Computer programs have become an integral part of business operations and innovations today the question is not whether but which software development technology to choose. Our lives have become so technology-dependent that scientists describe us, modern people, as homo digitalis. From health management and personal finance mobile applications to complex aviation systems and AI-based projects for disability inclusion. The daily business of both B2B and B2C companies has also changed dramatically in the last two decades.
From my experience working in a bespoke software development company, whenever companies are looking to start a new software project, there are three main decision drivers. First, the digital transformation of processes and services has moved away from a trend and has become a necessity. Second, Covid-19 has drastically changed market demands, and digital products are surging. Last but not least, businesses that want to stay relevant need to update their innovation strategies and start new software projects constantly.
1. Best Programming Languages
World’s leading magazine for engineering and applied sciences edited by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE Spectrum has published its annual ranking for the top programming languages in 2021. The list represents an interactive comparison between different language types, including web, enterprise, mobile, and embedded. It turns out that Python, with a score of 100.0, is an absolute winner in three categories, and Java takes first place in the section of mobile software development.
Many times, the choice of the best-suited programming language for your new project will undoubtedly depend on the software application you aim to develop. For example, suppose you need to implement machine learning components. In that case, your best options will be Python, R, Java, or JavaScript because of their maturity, flexibility, cross-platform compatibility, and extensive ecosystem volume. On the other hand, if you need reliable web applications or complex enterprise software, you would go for Java because of its extraordinary performance, availability, and security capabilities.
2. Frontend Frameworks
Each software application has both a client-side, called the frontend, and a server-side, which is the backend. While the backend handles all code components that the end-s can’t see, the front concentrates on creating engaging visual elements to the UI/UX. There are numerous frontend frameworks that do an outstanding job in creating powerful interactions with active s. But which ones to choose for your next software project?
Again, this will depend on your business requirements, use cases, as well as technical talents but several frontend frameworks really stand out as industry benchmarks. For instance, some of the top three leading frontend frameworks for web development are:
React
React is an open-source JavaScript framework for creating rich, beautiful, and interactive web apps. Its core features include reusable components, virtual DOM, and one-way data binding. Together, they assist software developers in creating fast web applications that are easy to control and maintain. Among the leading companies that use React are Facebook, Airbnb, and Netflix.
Angular
Angular is another leader among frontend frameworks. As a low-code framework, Angular stands out as being the to-go option for building Progressive Web Applications (PWAs). Their hidden talents unfold when the Internet connection is low or not available at all as PWAs offer to provide a smooth UX even in those circumstances by adding service workers. Some popular Angular-based web applications include Upwork, Forbes, and PayPal.
VueJS
Vue is also a JavaScript front-end framework for building interfaces. By design, Vue.js aims to be incrementally integrated; e.g., if you already have a working software application with a frontend, there’s no need to redo anything. Instead, the framework allows developers to create a new additional software part and quickly integrate it with its intuitive coding style and extraordinarily good JavaScript documentation. Popular examples of websites that rely on Vue.js are Alibaba, Gitlab, and BMW.
3. Backend Frameworks
Now that we’ve discussed the trendiest frontend frameworks, it is time to devote ourselves to the backend part. Each software application has a backend side that controls the server, database, data access layer, and all components that are invisible to the client. As a software development technology, backend frameworks are integral to building robust, reliable, and secure software apps.
Spring Boot
Spring Boot is one of the leading backend frameworks for Java software development out there. The automatic configuration system that speeds up the development process and removes the need for initial manual configuration gives developers a headstart and is useful when you opt for the rapid delivery model. Spring Boot is also suitable for creating MVP applications that can be customized later on.
Express
Express (or Express.js) is a backend web development framework for Node.js, a runtime JavaScript environment. Express.js is free and serves as the backend part of the standard MEAN stack (more on later). Like many modern frameworks, it has a small core library, with a large part of the functionality being taken over by plugins.
Django
Django is another one of the most popular backend frameworks for web development. It is based on Python, and thanks to its modular design and sophisticated component system, it simplifies a lot of common web development tasks – including serialization of data, caching, and authentication.
4. Technology Stacks
Technology stacks, also known as solution stacks, represent a technology infrastructure or data ecosystem. This is a list of all technology services used to build and run a single application in software development. Here are the most famous examples:
MEAN Stack
The MEAN Stack is a full-stack JavaScript web framework for the simple and fast development of web applications. The technology stack consists of the document-oriented NoSQL database MongoDB, the server-side web framework Express, the client-side front-end framework AngularJS and the server-side runtime environment Node.js. Unlike other technology stacks, the MEAN stack uses JavaScript as the one and only programming language in the frontend, backend, and database to simplify and accelerate the development process.
MERN Stack
The MERN technology stack is somewhat similar to MEAN. The difference is React.js, which replaces MEAN’s Angular.js execution environment. React is believed to be more flexible and convenient than Angular, which is why it’s more popular. MERN’s components – MongoDB and NoSQL database, Express.js web application framework, React / Redux library, and Node.js runtime.
LAMP Stack
LAMP is an acronym made up of the first letters of the software Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP. It is a software environment for server systems with which static or dynamic web content can be made available. Suppose you partner with a bespoke software development company that works with Windows. In that case, you can modify this abbreviation and make new technology stacks, e.g., WAMP, and if you’re using macOS, you can even make it MAMP.
Author Biography Aleksandrina Vasileva
Aleksandrina is a Content Creator at Dreamix, a custom software development company, and is keen on innovative technological solutions that positively impact our world. Her teaching background and her interest in psychology drive her to share knowledge. She is an avid reader and an enthusiastic blogger, always looking for the next inspiration.