Tech Stack Selection - How To Decide Which Technology Suits Your Business?

Is your business unique, regardless of what you do or how you do it? Then, why isn't your tech stack selection? Choosing the right tech stack can impact your business significantly. Mostly, founders make this mistake of selecting tech stack based on either what their competitor is using or depending on developers' availability.? Would you wear the exact same wedding dress as your friend, even if you both have a similar body shape? The answer is No. You might prefer one as per your own needs. Similarly, for the tech stack, every business has its own needs. Your business is always slightly different than your competitors, if not wholly. Opting for the tech stack that suits your current needs and leaves scope for your vision for the future will ensure long-term success.?

In Laymen's Terms: What is this Tech Stack?

Tech Stack is a combination of programming languages, databases, frameworks, and tools to build and run a software application.?

Think of it as a scenario where you are building a house. What do you need?

1. A Frontend - Walls, Paint, Decor, Interior, etc - Whatever others (users) can see.?
2. A Backend - Behind-the-scene heroes - foundation, plumbing, electric work, etc.?
3. Database - A Storage room to keep everything you might need someday.?
4. ?Infrastructure - Utilities you need to run - say, constant light and water.?

Now, wonder what if you mess up even in one of these? It will be a mess. You might need to redo a lot of work i.e., re-expense. Or there could be a scenario that the whole structure will not accumulate the needs and needful required - no scope for alteration.?

Therefore, a tech stack can be perfect but it might not go well with your business needs and vision for the long term.?

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing the Tech Stack?

Before we jump on to what you need to do as a founder for the right tech stack selection. Let’s look out for the common mistakes people generally make. So that if you are trapped in one too, find your way out asap!

1. Copying Competitor’s Tech Stack?

Very basic yet the most popular mess up that businesses do while tech stack selection is opting for what their competitor is using. The tech stack is not only about what you need today but also should cater to your upcoming needs as well. Here, your competitor might have a different vision for the long term than yours.?

Another scenario is where e-commerce will look out for what Amazon is using (React + Node.js) without weighing in the reasoning and scenario where your e-commerce can be different from that of Amazon.?

1. Following Trends?

Going for widely used technologies can be harmful for your business as well. Just because it's in trend doesn’t mean it's great for your business too.?

Therefore, whenever someone tells you this is popular these days, ask them - how it is the right fit, for your needs, beyond the basic reasons.?

1. Using Unscalable Slack?

This is what we refer to as a “Trail & Error Approach.” Here, founders and developers focus on building a tech stack for MVPs but overlook the need in the long run i.e., scalability. Later, the switching cost ends up putting a huge unexpected dent in the financials.?

1. Going for No-Code Tools?

Using no-code tools like Shopify, WordPress, Wix, etc. can be easy on your pocket. Also, this is quite a great way to kick-start your business. But again, this advice is general. As an entrepreneur, you need to get a piece of professional advice on if these pre-built platforms work for you.?

These platforms are developed while keeping a specific audience in mind with future assumptions that might not be the one for you.?

1. Not Getting an Expert Advice?

The best way to select a tech stack is by getting knowledge about it from the internet. Is it? With these super useful devices in our hands, we tend to believe we will do it all by ourselves. By skimming through blogs, listening to podcasts, watching YouTube videos, and putting queries on online forums, it seems easier to do it on your own.?

But then, why not ask an expert - using their free consultancy options? Many well-established IT brands provide you with free consultancy. Also, if you are scared of them converting you into sales, even when you are not ready or have too many follow-ups, look for an IT expert with no pitching sales policy.?

How to Select the ‘Right for Your Business’ Tech Stack??

Now that you know what not to do while selecting the right tech stack for your business, let’s dive into your free tech stack selection guide. A few steps here with no compromise can save you a lot of bucks.?

1. Know What Your Business Needs

Three basic questions to start with -?

1. What Kind of app you are building? - is it an E-commerce, Saas Platform, Forum - what exactly is on your mind??
2. What are must-have Features for your app? - Payment integrations, real-time updates, etc. - some things you can’t really risk.?
3. What are your Scalability requirements? - An informative website has lesser scalability than an E-commerce - rate it out of 10.?

These three questions will give you a clearer picture of your tech stack needs.?

Next, if you want to do it on your own you need to be sure that you understand the technicals.?

Here’s an example of what a food delivery app needs -?

Frontend - React Native (for iOS and Android only)

Backend - Node.js (real-time updates for real-time orders)

Database - Firebase (for faster syncing of orders)

Hosting - AWS (managing higher traffic) ?

1. Factors to Consider Depending on the Industry?

Before we start discussing this, understand a few points -?

1. Is Development costly? - Yes, it is. But it’s better to invest the right amount today than regretting and redoing it all again later.?
2. Does it take time? - There is no magic wand. Though, the timing each IT team takes might differ, offer them a reasonable time frame. Set clear delivery milestones.
3. If you cannot understand your scalability needs - better to ask a professional before you finalize other things.?

Keep in mind:?

1. In case you need a quick launch, choose a stack that offers rapid development.??
2. For some technologies, you need expensive developers. Example - Java, .NET
3. For minimal viable products (MVPs) choose Python-Django - it facilitates fast prototyping.?
4. Higher scalability? - Java or Golang is what you need.
5. For AI infusion prefer Python.

1. Team Building

Hiring a team that aligns with your goals is another task. The best and shortest tip here is - try picking a language that has large talent pool available at your disposal.?

If you are confused about whether to hire an in-house team, outsource development, or go for a dedicated team, Click here!

(Ps - Stay tuned! My Free Resource on Team Building is to be released asap.)

1. Security and Compliance is Always a Priority

Some languages such as Java, .NET, and Python are compliance-heavy. Also, when you are handling sensitive data, you need a more secure stack. For Example - if you are in Fintech, HealthTech, etc. look out for more secure and compliance-friendly languages.???

1. What About Future-Proofing?

Avoid using obsolete or on the verge of outdating technologies. You might find them cheap but that is a waste - prefer investment.??

1. Maintenance and Support

Don’t forget to enquire about maintenance and support from the developer you are planning to hire. Also, it depends upon the language - how often you need it. ?

If you are still unsure which one to go with - I am just a call away!

(Ps - I follow No Push Policy)