How to choose the right technology combination to create your web application ?

Whatever the software is, the technique used during its development has an impact on its performance. So, before writing a single line of code whether for a web application or a mobile one, it is necessary to determine the best technology stack. However, this is not always obvious and it is a determining element that can make the success or failure of your business. These are the technological possibilities that your idea of a web application needs. The possibilities offered are indeed numerous. Opting for the wrong language or the wrong framework could have serious consequences. We define below the concept of technology stack and how it can be used in the context of the implementation of an online application. We also present the different models of technology stack, their use and the factors that determine the right choice.

What is the definition of a technology stack ?

Let’s start from the beginning: What is meant by technology stack Or Tech Stack ?
The term « Technology Stack » refers to a series of technological strategies. Used in order to develop a web or a mobile application : a front-end, a back-end and a database. This refers to the different development languages, frameworks, libraries, patterns, servers, user/UX interfaces, software and instruments that designers use to realize web and mobile apps. The concept of the technology stack stems from the fact that several layers are superimposed when designing a web app. These different strata require the use of programming codes; distinct hardware components and elements which constitute a stack of various technologies.

Front-end

The frontend corresponds to what authorizes a user to communicate with the system. Its main objective is to guarantee accessibility ease of handling, a user-friendly interface, a call to action and operations. It is important to know that several instruments and languages can be used for the design of the front-end. They are all related to the combination of HTML in order to generate and insert CSS content, so as to materialize and represent the JavaScript contents to allow interactivity on web pages.
HTML (HyperText MarkupLanguage) to generate and place the information.The Positioning and ordering of page elements are done through this language.
(CSS) Cascading Style Sheets are mainly used to apply letters, colours, layout characteristics, background content, etc.
JavaScript is used in browsers in order to support the interactivity of web pages. There are many JavaScript libraries. which are essential to integrate powerful features into your workspace. This includes jQuery, Bootstrap et Slick, integrated into tools such as Angular, Vue.js and React. In addition to HTML CSS and JavaScript, there are many other frameworks based on JavaScript.

Backend (server side)

The backend, also known as development server side is considered to be an internet application operating mechanism. This is the responsible component. This is the component responsible for responding to user actions, such as having access to a database and the execution of design operations, reading, upgrading and deleting.
Every component of the application can understand how and when to respond to user requests. This part of the application is not accessible to the user. It works behind the scenes and allows the front end to do its job. Backend design for internet apps consists of three parts: programming languages, databases and a server.

Backend (server side)

The backend, also known as development server side is considered to be an internet application operating mechanism. This is the responsible component. This is the component responsible for responding to user actions, such as having access to a database and the execution of design operations, reading, upgrading and deleting.
Every component of the application can understand how and when to respond to user requests. This part of the application is not accessible to the user. It works behind the scenes and allows the front end to do its job. Backend design for internet apps consists of three parts: programming languages, databases and a server.

Programming languages Many development languages and frameworks are available for server-side web design.

Among these languages, the most common are :

• JavaScript (NodeJS, MeteorJS, ExpressJS)
• Python (Django, Flacon)
• PHP (Laravel, CodeIgniter)
• Ruby (Ruby on Rails)
• Scala(game)

Databases: An internet application which does not have a database will have limited functionality. Nowadays, almost all internet apps require entering the person’s contact details as well as certain other necessary information.The database is needed to store this data.
There are two kinds of databases: relational and non-relational.
The most common are:

• MySQL (relational)
• PostgreSQL (relational)
• MongoDB (non-relational, document))

Server: The technology stack for web app design must include an application hosting server. This is where customer requests are received and processed.
Two servers in particular are most often used for web apps:

• • Nginx
  • Apache

Middleware: The middleware is the hidden stratum that connects the client side and the server side. It is not just a design tool. It includes application servers, web servers, CMS and other related items. This layer combines at least two frameworks, applications or components. To facilitate connection between client side and server side. The role that the middleware layer plays is essential in the process of distributing operations performed in real time, that goes beyond sending requests and responses to client and server.

How to choose the technology stack most suitable for your web application ?

Creating a web application, involves the use of a combination of technologies like:
The frameworks, the servers, the language, etc. which can work together in order to guarantee its proper functioning of the application. In order to be able to select the most appropriate technology stack for a web application, there are some key criteria to consider
Platform Kind: Before proceeding with the selection of Tech Stack for your web application, it is essential to be aware of what you expect from the project. First, identify the target audience, determine how it should use the application when and where. The answers to all these questions will allow you to decide if you need a unique solution or multi platform to choose the best technology stack to use. Even within projects of similar kind, the technology stacks you need may be different.

Scalability requirements: The role of technology stack in the possibility of a further development of an application, is to provide for an increase in the number of users and functionalities. Your web application should be scalable. To this end, the Tech Stack you employ must be able to scale sufficiently and be able to adapt to future changes. If you plan to invest in a new web project, opt for a scalable Tech Stack with flexible programming languages and various libraries and structures.

Switch-on delay: Development timeline is another determining factor. When choosing your tech stack, Some technologies tend to reduce development time, while others slow things down for your development. It is often recommended to consider out-of-the-box solutions for your technology stack which give access to a set of basic libraries…It is possible afterwards to add functionalities to your application through third-party integrations and to avoid writing the code from scratch.
This speeds up the development process. In addition, well-documented technologies can greatly facilitate the development of certain functionalities.
Maintenance: Your development team must be able to maintain the web application after its start. At this stage, the choice of technology stack can be motivated by two existing factors if you want feasible maintenance :
➛ Lines of code
Your code should be short, simple, and easy to maintain. It helps developers spend a short time trying to review, debug and process codes.
➛ Software architecture
Your choice of technology stack must be guided by your software architecture. Based on this, you should consider technologies that enable both static and dynamic component configurations. It makes the application performance transparent, even when the number of users increases or when you add more attractive features …

Some examples of technology stack

Conclusion

Different Web applications require differents development tools. Choosing the right technology stack for web application development requires an in-depth knowledge of each of the technologies involved.