A tech stack is an essential element of every company. Organizations use various tools that should be unified, compatible, and easy to use. What characterizes a tech stack, and what benefits can come from ensuring its uniformity? What is a tech stack?
A tech stack combines various types of technologies, tools, and programming languages used to build applications or IT systems. Typically, a tech stack consists of three layers:
- frontend, which is responsible for the appearance and user interaction with the application. Building it involves using languages such as HTML, CSS, or JavaScript, as well as frameworks, libraries, and UI design tools. In this layer, appropriate UX design tools are also important, as they define the application’s design to some extent, which influences the user experience.
- backend, the goals of which are data processing and interaction with the database. It is created using programming languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, or PHP, as well as various frameworks.
- database, where the data necessary for the application to function is stored. To create this layer, databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL are used.
Choosing the right tech stack is crucial for project success and can vary depending on its specifics, size, and projected costs. When choosing, one must keep many factors in mind: functional requirements of the application, developer preferences, or overall performance.
What makes up a typical tech stack in an IT company
A typical tech stack in an IT company can vary depending on the type of projects the company carries out. It includes one or more programming languages and frameworks—collections of tools, libraries, and code skeletons that allow developers to build applications faster and more efficiently. Frameworks are available for many programming languages—React for JavaScript, Flask for Python, or Laravel for PHP. The technology stack also includes various types of databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL. They are used to store and manage data utilized by applications. Tech stacks also use application servers to host and run web applications. They may also utilize cloud technologies such as Microsoft Azure, which allows for deploying applications on servers. For a tech stack to work properly, developers working with it often use version control tools to track changes in the project’s source code. These are essential in larger projects where many people work simultaneously. In addition, they use code testing and debugging tools such as Selenium. The possibilities of a tech stack do not end there, as companies can use dozens of other programming tools. These can be, for example, CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) applications or project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello, or Asana)—they help in organizing work and tracking project progress. Essential tools for small, medium, and large companies also include CRM systems or internal communication applications.
Using a unified and consistent tech stack ensures operational consistency. Because everyone uses the same tools, the risk of errors in code, processes, and documentation is minimized. Reducing the number of tools also translates into greater efficiency—employees do not have to constantly switch between applications, so they can work faster and more effectively. A homogeneous tech stack also influences collaboration between team members—it not only allows for faster resolution of technical problems but also facilitates communication. This translates into easier project management, as it is better to work with people focused on executing tasks rather than solving problems caused by faulty or incompatible tools. This affects the speed and quality of training—a simple IDE requires less time to master. Other benefits of using a unified set of tools include better technical support. This allows for faster reactions and problem-solving. This, along with the factors mentioned earlier, leads to cost reduction—the fewer tools used in a project, the less money needs to be spent not only on technical support but also on licenses or training.
Using different tools across projects is a direct path to management difficulties. When different teams work in different environments, managing and coordinating work becomes more difficult. Although developer preferences regarding tools and technologies should be considered, one must constantly keep in mind the balance between their needs and company requirements. It should also not be forgotten that working with a non-uniform tech stack risks fragmentation and, consequently, the loss of knowledge about the solutions used. It is also worth remembering that the more tools in a tech stack, the more difficult recruiting the right employees can be. If knowledge of several technological solutions is necessary to handle a process, one must either find the right person or invest in training. This is particularly important in implementations and automations—the more complex the tech stack, the longer the implementation will take. Difficulties can also have a technical dimension—the more tools used in a given project, the harder they are to integrate. This translates not only into longer project delivery times (employees may spend many hours trying to connect different technologies) but also generates higher costs than a unified technology stack.
How to effectively unify the tech stack in your company?
Unifying a tech stack is a complex process, but it is carried out similarly to other business projects. The first step is a detailed analysis of the tools and technologies used so far—this allows you to determine which are redundant and which are crucial for the company’s functioning. Next, you should define the goals of unifying the tech stack. This could be increasing efficiency, reducing costs, or improving project quality—everything depends on the specifics, budget, and requirements of the company. After identifying the goals, you can proceed to create an action plan. It should contain information about the solutions being implemented and removed, deadlines, and the composition and responsibilities of the project team. Remember that the plan should be tailored to the company’s needs and employee capabilities—it is definitely better to act slowly but consistently than to jump into the deep end. At the planning stage, you can also determine the costs of licenses and maintenance for specific tools, as well as training courses for them. Remember to send employees for necessary training before implementation (if needed). For the process to take place without disruptions, support from company management will also be necessary—it should focus on supporting the project team and ensuring project funding. After completing the tech stack unification process, it is worth developing standards and guidelines for the use of the implemented technologies. These will minimize the risk of errors and provide clear rules for future users. The end of implementation does not mean the end of working with the tech stack—the applied solutions must be constantly monitored and their effectiveness evaluated, and optimized if necessary. This will reduce maintenance costs and can provide the company with a market advantage.
