionality via different modules for a broader set of users.
- Horizontal scalability refers to the ability to process more requests while keeping the same number of features.
No matter whether scalability is upward or sideways, scalability is the key to ensuring that a high-volume project runs smoothly and without lags. Scalability is incredible with tools such as Angular, React, Vue, Node.js, Golang, and Ruby on Rails.
4. Maintainability
The choice of technology stack should also take into account maintenance since web apps typically include vital business assets. App maintainability lies in two categories: Architecture (should support reusability) & Codebase (should be clear and concise).
Various individuals would be involved in the project to both maintain current behaviors and adapt the project to new use cases over time. Pick your tech stack carefully so developers can work productively with it.
5. Time to Market
Time to market refers to the period after an idea is conceived until the product is available to consumers. When launching a project in a short period, you may prefer to start with an MVP.
You can rely on agile development practices, ready-made solutions, or integration frameworks to do so.
6. Development Cost
In order to be successful in this endeavor, you must have a firm grasp of what you hope to accomplish. Every aspect of your budget, from hiring the right team of developers to maintaining your app after it has been deployed, needs to be allocated.
Choosing technology stacks should be done based primarily on your team. You would need to hire third-party developers if you choose a stack your developers do not have experience with. That would cost you twice as much.
7. Licenses
Implementing open source solutions is a must when choosing a technology stack. By deciding on open-source technologies, you’ll get lower first-time development costs and the ability to customize your software as you see fit.
8. Bug testing
When working on a web app project, untested or broken codes can cause the greatest amount of errors. To avoid the need to fix bugs and to save time, choose technologies that are easier to test.
For speedy delivery of quality web applications, test automation frameworks such as Selenium, Katalon, or Cypress.io can be used.
9. Security
In spite of the fact that complete security and invulnerability to hacking are impossible, be sure to look at the security measures carefully during the implementation of the technology stack. The vulnerabilities lying within the code can be minimized if proper security guidelines and best practices are implemented.
Conclusion
Building a successful web application is largely dependent on choosing the right technology stack, as I have already mentioned. Fortunately, there are some beneficial tips you can follow to help you with this. When skillful developers work with a proven tech stack, they can create better web app success stories. So pick wisely!
Looking for someone to discuss your web app idea with and know exactly what web tech stack to use for your new project? At Wings Tech, we have a cross-functional team of professionals who will walk you through the entire process and suggest the best tools to use.