Technology stack

A technology stack, often called a tech stack, is the combination of programming languages, frameworks, libraries, tools, and software used to build and run an application or project. It typically includes both front-end (client-side) and back-end (server-side) technologies, as well as supporting databases, hosting services, and development tools.
Tech stacks provide the foundation for how applications are designed, developed, deployed, and maintained. Choosing the right stack affects scalability, performance, development speed, and long-term maintainability. Popular examples include the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) and the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js).
Advanced
A technology stack is usually divided into three main layers: the front end (user interface), the back end (server, application, and database), and the development/operational layer (tools for deployment, version control, monitoring, and DevOps). For example, React may power the interface, Node.js the server, MongoDB the database, and Docker the deployment.
Advanced considerations include microservices architectures, containerization, serverless technologies, and CI/CD pipelines integrated into the stack. Organizations may tailor stacks to project requirements, optimizing for scalability, security, cost, or developer expertise. Emerging trends such as low-code/no-code tools and AI-powered frameworks are also expanding what constitutes a modern tech stack.
Relevance
Applications
Metrics
Issues
Example
A social media startup selected the MERN stack to build its platform. This allowed rapid prototyping, scalability with Node.js, and an engaging interface with React. The choice reduced time-to-market and helped attract investors by demonstrating product agility.