Some may see the phrase “tech stack” and picture electronic components piled on top of each other. The definition of a tech stack isn’t that literal, though. It is a collection of software services used for developing applications.
Each layer of a tech stack contributes a distinct but cooperative type of software. Here is a closer look at this necessary component of app development.
What Is a Tech Stack, Exactly?
A tech stack is a set of technologies — tools, services and applications — used to create an app. It includes:
- Programming languages
- Databases
- Front- and back-end tools
- Application programming interfaces
Another term you may hear is solutions stack. It is used interchangeably with the term tech stack.
What Are the Components of a Tech Stack?
Software companies must choose tech stacks carefully as they affect overall success. The tech stack a business selects provide the tools developers have to build, maintain and revise a software product.
Operating System
A tech stack starts with the operating system. It may be the one your developers prefer or depend on the application type you’re optimizing. You may use more than one.
Web Servers and Load Balancing
This category includes content distribution networks, servers, routing and caching services. They are the means for your application to send and receive requests, scale capacity, and work smoothly.
Querying and Data Storage
This area is where your information is stored. Your data describes what your app is doing and how people use it. It includes real-time and historical information. You can build queries and retrieve results about your data. One example is using PromQL to query metrics data.
Back-End Frameworks
The back end of an application is the code and programming that allow it to run. The end user cannot access back-end components. The back-end frameworks of a tech stack are a collection of libraries, utilities and languages that allow your developers to create applications. They include essential tools for app building and structure for other functions, such as:
- Handling user requests
- Resetting passwords
- Organizing the database
Back-end frameworks keep you from coding everything from scratch, a time-consuming process.
Front-End Frameworks
The front-end framework is where developers create the user experience. It includes everything that comprises the user interface, such as websites, buttons, programs and user-entered data. It is where users (either human or digital) interact with an app. The more user-friendly and straightforward the front end is, the better your results can be.
Application Programming Interfaces
APIs allow two programs to communicate with each other. In the context of a tech stack, they are applications that help you connect to your tools. Your developers can use a web API to extend your app’s functionality. One example is the Google Maps API, that adds a map next to a company’s location.
Behavior and Product Analytics
This group of tools is part of emerging technology. It lets you store and analyze customer activity as you track it. These tools help you organize data and give you insights into the behaviors of those who use your application.
Business Intelligence Solutions
BI tools track your company’s performance. They can help you with high-end business decisions. They compile information from different places in the market and your company. Some BI solutions provide ways to visualize your data and create reports.
Performance and Monitoring Tools
These tools monitor the health of your tech stack. They give you insight into how each layer performs by collecting and analyzing data about the software you’re using. They assist with technical performance and monitor your servers, databases, internal systems and services.
How Do You Choose the Right Tech Stack?
Choosing the right tech stack for your company boils down to the app you’re developing and your company’s characteristics. Getting it right is essential so that your developers are primed for success. Factors such as project requirements, speed, maintenance and security can help you determine the tech stack to choose.
Before you invest in a tech stack, be sure to research the layers that comprise it. When you have the information to build it, you can assure your team you’re providing the optimal tools they need.
