How to Choose a Technology Stack for Startups

A Tech Stack is also called a data ecosystem, a technology infrastructure, or a solution stack. It is a combination of technical services that are used to build and operate a single application. This is a framework on which an application that you use such as Facebook, is backed up by a combination of coding frameworks and coding languages such as HTML, PHP, CSS, ReactJS or JavaScript. This is the ‘Tech Stack’ of Facebook.

Moreover, tech stacks have a combination of two software development aspects which is the backend and the frontend. The frontend is the ecosystem where the interactions are done by the users, while the backed comprises a programming language, a web server, and the web app.

You might ask, how do you determine the right tech stack for your business? Tech Stack can differ based on what is being developed. In other words, a tech stack that is made for website development will be different from that of a mobile application. Similarly, a large corporation runs on a different tech stack compared to a startup. Other factors include the pace at which you want to deliver the Minimum Viable Product and the amount of skilled staff you can dedicate for a new project. 

Technology Stack for Startups

To determine the right tech stack for your startup company, you must realize tech stacks are not universal. They are tailored based on the following factors:

• Type of Project: If you have a small project, the ideal tech stack would be a standard content management system such as WordPress. For an average-sized startup, you can fuse CMS with a proper programming language such as Python, C++, or JS. For a larger project, you need web-based applications with special features to cater to your requirements. A run of the mill tech stack cannot work with complex projects. You need experts to build a tech stack for you.
• Time to Market: The amount of time you want to launch your projects depends on the tech stack that you chose for your web app. In addition to your developer’s expertise, you can consider working with RoR Stack that has a remarkable open-source library such as gems that can affect the parameters of time to market. With the right tech stack prescribed by an experienced developer, you can release your product in time and without bugs.
• Scalability: It refers to the ability of the tech stack or the web app to handle all sizes of work. However, it is ideal for the tech stack and the web app to work in harmony to handle the growth and increase in the number of app users’ overtime.
• Maintenance: Maintenance depends on the codebase and the software infrastructure. Short and reusable codes programming language is often thought to be essential for maintenance. Other than that, the software infrastructure is also built to support reusability, scalability and probability of the app concerned.
• Availability of Talent: Many technologies are cutting-edge, but making it all work is a different ballgame. In-demand developers are already taken and this is why it is hard to find a good developer that can make it all work. The tech industry is plagued by the lack of developers and the more skilled ones are more difficult to find. This is true for Python, React Native and Node developers. Hiring a good developer is expensive and plans for a tech stack to avoid such setbacks.

• Cost: You are likely to have a limited budget. You are a new startup as money has to be split into R&D and Marketing as well. Therefore, you need to embrace open-source solutions as the original code is open to the public. In other words, you can use such technologies for free. They are constantly evolving, customizable, and lasting.

• Project Type: The type of service you are aiming for will dictate the tech stack you need. For building an online marketplace, RUBY is fused with React is suitable for the job. To name a few with Ruby on Rails is Airbnb, Fiverr and Couchsurfing.

However, if you plan to develop a social networking app or a file hosting service, then Python is you go to. Python is especially used in Netflix, Pinterest, Facebook and Reddit. What if you want to create a game? Then Java is your best bet.

Also, keep a lookout on the tech stacks that are already made by companies and are available in the market. You can find them at Stackshare to see the software stack companies are using.

Tech Stack for MVP

So, you have a purpose-driven tech stack, and have all the staff and priorities in order. But throughout the development of your product, the MVP may look quite different from what you originally had in mind, which of course serves the same purpose of the tech stack you built or bought. Sometimes, if you are serious enough about the MVP to be bug-free or if it is something more than just an experiment, give you tech stack another thought. 

Sometimes, you might come to a point where the final version of the MVP needs changes to your tech stack as further innovation and development will be determined by what you work with. In such a circumstance, you may need to start all over again with new frameworks and a brand-new architecture. Just a single missing item can change the entire infrastructure and leave you in shambles.

Factors to Consider for an MVP Tech Stack

• Make sure the product faces the market within a short time frame. You can collect feedback sooner that way and maintain a quick pace of corrections and development.
• Make calculated decisions beforehand to eliminate the opportunity cost of time due to a lack of automation programs that support your infrastructure. Having a proper CI/CD tool can speed up testing, versioning, and placing the app in the store. If your framework is a niche, your developers have to work manually and in case of a rising start, the dynamics of the technological infrastructure of those around you may affect your modules or the entire app architecture.

For example, financing apps could not be maintained when support for AngularJS stopped. The migration to a newer version was just way to costly, even for the finance industry.

• Do not experiment with your MVP for a hype-driven or new technology even though your developers want you to. When you are serious about the tech stack for your project, you need to think long-term and do your homework to see if the new tech is a fad or an established trend.

However, new tech is susceptible to threats and also you might not find the team easily for the new niche, which is just a complete waste of time and money. Therefore, focus on currently available and future available talent. Work in moderation to pave a stable path to your desired outcome.

Conclusion

There are two things that you must keep an eye out for when selecting a tech stack for your startup; the project and the developer. Do you research your startup requirements and the type of MVP you want to launch? This will help you find similar examples and absorb some of the knowledge which will otherwise take forever for you to figure out. 

Besides, before you develop your technology stack, consult with your team of developers to explore their area of expertise to handle the work. They will probably suggest a tech stack for the project you are about to undertake- having proper foresight of your requirement, available talent for your purpose, and listening to your team of developers when deciding on software infrastructure will pave the way to the overall success of your startup and your organization. You can see what tech stacks are used by some of the largest tech-based companies today here.