Why Is the Dev & Data Tech Stack So Darn Complicated? (III/IV)
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Stack
I don’t know about you, but I definitely get a certain level of anxiety from my previously posted lists on the status quo of the dev and data stack, and it is obviously by far not exhaustive. So how do you best decide on which components to pick for your tech stack? Let’s build a mental framework to guide your decision-making with the key factors that influence the choice of components:
🎯 Project Requirements - The primary factor will be the specific requirements of the project. Different projects may have different requirements in terms of performance, scalability, security, or ease of use. Developers will want to consider these requirements when choosing components for their tech stack.
🧐 Familiarity and Experience - Devs tend to choose components that they are familiar with or have experience using. This is because it reduces the learning curve and enables them to work more efficiently. Of course, one may also choose components based on just personal preference or comfort of use
👨🏫 Community and Support - Devs will choose components that have a large and active community and are well-supported. This ensures that there is access to a wide range of resources, including documentation, tutorials, and forums, which can be helpful when troubleshooting issues or learning new features.
🧱 Integration - It’s advisable to check for components that integrate well with other parts of your tech stack. This ensures that we can build a seamless and cohesive system that works well together. Dependencies make everything more complex.
🔐 Future-Proofing - Developers may also consider the future prospects of different components, such as their longevity, popularity, and ability to evolve with changing technology trends. This ensures that they are building a system that is sustainable and will continue to be supported and updated in the future.
💸 Cost and Licensing - Last but not least you should also consider the cost and licensing requirements of different components. Some components may be free and open-source, while others may require a license or subscription. Pick the one that offers the most bang for the buck, given it meets the previously mentioned requirements.
Overall, a software developer's choice of components for their tech stack depends on a variety of factors, and one must carefully consider each one to make the best decision for one’s project.
I hope these guidelines make planning for the complexity of the dev & data stack a bit easier.
In the next step, I will eventually share my two cents on what I believe the future of the dev & data stack might hold for us, if we will forever have to live with the complexity we observe today, and if the dev & data stack continues to develop into a Rube Goldberg machine.