Last Updated on 2024-10-11
Are you considering using a popular tech stack in your next development project? This article will help you compare some of today’s most popular tech stacks.
Different tech stacks have been widely used in software development. But they each have their own set of strengths and usability factors. With many options available, choosing the right stack can be overwhelming.
Donโt fret! Weโll compare popular tech stacks like MEAN, MERN, MEVN, LAMP, serverless, and Ruby on Rails. This list will help you make an informed decision in choosing the right fit for your project. Letโs start!
Battle of the Six (6) Popular Tech Stacks
The best tech stack for you depends on your specific needs and project requirements. So choose the most suitable one among the popular tech stacks listed below.
1. MEAN Stack
What does MEAN stand for? Itโs the acronym for MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js.
Built on JavaScript as a full-stack development solution, it is widely known for ease of use, performance, flexibility, and scalability.
Hereโs an itemization of the tech in the MEAN stack:
- MongoDBโNoSQL, source-available cross-platform database management system that utilizes JSON-like documents with optional schemas.
- Express.jsโA minimalist backend web application framework that provides robust features for hybrid, single-page, and multi-page apps.
- AngularJSโItโs a JavaScript library used to build user-end interfaces.
- Node.jsโThe application runtime environment that executes JavaScript code outside a web browser.
This tech stack is best for small development teams working on cloud-native and modern apps.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
All tools use JavaScript and are open source, so full stack development is faster and more efficient | The risk of losing data is higher during heavy workflows |
It helps you create a presentation layer for live updates and demonstrations | It needs more maintenance procedures due to frequent updates |
It can run on any operating system allowing your team to develop, test, and deploy cloud apps without trouble | It may not be easy to integrate into different architectures since older apps may not be using JavaScript |
2. MERN Stack
This tech is quite similar to the MEAN stack but uses React instead of AngularJS. Itโs a newer frontend framework known for its speed, flexibility, and component-based architecture. In turn, it makes it easier for you to build dynamic and interactive user interfaces.
MERN is the best stack if you want to build simple to intermediate single-page apps quickly.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
React developers are more available than AngularJS developers | A list of functionalities gets sacrificed due to a non-existent full stack framework |
MERN is optimized for single-page application development | Requires modules to fill in the missing functionalities |
Easy to use while increasing full stack development abilities |
3. MEVN Stack
Hey, hereโs another relative to the previously mentioned stacks. The only difference is that it uses Vue.js. This framework is simple, user-friendly, and easy to integrate.
This popular tech stack is an excellent choice for lightweight, powerful applications. Do you have a teammate who is also a new backend or frontend developer? With its minimalist but performance-driven approach, MEVN might be your best jam too.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Ready for development right out of the box | Vue.js may be popular, but it has limited resources |
Cost-effective solution for web app development due to its minimalist approach | Needs to be updated often |
Faster performance compared to AngularJS and React |
4. LAMP Stack
Great news for PHP developers! The LAMP stack is a popular open-source tech stack built on PHP. A lot of development teams use it because of its core design. You can build applications without the use of external data or software.
It consists of the following technologies:
- LinuxโA popular open source, Unix-like OS used for servers, such as web, database, file, and email.
- ApacheโA popular open-source, cross-platform web server software that serves web pages per clientโs requests.
- MySQLโItโs an open-source relational database management system that allows for at-scale use.ย
- PHPโThe popular programming language that works well with Apache to build dynamic web apps and pages.
Why should you utilize the LAMP stack? It is known for its stability and ease of use. Also, itโs a good choice for building small-sized, medium-sized, and large-scale web applications. Its non-blocking structure helps your app maximize uptime because it can still be responsive even with a higher workload. In fact, WordPress, Slack, and Drupal run on LAMP.
Itโs also important to note that you can exchange PHP with Perl or Python. At the end of the day, itโs your project, so it is only fitting that you choose your preferred programming language.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Has a vast community that can support each tech used in the tech stackย | Limited to the Linux operating system |
Can be customizable thanks to available solutions as a mature, popular tech stack | Limitations on possible back-and-forth switch between frontend and backend tools |
As a fully open-source stack with a non-blocking structure, it enables faster development and increases app scalability | It may be challenging to integrate with the cloud, which can potentially cause its usage to dip |
5. Serverless
Say hello to a newer web development paradigm. AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, and Google Cloud Functions are popular serverless computing platforms.
The serverless stack also enables your team to build apps by triggering functions in response to events. Moreover, this popular tech stack offers scalability, reduced maintenance overhead, and cost efficiency.
The serverless stack also enables your team to build apps by triggering functions in response to events. Moreover, this popular tech stack offers scalability, reduced maintenance overhead, and cost efficiency.
This is the perfect choice if you and your development team want to focus on coding, not managing infrastructure. It is also good if you want to scale your applications quickly and easily.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Cost-effective and highly efficient for development teams to use | Limited to no control over the available tech in the stack |
You donโt have to assign a developer to maintain and manage your tech | If not done right, the scaling costs can be higher beyond a predetermined size |
6. Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a popular development framework written in Ruby. It is known for its speed, productivity, and ease of use. Since it follows the model-view-controller pattern, it is a robust full-stack development framework that is highly organized and efficient.
And whatโs the best part? Ruby on Rails has a vast ecosystem of reusable code libraries along with an active developer community. So, if you and your team prefer productivity and elegant code, then Ruby on Rails is definitely for you.
Advantages | Disadvantages |
An active community of developers you can tap for support | Uncustomizable and not commonly used by development teams |
Has built-in default structures to help you develop new apps quickly | It cannot be used to develop complex apps |
What Popular Tech Stack Is the One for You?
Each popular tech stack has its strengths and weaknesses. They also cater to different development preferences and project requirements.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for your project. However, knowing these tech stacks and what they bring to the table enables you to choose wisely. So look into what you need, get familiar with the tech, and consider your teamโs preferences.
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And our solutions donโt stop there! We also use the latest advanced technologies for our projects. Whether you want to use MEAN, MERN, or Ruby on Rails, we can arrange it for you. If youโre also worried about managing your team remotely, our client-friendly dashboard is the answer.
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Matt Watson is a serial tech entrepreneur who has started four companies and had a nine-figure exit. He was the founder and CTO of VinSolutions, the #1 CRM software used in today’s automotive industry. He has over twenty years of experience working as a tech CTO and building cutting-edge SaaS solutions.
As the CEO of Full Scale, he has helped over 100 tech companies build their software services and development teams. Full Scale specializes in helping tech companies grow by augmenting their in-house teams with software development talent from the Philippines.
Matt hosts Startup Hustle, a top podcast about entrepreneurship with over 6 million downloads. He has a wealth of knowledge about startups and business from his personal experience and from interviewing hundreds of other entrepreneurs.