Building a custom website is a significant investment.
And if you're working on it, one of the most crucial decisions you'll have to make is choosing the right technology stack. I know this is not really a hassle for a seasoned developer.
But what about someone who’s just starting out and is working on a solo project?
Working with the wrong technology stack leads to a challenging development process & pump-up maintenance costs by a mile. It can also cause your website to perform poorly – which, in turn, can affect your career as a developer.
So, how do you choose the right technology stack for developing a website? Let’s find out.
A: The Basics of a Technology Stack
As a fellow developer, I’m sure you know what a technology stack is and its structure. However, I would still like to add some specifics to the story to make it easier for you.
So, to begin with, a technology stack is divided into two parts -
1: Front-End (or, Client-side)
This is a part of a website that a user can access and interact with directly. Some of the popular frontend technologies can include the following -
HTML
CSS
JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js, and Angular, etc.)
2: Back-End (or, Server-side)
The part of your website handles business logic and data storage while communicating with the front-end part. Some technologies that fall under this umbrella can include -
MySQL and MongoDB (databases)
PHP, Python, and Node.js (server-side programming languages)
Django and Express (frameworks)
C: Popular Tech Stacks
MEAN is one of the most well-known stacks that is used by almost every other custom website development company. It comprises of MongoDB, Express, Angular, and Node.js.
Apart from this, some other tech stacks include -
LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP)
MERN (MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js)
Each of these tech stacks has its own strengths and weaknesses. Thus, it’s best to choose one that suits your project and your style of development perfectly.
B: Factors to Consider When Choosing a Technology Stack
As a leading custom website development company, we always consider some specific factors when choosing a technology stack. Here’s how we do it -
1: Project Requirements
Before we start the development process, we always try to define the purpose and functionality of the website. For example, an eCommerce website will always require a different stack than a SaaS-based or a content-focused blog.
Here are a few requirements we keep in check while choosing a technology stack -
Complexity: High-functionality sites need more robust stacks.
Expected Traffic: A site with high user volumes requires a stack known for scalability.
Scalability Needs: The stack should support growth if you plan to expand the features of the website.
2: Development Cost and Speed
The cost of development is usually impacted by the languages and tools you are choosing. Here is how you can differentiate between stacks for this requirement -
Time-to-market: Some stacks support faster development cycles, which can be beneficial for startups.
Budget: Some tools are open-source and free, while others may require licensing fees.
Available Talent: Ensure you can find developers experienced with your stack, as more specialized stacks may require higher developer rates.
3: Security Considerations
I mean, you can’t just use a tech stack that has not been used by someone else, right? And you’d also require something that is secure and compliant.
So, you have to make follow a list of considerations in this aspect as well -
Reputation: Select frameworks and libraries with a strong track record for security.
Compliance: For industries like healthcare or finance, ensure the stack meets regulatory standards.
4: Performance Requirements
Different tech stacks and combinations offer different levels of varying performance. So, before you choose any one of them, be sure to assess your needs first -
Speed: Some stacks are focused on offering a speedy delivery while the others are mostly about delivering a perfect performance at a steadier pace.
Load Handling: Consider choosing a stack that handles peak loads without causing any performance dips. This will be ideal if you are handling a major and long-term project.
5: Ease of Maintenance and Support
If you are building a scalable website, it’s important to remember that you have to maintain it for a long time. Oh, and offering support to it would also be critical.
So, the points to consider in this case would be -
Community and Documentation: Opt for technologies with a large, active community, as these tend to have better support and resources.
Developer Support: Some stacks, like WordPress with PHP, have extensive developer support, making it easier to find maintenance services.
C: Popular Tech Stacks and Their Use Cases
As I said before, there are several tech stacks out there and each of them are unique in their own way. So, let’s discuss a little more about that.
1: MEAN (MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node.js)
MEAN is a full JavaScript stack that’s perfect for real-time applications. So, you can use it for a website that features dynamic content and will get frequent updates.
MEAN is also ideal for SPAs (single-page applications).
2: MERN (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js)
MERN works quite similar to MEAN but it uses React instead of Angular. It's mostly popular for interactive websites and applications that require a fast & responsive front-end.
3: LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP)
A classic in the business, LAMP is well-suited for websites with a high level of content demand. So, if you are opening a blog or a CMS-based website, choose LAMP. Oh, and it also works for an eCommerce website as well, if you want to develop something as such.
4: JAMstack (JavaScript, APIs, Markup)
JAMstack is a perfect option for a static website that prioritizes performance, security, and SEO over everything else. We commonly use this tech stack for content-driven websites and also use a static site generator, such as Next.js or Gatsby.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right technology stack is a strategic decision that will affect your website’s performance, maintenance needs, and scalability.
By carefully evaluating your project’s requirements, budget, and long-term goals, you can select a stack that not only meets current needs but also supports future growth.
Approach the decision with a focus on flexibility and security, ensuring your site remains functional and relevant as technology evolves. Remember, the right stack is the one that aligns best with your goals and resources, setting your custom website up for success from day one.