As a web developer, the moment you receive a project, you’re immediately confronted with a critical question: which web development stack should be chosen for this project? This decision is crucial as it can significantly impact the functionality and user experience of the web application.

How can you choose the right stack? Start by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of various web development stacks and then choose one that meets all your needs. To assist you, we have prepared a list of some web development stacks you might use in 2024.

What is a Web Development Stack?

Think of a stack. A stack is simply a pile of things arranged one on top of another. Similarly, a web development stack is a combination of frameworks, programming languages, and development tools arranged to create a website or web application.

You can construct web development stacks according to your needs. However, some combinations of technologies fit together seamlessly, becoming standard practices within the web development community. For instance, MEAN, MERN, and MEVN are among the most popular web development stacks as of 2024.

Best Web Development Stacks for You to Use in 2024

Let’s take a look at some of the top web development stacks in 2024 now that we have a better understanding of what they are.

MERN Stack

Made up of MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js, the MERN stack is very closely related to the MEAN and MEVN stacks. So what is the distinguishing feature? It is React.

• React simplifies the creation and management of an application’s UI and improves overall site performance. It reduces browser reflows and makes for a responsive UI.
• MongoDB provides a flexible, scalable NoSQL database.
• Express.js offers a robust backend framework.
• Node.js ensures efficient server-side execution.

When you combine React with MongoDB, Express.js, and Node.js, you get a cost-effective stack that works well with social media platforms, news aggregation applications, and other integrations. Additionally, the MERN stack consists of components that are open-source and supported by a passionate community, benefiting from ongoing improvements driven by this vibrant developer base. Prominent companies like Netflix and Uber use this stack.

MEAN Stack

The MEAN stack is almost the same as the MERN stack, but Angular replaces React. The result is a consistent stack that promotes collaboration between front-end and back-end developers, leading to faster development cycles.

• Angular is a comprehensive framework that includes features like two-way binding, dependency injection, and component-based architecture, which help resolve many challenges developers face when building single-page applications.

Like the MERN stack, the MEAN stack also benefits from the collective knowledge of a highly passionate community of developers.

MEVN Stack

When you replace the React/Angular component of MERN/MEAN with Vue.js, you end up with the MEVN stack.

• Vue.js is simpler, highly customizable, and offers faster rendering speeds compared to Angular and React. It has a gradual learning curve, making it an excellent choice for developers who find Angular’s steep learning curve challenging.

The MEVN stack is a great option for developers looking for a lightweight and flexible solution.

The Serverless Stack

As the name suggests, the serverless stack does not rely on a local server. Instead, it depends on cloud infrastructure from providers like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. After code development, it can be deployed into containers managed by these providers.

This allows you to focus more on the front-end application code, without worrying about managing infrastructures, as all server maintenance and security updates are handled by the cloud provider. Additionally, you only pay for what you use, making it a cost-effective solution.

The LAMP Stack

The LAMP stack, consisting of Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP, has been around for over 25 years. Although its popularity has declined, it remains a great option for small to medium-sized applications.

• Linux provides a stable and secure operating system.
• Apache serves as a reliable web server.
• MySQL offers a robust relational database management system.
• PHP is a versatile server-side scripting language.

The LAMP stack is an affordable solution with a well-established global community.

The PERN Stack

The PERN stack is similar to the MERN stack but uses PostgreSQL instead of MongoDB.

• PostgreSQL is a secure, enterprise-grade SQL-based system known for its extensibility and compliance. It ensures data integrity through ACID properties (atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability), builds fault-tolerant environments, supports vertical scalability, and offers advanced features for data manipulation and analysis.

The PERN stack is ideal for handling large volumes of data and provides multiple fail-safes, making it suitable for large enterprises like healthcare and banking companies.

The Ruby on Rails Stack

Ruby on Rails is a web application framework written in Ruby, known for its secure development practices, expressive syntax, and simplicity.

• Ruby on Rails provides an error log that aids in creating bug-free applications. It allows developers to write clean and maintainable code, making it a developer-friendly choice.

Conclusion

We have listed seven web development stacks for you to master in 2024. From the MERN, MEAN, and MEVN stacks to the Serverless, LAMP, PERN, and Ruby on Rails stacks, make your choice after careful consideration. Each stack has its unique strengths, so choose the one that best fits your project requirements and development preferences.