Designing a tech stack is a critical first step in the lifecycle of a project. But exactly what is a tech stack? A tech stack is the collection of tools, services, and technologies developers use in a project, including coding languages and frameworks.

Tech stacks, sometimes known as data ecosystems, technology infrastructures, or tech solutions stacks, define the types of apps you can build and how customizable they are.

How to Choose the Right Tech Stack

Because the first step of the project lifecycle is crucial, a team needs the right combination of tech stack solutions to be effective. These collections of tools are also known as data ecosystems, technology infrastructures, or text solutions stacks. The tech stack affects the amount of time and resources required for app development. If your business is a startup, knowing which type of stack best suits your business needs is critical.

Old Option: Traditional Tech Stacks

Custom software development often requires traditional text stacks. Skilled coders use these stacks to build applications from the ground up. Custom-designed applications offer complete functionality and complete ownership, but their development is often slow and expensive.

Projects with complex logic or that plan to scale in the long term or a unique user interface typically require traditional development. While custom development has advantages, its cost and complexity can be prohibitive.

New Option: No-Code Tech Stacks

Gartner forecasts that by 2025, 70% of new app development will use no-code or low-code technologies. It’s no wonder. Developing with no-code is agile, easy, and often much faster and less expensive than traditional development. Users don’t require years of specialized training to design functional apps with no-code builders. Every member of your organization can build custom solutions.

On the other hand, organizations cede complete ownership of their source code for that convenience. The ability to customize depends on the capabilities of the no-code tools being used. However, if you're a startup with little or zero software development resources, or you’re seeking a tech stack accessible to virtually anyone, you should consider the no-code option.

Parts of a Traditional Tech Stack

Traditional tech stacks include server-side frameworks and client-side languages. Familiar examples of tech stacks include:

• LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP)
• MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, angularJS, and node.js)
• MEVN (where vue.js replaces angular in MEAN).

Below are some the building blocks of these tech solutions:

Operating Services

Operating services manage resources, program execution, file system manipulation, error detection, resource allocation, communications, and more. Some examples of popular operating systems include Windows, macOS (iOS for mobile), Android (for mobile), and Linux.

Database & Cloud Hosting Service

Servers, caching, and routing are critical components of any web app. Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS) meet these needs.

Data Warehouses

Apps rely on data warehouses, pipelines, and relational and non-relational databases for data storage. Snowflake, Google BigQuery, and Amazon Redshift are examples of data warehouses.

Back-End

Back-end frameworks include libraries, languages, and utilities. Some popular back-end frameworks in 2022 include Laravel, Django, Flask, and Ruby on Rails.

Front-End

Front-end frameworks facilitate client-side functionality and user experience. AngularJS, React, and jQuery are popular front-end frameworks.

APIs

Application programming interfaces (APIs) help you connect with tools in your extended tech stack. For example, the Bubble API Connector allows you to connect almost any external API. In addition, Bubble’s API and the API connector will enable you to open up third-party integrations. Popular API platforms include Google Apigee, Segment, and Zapier.

Monitoring and Performance Tools

Monitoring and performance tools like Google Analytics and HubSpot let you analyze your app.

Business monitoring, analytics, and APIs are important parts of a complete and assessable tech stack solution.

Examples of No-Code Tech Stacks

With a no-code tech stack, front-end, back-end, data storage, communications, and hosting can be handled without specialized training or certifications. One tool like Bubble can cover everything from operative service to the back-end, and the front-end allows you to focus on APIs and business monitoring instead of just the basics. Bubble replaces languages and frameworks traditionally used to develop web apps with easy-to-use interfaces.

Look for no-code tech stacks with pre-built integrations and robust communities. Some popular no-code tech stack examples include:

Bubble + Mailchimp, Snowflake, Segment, Amplitude

In this tech stack, you can build your web application on Bubble and connect to other services using the API Connector. Bubble handles front-end and back-end processes in its stack while linking to Mailchimp for email services, Snowflake for data management, and Segment or Amplitude for web analytics and data tracking. In fact, a version of this tech stack currently powers Bubble itself.

Bubble + Webflow, Google Analytics

Bubble handles the back-end functionality in this stack, while Webflow handles the front end. Many people use Webflow for their landing page, but when they need more power for any custom or complex web applications that might connect to their SaaS tool, they turn to Bubble for their application. Google Analytics provides SEO and traffic performance information.

Bubble + Airtable

Pair Bubble's built-in database with our Airtable integration for more robust database tools. Add new records, create detailed events in Google calendar, and more. Airtable is as straightforward to use as a spreadsheet with the functionality of a database, all seamlessly integrated with the Bubble app.

Bubble also connects with:

  • Caspio Cloud Database
  • Oracle Database
  • MySQL
  • Knack

Why People are Choosing No-Code Tech Stacks

No-code development platforms and tech stacks directly address any developer shortages and talent gaps within organizations. Plus, they put the power of development in everyone's hands with drag-and-drop interfaces, visual representation, and plain-English logic.

The benefits of no-code tech stacks like Bubble include:

  • Faster app development to launch, with fewer resources
  • Building a functioning prototype that investors can hold in their hands
  • Minimal testing needed before deployment
  • No need to hire new talent to develop in-house solutions
  • The ability to quickly adapt to market changes and customer needs with tools anyone can update and deploy.
  • Third-party integrations with Bubble make it easy to connect to the tools and products already in use

About Bubble

Bubble is a leader in the no-code movement. Bubble offers a powerful point-and-click web editor and cloud hosting platform that allows users to build fully customizable web applications and workflows, ranging from simple prototypes to complex marketplaces, SaaS products, and more.

Millions of users are building and launching businesses on Bubble — many have gone on to participate in top accelerator programs, such as Y Combinator, and even raised $365M in venture funding. Bubble is more than just a product. We are a strong community of builders and entrepreneurs who are united by the belief that everyone should be able to create technology.