3 Types of Web Development Stacks to Know for Your Project

If you are a developer and looking for the best web development technology stack, then this blog is for you.

To help you understand about types of web development stacks, we have comprehensively discussed the below points.

• Types of web development
• Technologies included in each web development type
• Factors to choose from while choosing the web development language

Let us discuss each point in detail. This will help you understand which type of web development should be chosen for your web development project.

What is Web Development Technology Stack?

Web development technology combines various frameworks, programming languages, and web development tools to create a web application. What you experience on the web browser is a set of web development technology stacks.

For example, Facebook’s application web tech stack includes PHP, React, Cassandra, Hadoop, Swift, and other frameworks.

Both front-end and back-end frameworks are important to develop your web app. If you are unaware of these technologies, you can read our blog on front-end vs back-end web development.

Most web development companies hire developers to develop feature-rich web solutions. To a web developer, the software stacks give your application a deep foundation, a competitive edge, and viability. Your choice of technology stack has an important say in how your web app development shapes up. It influences:

• How your app functions
• The scalability of your product
• The purpose of your project
• Your choice of application and data storage (local or cloud)
• Your server system capacity (is it made for peak-write traffic or peak-read operations)

So, what are the distinct types of web development stacks? Let us understand in detail.

Which are the Different Types of Web Development Stacks?

Web development consists of two types of web development technology stacks.

1. Front-end Development Technology Stacks
2. Back-end Development Technology Stacks
3. Full-stack Development Technology Stacks

Front-end Technology Stacks

The front-end which is also known as the client-side refers to the user interface (UI) that users interact with. For example, an eCommerce website is the client side of the web solution where visuals, layouts, and user-friendly factors complete the front-end development.

Let us understand all the programming languages of front-end technology stacks.

1. HTML – Design Web Pages Using the Markup Language

   HTML is a standard markup language for the documents to be displayed in a web browser.
   This language offers a feature-rich toolkit, and components to develop web applications more effectively. The basic purpose of HTML as a programming language is to develop web pages and guide the browser on how to display them.

   The latest version of HTML is HTML5, and one of the biggest advantages of using HTML5 is the video and sound support, which were not there in the earlier versions. Another important aspect of HTML5 is the possibility of integration with any front-end networks and content management systems you use.

   What are the Features of HTML?

   • The programming language has more flexibility in designing web pages with text, sound, and video.
   • With the help of all its formatting tags, you can make effective presentations.
   • HTML is one of the easiest programming languages to understand and modify.
   • Display HTML documents on any platform, such as Windows, Macintosh, or Linux.
   • With HTML, you can add external links to the web pages so readers browse the content of interest.

2. CSS – Describes the Presentation of Documents

   Cascading Style Sheet or CSS is a programming language to define the visual appearance of the website. Web developers use CSS with HTML to modify the styles of web pages and user interfaces.

   Develop user interfaces for multiple web applications and mobile apps with CSS with HTML and JavaScript. CSS’s advantages are fast page upload, offline browsing, and less time consumption.

   What are the Features of CSS?

   • CSS is integrated with HTML and the XHTML markup languages.
   • With CSS, you can control various styles like spacing among paragraphs, font style, text color, column layout and size, images, and background color with front-end UI frameworks.
   • CSS is easy to maintain. Every element gets updated automatically within all the pages.
   • CSS with HTML is always recommended so that they are compatible with future browsers.
   • With CSS, you save time. You can specify CSS one time and reuse the same sheet within several HTML pages.

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3. JavaScript – Lightweight and Interpreted Programming Language

   JavaScript (JS) is the primary web technology for building a web app’s front-end.

   JavaScript supports basic and complex web animations, contributing significantly to a positive customer experience. Since JavaScript runs on the client-side of the web, it can be used to program/design how a web page reacts to an occurrence of an event.

   The main aim of text-based programming language is to make web pages interactive, and it is used both on the client and server sides. YouTube, Google, and Facebook are some examples of popular websites that use Javascript.

   What are the Features of JavaScript?

   • JavaScript is a simple client-side web technology that performs a basic calculation on the browser.
   • Since the browsers interpret JavaScript, it independently runs on Windows and Macintosh without compatibility issues.
   • JavaScript dynamically generates HTML content for the web.
   • The new array functions in JavaScript simplify things for developers and make it easier to decipher.
   • The default parameters in JavaScript help avoid the collapse of the whole code in case of a simple mistake.

The above-mentioned are some of the technologies that use JavaScript. Let’s check different back-end technology stacks.

Back-end Technology Stacks

Back-end, which is also known as the server side of web application development. The backend or server-side tech stack consists of many components, like a database, server, framework, and operating system

Let us understand the three important components of back-end tech stacks.

1. PHP- Open Source Server-side Scripting Language

   The language is also known as Hypertext Preprocessor, an open-source server-side scripting language. PHP is a legend in the world of web development. Since PHP is an integrated language, it does not require a compiler.

   PHP language runs on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix. If you want to know more about PHP tools, check out the top PHP development tools to build scalable web app solutions.

   What are the Features of the PHP?

   • PHP is a very well-organized programming language, and it comes with a lot of pre-defined functions, which makes the task of the programmer easy.
   • Can be easily embedded and integrated into HTML, XML, and JavaScript. And it is also compatible with almost all servers used like Apache, and AWS.
   • Helps in building complex reusable web pages.
   • There is no need for compilation. Since PHP is an interpreted compiling language it can be run through a program line by line and execute the code.

2. Python: Object-oriented and Functional Programming Language

   Python is one of the major components of the back-end web application technology stack. One major reason Python is so popular is the huge collection of standard libraries that makes the work of web developers easier and more efficient.

   In Python, the source code is compiled into the intermediate format called bytecode. This compact, low-level language runs on a Python virtual machine (PVM), which is software that mimics the work of real hardware. Leverage the advantages of Python to build and run applications on web and desktop platforms.

   What are the Features of Python?

   • Anyone can learn to code in Python in just a few hours or a few days. Mastering Python and all its advanced concepts, packages, and modules might take some more time.
   • Python uses dynamic typing, which means developers don’t have to declare a variable’s type.
   • Python belongs to high-level programming languages that resemble natural language and is not tied to a particular computer’s processor.
   • Python uses dynamic typing, which means developers don’t have to declare a variable’s type.

3. Ruby-on-Rails: Provides Default Structure for a Database

   Ruby is one of the most recommended programming languages for beginners with back-end web development. Ruby is a general, interpreted programming language that supports several paradigms like functional, procedural, and object-oriented programming. The language supports all major platforms.

   This Ruby framework simplifies the creation of web applications. It does this by providing default structures for your code, any databases you use, and the web pages the application will serve. Want to know more about RoR? Check out this blog about what is RoR.

   What are the Features Of Ruby-on-Rails?

   • Ruby is a dynamic programming language where all classes, modules, and methods are built by the code. Ruby is a typed language where it is looked up to respective naming conventions known as duck typing.
   • Garbage collector is another feature of RoR that runs automatically in the background, considers unreachable objects, and releases memory.
   • Ruby is a flexible language to remove, redesign, and redefine, existing parts. Ruby allows easy alteration to the parts as per the need.
   • Ruby on Rails comes with an easy unit testing tool called RSpec. It is easy to learn and you can test the functions separately to ensure the application is tested properly.

Since you are aware of the back-end technology stack, let’s understand the full-stack technology stack in detail.

Full-stack Technology Stacks

Full-stack development is the combination of front-end and back-end technologies commonly used by developers to save time. Full-stack not only helps in developing HTML and CSS, but it also helps to create a database, server, and browser. Let’s understand the full-stack technology stack in detail.

1. MERN Stack – JavaScript Stack for Faster Deployment

   MERN is one web tech stack that uses JavaScript on the front-end and back-end. Hence it requires no context switching. It consists of four primary technologies:

   • MongoDB: A NoSQL database that utilizes JSON to store data.
   • React: A solid solution for businesses to create cutting-edge resources.
   • Node.js: A platform for constructing network applications.
   • Express: A web framework for constructing applications and websites.

   What are the Features of the MERN Stack?

   • Calendar and to-do apps are elementary features that tell you a great deal about the MERN stack’s mechanics. You can design the front-end using React.js.
   • Another important feature of MERN is interactive forums. An interactive forum is a website or social media platform that allows users to communicate and share messages.
   • Virtual DOM, JSX, makes it faster and delivers a high performance faster than the rest of the frameworks.
   • MERN stack is featured to develop highly efficient code in less possible time.

   When to Use MERN Stack?

   • When you have a small-size project.
   • When developers are looking for easy programming while switching between client-side and server-side.
   • When you are looking for a modern and new framework.
   • When you want your NPM packages to run without issues in client-side and server-side environments.

2. MEAN Stack – Fast, Robust, and Maintainable Product Web Application

   MEAN stack is an open-source and user-friendly JavaScript software stack to build dynamic websites and web applications. MEAN stack provides an organized way to build prototypes for web-dependent applications.

   MEAN tech stack is ideal for hybrid app development. It comprises four primary open-source technologies. They are:

   • MongoDB: A NoSQL database that utilizes JSON to store data and is a popular cross-platform database.
   • Angular.js: One of the front-end development frameworks and an open-source mobile and web application.
   • Node.js: A platform for constructing network applications.
   • Express: Light-weighted web framework for constructing applications and websites.

   What differentiates MEAN from the MERN stack is Angular and React. While React is a library, Angular.js is a complete framework. Read our blog to know more about the differences between Angular vs React. When it comes to developing large projects, MEAN is the stack to go to.

   What are the Features of MEAN Stack?

   • MEAN stack uses JavaScript for both front-end and back-end making it easy to learn and use.
   • MongoDB, Express, Angular, and Node are all open-source frameworks which means they are free to use.
   • The ease of JSON language makes data placement easy and simple as it operates with Node and Express.
   • Developer creates the code by sending it to JavaScript which is one of the essential elements of MEAN.

   When to Use MEAN Stack?

   • When you want to test, develop, and deploy fast and scalable web applications.
   • You want timely deployment of web applications on the cloud.
   • When you are focusing on large-sized projects.
   • As a developer, you are designing and maintaining fully functional large relational and non-relational databases.
   • You want to deploy the app on the cloud along with solving debugging issues.

3. MEVN Stack- Provides Rich Set of Tools to Create Premium Web Applications

   MEVN tech stack is an open-source JavaScript software stack that is a new way to construct dynamic and robust web applications and websites. Its components are effectively used to design front-end and back-end and improve the functionality of web applications or websites.

   MEVN stack comprises four primary open-source technologies. They are:

   • MongoDB: A NoSQL database that utilizes JSON to store data and a popular cross-platform database.
   • Vue.js: A client-side development framework that has two-way data binding that helps in seamless front-end development.
   • Node.js: Platform for constructing network applications.
   • Express: A light-weighted web framework for constructing applications and websites.

   What are the Features of MEVN Stack?

   • MEVN is customizable, and scalable with single-language web development. MEVN consists of a huge global community and modules library.
   • With VueJS, the tech stack becomes easy to use and flexible to understand.
   • JavaScript is used in all levels of development, from client-side to server-side and it is platform-independent.
   • MVC architecture organizes the server-side hence back-end development is fast and efficient.

   When to Use MEVN Stack?

   • When you want to test, develop, and deploy fast and scalable eCommerce web applications.
   • You want timely deployment of web applications on the cloud.
   • When you want to develop a B2B/B2C marketplace.
   • As a developer, you want to design cross-platform and native mobile apps.
   • You want to scale enterprise portals.

4. LAMP Stack- Database-Driven Solution to Create Dynamic Web Applications

   The LAMP tech stack is the base for Linux-hosted web applications and websites. The web servers consist of four software components arranged in layers that assist one another. Web apps and websites run on top of the underlying components.

   The software stack includes:

   • Linux: The first layer is the OS Linux. It sets the base for the stack.
   • Apache: The second layer consists of the Apache web server. Web servers help in translation from web browsers to the correct website.
   • MySQL: The third layer is where the database lives. MySQL contains details that can be utilized by scripting for constructing a website.
   • PHP/Perl/Python: The fourth layer is the top layer, which consists of PHP/Perl/Python web programming languages. Web applications and websites run on this layer.

   What are the Features of LAMP Stack?

   • LAMP lessens production time since it is an open-source stack and leads to greater efficiency of development.
   • LAMP is flexible as it uses Linux with other OS. This helps beginners to compete with commercial software development solutions.
   • LAMP is easily customizable and replaceable with other open-source solutions.
   • Easy to find LAMP and set up due to large community support.

   When to Use LAMP Stack?

   • When you are developing small projects with commercial software development solutions.
   • You want a powerful access control system.
   • When you want to test, develop, and deploy fast and scalable web applications.
   • You want timely deployment of web applications on the cloud.

5. Serverless Stack- Fast and Scalable Web Application Development

   Serverless stacks allow developers to write code and define the data model. Simultaneously, it allows access to a set of advanced primitives, like access control, API generation, built-in state machines, and integrations to other SaaS platforms. All of this is in one environment.

   What are the Features of a Serverless Stack?

   • Serverless stacks allow automatic scaling to meet business requirements.
   • Serverless stacks are cost-efficient with pay for billing model and you can automatically optimize without paying extra.
   • Serverless stacks are built-in high availability and innovative. These are particularly helpful for developers pursuing passion projects.

   When to Use Serverless Stack?

   • When you want to free developer resources.
   • When you are looking to scale your web application.
   • When you want to reduce the server cost.

How to Choose the Right Technology Stack?

To choose the appropriate technology stack for web development, you need to consider the tips given below:

• The size and complexity of the project.
• The functionality and product specification.
• The required function, speed, and performance of your products.
• System load requirements.
• Scalability and flexibility of the tech stack.
• Timeline of the project.
• Privacy and security of the tech stack for web development.
• How specialized are you in handling a specific stack?
• The implementation of the tech stack in successful products.
• Make sure to pick the right software company.

Which is the Best Technology Stack for Web Development?

Did you find this guide worthy enough to choose for your modern web development? Choosing the right web technology stack is challenging. So, consider your project requirement, costs to develop, and tech stack to achieve your business goals.

With the help of a web app development company like Monocubed, you can pick up the best web technology stack and get a flawless project.

If you still have any questions unanswered, our tech consultants will help you with a piece of expert advice.