What Is a Tech Stack? Key Points for Choosing One and the Latest Trends Explained

The technology stack refers to the combination of programming languages and frameworks used in system development. Choosing the right stack can streamline the development process and maximize project outcomes. However, with the increasing diversity of technology stack options, it's not uncommon to struggle with the selection.

"I want to know the best tech stack for my project."
"I want to know how to avoid mistakes when choosing a tech stack."

This article is for those who want to learn how to choose a tech stack and stay informed about the latest trends. If you're unsure about which technology stack to choose or want to discover better technologies, be sure to read on.

Akira Shimazoe

CEO of Solashi Japan LLC. Engaged in the development and operation of internal systems at Suntory. Founded Yper Inc., serving as CTO and CPO, contributing to product launch and growth.

What Is a Technology Stack?

A technology stack is a combination of technologies used in software development. This includes programming languages, frameworks, databases, servers, and more. Selecting the right stack brings several benefits:

• Faster development: Efficient tools reduce development time.
• Improved maintainability: Easier code management and updates.
• Optimized performance: Better processing speed and stability.

To stay competitive, it's essential to transition to newer technology stacks. Especially when moving away from legacy systems, adopting modern technology enables sustainable system operations.

Understanding and properly selecting a technology stack lays the foundation for successful project execution.

Core Elements of a Technology Stack

Here are eight common components that make up a technology stack:

1. OS (Operating System)
2. Programming Language
3. Library
4. Server
5. Server-side Layer
6. Client-side Layer
7. API (Application Programming Interface)
8. Monitoring Tools

Each of these elements plays a specific role and together form a cohesive system. Understanding the characteristics and importance of each helps in selecting the most suitable stack for your project. Let’s take a closer look at each component.

1. OS (Operating System)

The operating system is a crucial system that connects users with hardware. Its primary role is to facilitate smooth operation of systems and applications, enhancing usability. Common OS examples include:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

With an OS, users can intuitively operate a computer and access needed information. As the foundation of a system, it also manages the operating environment for applications and efficiently handles hardware resources.

2. Programming Language

Programming languages are tools engineers use to instruct computers, and they are indispensable in software development. Many languages exist. Here are a few examples:

• Python
• Java
• Ruby
• PHP
• C language
• Haskell

Each language has its own strengths. For instance, Python is favored for its readable syntax and rich libraries, making it ideal for data analysis and AI development. Java is suitable for platform-independent development. It's crucial to choose a language that matches the project's purpose and the team's skill level.

It’s also important to pay attention to language versions. Newer versions often bring added features and improved performance, while older versions may present security risks. Therefore, updates should be made considering project requirements, team proficiency, and security concerns.

3. Library

Libraries play a key role in streamlining software development. A library is a collection of reusable code for commonly used functions. By using libraries, developers don’t need to rebuild the same functionality from scratch, significantly saving time.

Each language has popular libraries. Examples include “React” for JavaScript, and “Pandas” or “NumPy” for Python. These provide convenient toolsets for specific tasks and are widely used across development teams.

Proper use of libraries not only speeds up development but also helps reduce bugs. This leads to faster, high-quality application development.

4. Server

Servers are central computers that provide data and process requests over a network. They respond to client requests, handling tasks such as file delivery and data storage. For example, a web server returns a webpage in response to a browser’s request.

Cloud services like AWS and Google Cloud are now common. These services offer benefits like scalable resources and easier disaster recovery.

Servers must run stably to respond to requests at all times. Choosing a server setup should also take future system expansion into account.

5. Server-side Layer

The server-side layer, also called the backend, handles processes that are invisible and inaccessible to users. It manages business logic, database interactions, and security.

This layer comprises the OS, programming languages and libraries, servers, and databases. Recently, frameworks like Node.js, Django, and Ruby on Rails are commonly used for efficient development.

Since the server-side layer influences the entire application’s performance and security, its components should be chosen with great care.

6. Client-side Layer

The client-side layer is the part of the application users interact with, mainly running in the browser.

Languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript are used here. Libraries and frameworks such as React and Vue.js help efficiently build complex user interfaces (UIs).

This layer directly affects usability and performance. A well-designed and implemented client-side layer improves user experience (UX) with responsive design and fast page transitions.

7. API (Application Programming Interface)

APIs allow different software systems to exchange data and services. Developers can integrate external services into their applications using APIs. For example, by using the Google Maps API, you can add map functionality to your own app.

APIs help extend functionality and enable integration with third-party services, reducing development costs. Well-designed APIs are an essential part of modern web development.

8. Monitoring Tools

Monitoring tools constantly check the system’s health and enable early issue detection and rapid response. They monitor server and network status in real time and alert administrators when anomalies are detected.

Proper implementation and operation of monitoring tools are critical for maintaining system stability and performance. Downtime in web services can result in lost revenue and reduced trust, so early detection and quick response are essential. A strong monitoring system supports continuous improvement and high-quality operations.

Examples of Technology Stacks

Here are six commonly used combinations of technology stacks:

1. LAMP
2. MEAN
3. MEVN
4. MERN
5. Meteor.js
6. JAM

By understanding these examples, you can get insights into how to choose the right technologies for your project.

1. LAMP

LAMP is one of the most widely used technology stacks in web development. It is called LAMP after the initials of its components.

• Linux (Operating System)
• Apache (Web Server)
• MySQL (Database)
• PHP/Perl/Python (Programming Language)

LAMP is a classic stack for developing web applications. Since it's composed of open-source technologies, it's cost-effective to start with and is supported by a wealth of resources and a large community.

It is widely used as the foundation for CMS platforms like WordPress and is suitable for small to medium-sized websites and applications. Its stability and proven track record make it beginner-friendly and adopted by many companies.

2. MEAN

MEAN is an open-source stack used for developing web applications.

• MongoDB (Database)
• Express.js (Server-side Framework)
• Angular (Frontend Framework)
• Node.js (Server-side Runtime Environment)

MEAN is a modern, JavaScript-based full-stack development environment. Since JavaScript can be used consistently from front-end to back-end, it boosts development efficiency and code reusability.

3. MEVN

MEVN is a variation of MEAN that uses Vue.js instead of Angular.js.

• MongoDB (Database)
• Express.js (Backend Framework)
• Vue.js (Frontend Framework)
• Node.js (Cross-platform Server)

Vue.js is especially known for enabling the creation of feature-rich web pages with ease. For example, it excels at updating information in real time based on user interaction and providing smooth page transitions.

Thanks to these features, MEVN is ideal when you want to develop high-functionality web applications in a short time. It is particularly powerful for projects that require rapid development and deployment.

4. MERN

Like MEAN, MERN is JavaScript-based, but it stands out by adopting React on the front end.

• MongoDB (Database)
• Express.js (Backend Framework)
• React (Frontend Framework)
• Node.js (Cross-platform Server)

It is well-suited for developing dynamic, real-time applications and is especially popular in mobile app development. With React, you can easily build high-performance, dynamic user interfaces. Using a single language enhances code consistency and development efficiency, enabling the rapid creation of modern, sophisticated web applications.

5. Meteor.js

Meteor.js is a full-stack JavaScript framework.

Since JavaScript is used on both the client and server sides, development is smooth and efficient. It also features a rich ecosystem of packages, making it easy to add the functionality you need.

Additionally, Meteor.js offers various benefits such as ease of use, abundant packages and libraries, and debugging features.

6. JAM

JAM is a technology stack tailored for building websites using JavaScript, APIs, and Markup.

By generating pages in advance and delivering them directly from a CDN, it achieves fast, secure, and highly scalable websites. Since no web server is needed, it can reduce operating costs and lower security risks.

It is suitable for sites such as media platforms or corporate websites that display the same content to all users. However, it is not ideal when personalized content is needed for each user. Jamstack is gaining attention as an approach that solves many of the traditional challenges in web development.

Key Points When Choosing a Technology Stack

To choose the right tech stack, it’s essential to keep the following key points in mind.

• Understand the issues you want to solve
• Understand your organization’s background
• Understand the tech stack market
• Understand the disadvantages of the tech stack

Choosing an appropriate tech stack requires professional knowledge and effort. At Solashi Co., Ltd, we leverage our extensive experience and expertise to provide comprehensive support from selecting to implementing the optimal tech stack tailored to your needs. If you're unsure about whom to consult, feel free to reach out to us.

Understand the Issues You Want to Solve

Identifying your company’s needs and clearly defining what kind of problems you aim to solve is crucial.

For example, if your website loads slowly, you’ll need technologies that enhance performance. If UI improvement is the issue, then improving the frontend capabilities is necessary.

By accurately understanding your challenges, you can choose a more appropriate tech stack and discover effective solutions.

Understand Your Organization’s Background

When choosing a tech stack, you must consider your organization’s background. Selecting a stack without considering this may result in unrealistic and unsustainable choices.

For instance, if your team mainly uses macOS and switches to Windows, it may be difficult to leverage existing experience and skills. The learning curve and potential drop in efficiency could pose risks. For similar reasons, unless there's a specific need, it’s recommended to choose a programming language your team is already using.

It’s important to choose a tech stack that aligns with your organization’s skill set and future potential.

Understand the Tech Stack Market

Understanding the tech stack market is also a critical point. Grasping market trends enables sustainable technology choices in the long term.

First, research the popularity and track records of tech stacks in the industry. Widely-used technologies offer abundant resources and active communities, making troubleshooting easier.

Also, it’s vital to check the support status and update frequency. Technologies that are regularly updated are generally more secure. On the other hand, rarely-used technologies may face discontinuation risks in the future.

Keep up with market trends and choose technologies with strong longevity.

Understand the Disadvantages of the Tech Stack

Adopting a new tech stack brings not only benefits but also drawbacks. While some stacks may boost efficiency, the associated risks shouldn’t be overlooked.

Here are some specific disadvantages to consider:

• Learning and research costs are involved
• Initial development efficiency may drop
• There might not be enough engineers available to support the stack

By understanding these disadvantages beforehand, you can respond to potential issues more effectively.

Latest Trends in Tech Stacks

Lastly, here are some of the latest trends in tech stacks.

• Trends in programming languages
• Trends in libraries and frameworks
• Trends in web technologies

Understanding these trends will help you choose a tech stack that is both optimal and sustainable for your business.

Trends in Programming Languages

Trends in programming languages evolve over time, but certain languages are consistently popular for web development. In particular, JavaScript has become central to frontend development due to its versatility and flexibility. Combined with libraries and frameworks like React or Vue.js, it allows efficient development of high-performance applications.

Python is rapidly gaining popularity in fields such as AI and data science, going beyond web development. It ranked number one in the global trend survey in September 2024 (※).

Additionally, languages like Java and C++ continue to be widely used in mobile app development and large-scale enterprise systems, with a strong developer base over many years.

※Source: TIOBE｜TIOBE Index for August 2024

Trends in Frameworks

Frameworks used in web development also show clear trends. The most notable ones include React.js, Vue.js, Angular, and Next.js.

• React.js: Component-based architecture and virtual DOM enable high-speed rendering.
• Vue.js: Known for its flexibility and ease of learning. Suitable for both small and large projects.
• Angular: Ideal for enterprise-level applications. Offers dependency injection, modularity, and ease of testing.
• Next.js: Provides server-side rendering and static site generation. Excellent for SEO-focused applications.

Utilizing these frameworks can enhance UI design, boost performance, and streamline development workflows.

Trends in Web Technologies

Web technologies are rapidly evolving to improve user experience and development efficiency. Here are four major trends:

• Integration of web and mobile apps: Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) provide native app-like experiences directly in the browser.
• Use of cloud services: Platforms like AWS, GCP, and Azure allow developers to focus on building applications.
• Adoption of AI and machine learning: Enables personalized content and services by learning user behavior and preferences.
• Serverless architecture: Allows developers to focus on business logic while optimizing operational costs.

These trends help reduce development costs, improve maintenance efficiency, and boost user engagement.

Leave Tech Stack Management and Updates to Solashi!

This article introduced the components and latest trends in tech stacks. By selecting the right stack, you can achieve efficient development and high-quality systems. However, managing and updating a tech stack requires specialized knowledge and experience, which may be difficult to handle in-house.

Solashi Co., Ltd offers optimal solutions to various issues related to tech stacks. Based in Vietnam, our offshore development company leverages the country's rich IT talent pool to build a team of highly skilled engineers.

We propose the best tech stack tailored to your business strategy and support system evolution. From resolving tech debt to building future-ready foundations, we address a wide range of needs.

Japanese-speaking staff familiar with your business needs are available, so feel free to consult with us without worrying about language barriers. If you're facing challenges with optimizing or updating your tech stack, don’t hesitate to contact Solashi Co., Ltd.

Akira Shimazoe

Representative of Solashi Japan LLC. Born in April 1989 in Fukuoka Prefecture. Graduated from the Graduate School of Information and Mathematical Sciences at Osaka Prefecture University. Joined Suntory System Technology Co., Ltd., an IT subsidiary of Suntory Holdings, in 2014. Broadly responsible for the development, operation, and implementation of vending machine delivery management, efficiency improvements, and sales management systems. Founded Yper Inc. in 2017, serving as CTO and CPO. Contributed to the launch and growth of the app-linked delivery bag "OKIPPA." Selected for Toyo Keizai's prestigious "Amazing Venture 100" and Forbes' "Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2019."