As technology continues to advance at lightning speed, web app developers and businesses find themselves at the forefront of an ever-expanding digital landscape. In pursuit of digital innovation and transformation, one crucial aspect stands out, even when it comes to mobile app development – the choice of a tech stack. A tech stack can either be the wind beneath the wings of your project or a roadblock in the software development journey.
In 2024, technology in software development will reach new heights, marked by several key trends shaping the industry. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a critical component, revolutionizing the way software is created and optimized. Machine learning (ML) is also gaining momentum, enabling the development of predictive models and data-driven decision-making, resulting in applications like fraud detection and personalized recommendations. Blockchain, the decentralized ledger technology, is obtaining popularity for its capacity to build secure and transparent applications while tracking digital asset ownership. Moreover, the Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting billions of devices, necessitating efficient data storage and processing, along with enhanced security measures. As these trends converge, software development is on an unprecedented path of growth and advancement.
Popular Web Development Stacks
A technology stack is the amalgamation of cutting-edge tools and frameworks used to develop an application. It includes programming languages, frameworks, databases, front-end and back-end tools, and APIs. The following tech stacks will be more in use in 2024 for various reasons, including their scalability, performance, and ease of use. They are also well-supported by the developer community, which means plenty of resources are available to help you get started.
MEAN
MEAN stands for MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js. It is a full-stack JavaScript stack that is known for its ease of use. MEAN’s flexibility, scalability, and performance make it a well-rounded choice for different types of applications beyond its core strengths.
- MongoDB: A document NoSQL database well-suited for storing large amounts of data.
- Express.js: A minimalist web framework that is easy to learn and use.
- Angular.js: A client-side JavaScript framework for building user interfaces.
- Node.js: A JavaScript web server that can be used to build both frontend and backend applications.
If you are developing a JavaScript application, especially in a Node.js environment, it’s highly recommended to seriously consider the MEAN stack.
MERN
MERN is similar to MEAN, but it uses React.js instead of AngularJS. MERN is the acronym for the following open-source components:
- MongoDB
- Express.js
- React.js/ Redux: A JavaScript library that is used for building user interfaces.
- Facilitates the scalability of apps by offering a structured approach to handle state management through a unidirectional data flow model.
- Node.js
The MERN stack is ideal for smaller sample projects, such as single-page applications or mobile apps.
LAMP
LAMP is a well-established tech stack that is known for its reliability and security. It encompasses:
- Linux: A free and open-source operating system
- Apache: A web server that is used to serve web pages.
- MySQL: A relational database management system.
- PHP: A server-side scripting language used for web development. (Can opt for alternatives such as Python and Perl as well.)
Developers are drawn to the LAMP stack due to its seamless deployment and customization capabilities. It is a cost-effective alternative to expensive software packages and enterprise solutions. It can help enable competition with commercial DevOps tools, support backend, and server-side web development, and facilitate the creation of dynamic and static web content.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a web framework that is known for its simplicity and productivity. It adopts the widely used Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern, which is popular among various web frameworks and is one of the most well-known patterns in software development. Ruby is a versatile, open-source programming language with applications in web development, data processing, automation, and other domains. Its flexibility and portability make it compatible with every operating system, and its demand remains high.
Django
Django is another popular web framework that is based on the Python programming language, that is well-known for its versatility and simplicity. It is capable of creating various websites like CMS, social networks, etc. It seamlessly works with different client-side frameworks and delivers content in diverse formats (HTML, RSS feeds, JSON, XML). Django follows the DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) principle, promoting efficient and maintainable code. Moreover, it offers plenty of choices for functionality and can be extended with additional components as required.
.NET
.NET is an open-source framework granting unrestricted access for anyone to use, read, and modify it freely. This versatile framework allows .NET code to run on various operating systems like Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and more. It has three primary implementations: .NET Framework for Windows, .NET Core (renamed .NET) for cross-platform support, and .NET Standard, a specification enabling code reuse across different implementations with specific APIs for each operating system. This flexibility and cross-platform support make .NET a preferred choice for modern application development.
Flutter
Flutter is an open-source framework that lets developers build apps for different platforms with just one set of code. It makes development easy and delivers native-like performance while keeping the app’s look consistent across platforms. Also, using Flutter saves time and money as there’s no need for separate teams to create Android and iOS versions of the app. Flutter’s ‘hot reload’ feature allows real-time code updates, making the development process faster and more efficient. Additionally, its native-like performance ensures smooth user experiences on both Android and iOS devices. With Flutter, businesses can reach a broader audience by launching their apps simultaneously on different platforms.
Serverless Stack
Serverless architectures have gained popularity in mobile app development, eliminating the need for backend server management. It is considered the future of application architecture, offering benefits like reduced operational overhead, streamlined DevOps, and enhanced scalability. Serverless functions, also known as Functions as a Service (FaaS), execute applications based on cloud events without storing data. Organizations only pay for actual resource consumption, not pre-purchased services, resulting in cost savings and increased efficiency. However, challenges exist, including the need for a new approach to development and tools based on a DevOps culture, potential latency and performance issues, and concerns about monitoring, debugging, and security. Despite these challenges, many companies are cautiously adopting serverless in conjunction with traditional code deployment to experiment and find use cases.
The value of a tech stack lies in its efficient data management across various domains. In 2024, AI will become a more crucial element in tech stacks, automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, and creating new products. The typical AI tech stack consists of data collection, storage, processing with machine learning algorithms, and output presentation. Additional components may include MLOps, AI infrastructure, and AI tools. AI services is being applied in various areas, such as customer service automation, fraud detection, product recommendations, and personalized user experiences. As AI evolves, we can anticipate more innovative applications in tech stacks.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many tech stacks that are available for web development. The best stack for a project depends on its specific needs and requirements. First and foremost, project requirements play a significant role, including the type of application, expected traffic, and desired functionality. The expertise and skillset of the development team are equally important, as their familiarity with different technologies and frameworks will impact efficiency and code quality. Scalability is another essential consideration, ensuring the chosen stack can handle increasing user loads and future growth. Budget constraints and project timelines also influence the decision-making process. Security concerns may also demand specific technologies for applications dealing with sensitive data. However, the tech stacks mentioned above are all well-supported, and they offer a variety of benefits.