Navigating the World of Web Development Stacks

Operating System

An operating system is the underlying program that manages all the computer’s operations and resources. The system monitors and controls the execution of the computer’s programs. Windows, Linux, and MacOS are some examples of operating systems.

Server-Side Programming

Server-side programming refers to the programming languages and frameworks that deal with web page content generation, data processing, database querying, and communication with external services and servers.

Examples of server-side programming are Java, Ruby, Node.js, etc.

Client-Side Programming

Client-side programming refers to technologies such as CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, as well as frameworks (For example, React, Vue.JS, and Angular), which are used to create the user interface. This involves any processing requirements that occur on the client (user) machine, e.g., interacting with temporary storage or sending data requests to the server.

Web Server

End user’s requests are processed via a web browser installed on a web server. This communication is done via Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The web server stores everything related to HTTP requests, processes them, and delivers the required information to the clients. Nginx, Apache HTTP server, and Microsoft IIS are some examples of web servers.

Database

A database stores and manages the application’s data systematically. Examples of databases include MongoDB, My SQL, and Oracle.

Frontend Frameworks/ Libraries

Frameworks and libraries are among the many tools that can make coding more effective for web developers. As specialized front-end development tools, they provide the essential components needed to make the development process faster and less tedious.

Agular and React are two of many development tools.

Deployment and Infrastructure

The deployment and infrastructure layers are made up of smaller layers, like cloud platforms (Google Cloud), containerization technologies like Docker, monitoring systems, and deployment automation tools.

MEAN

• MongoDB: NoSQL database
• Express.js: Web application framework.
• Angular: Frontend framework.
• Node.js: JavaScript runtime.

MEAN is designed to build apps in JavaScript. This popular technology stack is made of open-source technologies, allowing developers to build both robust and cost-effective applications. This stack is a great choice for building single-page applications as it addresses the building complications while working extremely well together. The stack is suitable for building real-time apps, workflow management tools, to-do and calendar apps, and news aggregation sites.

MERN

• MongoDB: NoSQL database
• Express.js: Web application framework
• React: Frontend library
• Node.js: JavaScript runtime

MERN is very similar to the MEAN stack. The only difference is the frontend library, as MERN utilizes React instead of Angular. Used by developers worldwide, including major players like Netflix and Uber, the components of this tech stack work perfectly with one another. With similar use cases to the MEAN stack, the tech stack facilitates seamless data flow and rapid development, as MongoDB stores JSON data natively, and Express.js makes URL mapping easy while working seamlessly with React.JS.

MEVN

• MongoDB: NoSQL database
• Express.js: Web application framework
• Vue.js: Frontend framework
• Node.js: JavaScript runtime

The last variation of MEAN/ MERN is MEVN. Again, its biggest difference lies in the frontend framework, as this generic software stack model uses Vue.js as its frontend framework. Vue.JS is well-known for being easy to learn and for its versatile ability to create intuitive user interfaces.

Bonus: MEAN vs. MERN vs. MEVN

Being very similar, MEAN, MERN, and MEVN are preferred in different use cases. While it is to only focus on the singular component that differs between these modern web development stacks, it’s better to look at them as a whole.

• MERN is often favored for smaller application projects. Its app deployment is fast and easy.
• MEAN is well-known for its versatility and is suitable for enterprise-level apps. It is often preferred by traditional organizations.
• MEVN is easier to learn and known for being secure due to its end-to-end encryption capabilities. However, when compared to other organizations, it doesn’t receive as much support.

LAMP

• Linux: Operating system
• Apache: Web server
• MySQL: Relational database
• PHP: Server-side scripting language

LAMP stack can be used to create both static and dynamic websites. Used by giants like Shopify and WordPress, this classic tech stack is used for its being open-source, interchangeable components and for boasting a large, supportive community that regularly maintains the public source code. LAMP is used for business logic in code, database components, database processing apps, and more.

PERN

• PostgreSQL: Database
• Express.js: Web application framework
• React: Frontend library
• Node.js: JavaScript runtime

Web developers can build full-stack web apps with CRUD operation. PERN stack has been rising in popularity. PostgreSQL supports NoSQL features, transactional and standard compliant. This is another stack that is free and open-source, but it is also extensible and protects data integrity.

Serverless

Serverless stack, just as its name suggests, builds web apps using serverless technologies. This means developers rely on cloud-based technologies to build apps that are low-cost and easy to maintain. Other strengths of this stack include easy scalability and the natural fit with microservices, allowing the breakdown of complex components into manageable components. Examples of serverless stack components are:

• Frontend: Static web hosting services like AWS, Amplify, or Netlify to deploy and host frontend assets (HTML, CSS, JavaScript.)
• Backend: AWS Lambda, Azure Functions, or Google Cloud Functions are examples of serverless functions.
• API Gateway: Azure API Management or AWS API Gateway are third-party services to allow your frontend to talk to the backend seamlessly.
• Database: There are several serverless databases to choose from, like Azure Cosmos DB or Google Cloud Firestore.

Ruby on Rails

Unlike the previously mentioned tech stack, Ruby on Rails isn’t a combination of multiple web development technologies but a “full-stack framework.” When combined with HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, programmers can use Ruby on Rails to create web apps. This combination of tech is a great choice for its elegant syntax, simplicity, and detailed error log. However, it is often more suitable for lightweight applications, as more complicated projects often require more complicated technology.