Best Tech Stack for Web App Development in 2024

A technology stack is the set of tools and technologies used to build a web app. It’s like the building blocks of your project. So, what does it include? The frontend tech stack is what users see and interact with on the screen. This includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular. On the other hand, the backend tech stack handles the server, database, and application logic using tools like Node.js, Python, or Ruby on Rails.

Choosing the right web app tech stack depends on the app’s needs, scalability, and speed. With the right combination, you can create a web app that’s fast, functional, and user-friendly.

10 Best Stacks for Web App Development in 2024

Website application development requires careful planning, and one of the most important decisions is choosing the right web app stack. But what does this mean? A web app tech stack refers to the combination of tools, frameworks, and programming languages used to build a web application. These tools work together to power both the front end (what users see) and the back end (how the app runs behind the scenes). Admiral Studios has explored the most popular tech stacks for 2024 that will definitely keep their power in 2025.

Full Tech Stacks for Modern Web App Development

When building a web app, developers often look for tools that work well together. Full tech stacks are complete sets of tools used to develop both the front end (what users see) and the back end (how the app works behind the scenes). 

1. MEAN Stack

The MEAN stack is popular among developers because it uses JavaScript for everything—both the front end and the back end. This makes it easier for teams to work on different parts of the project without needing to switch programming languages. It’s like having one language that everyone speaks fluently.

But how does it actually work:

• MongoDB is the database in this stack. It’s great because it stores information in a format that’s easy to work with and flexible. Apps with lots of user data, like profiles or messages, benefit from this.
• Express.js handles what’s happening in the background. It makes sure requests from users (like clicking a button or submitting a form) are sent to the right place.
• Angular focuses on what users see. It creates interactive and attractive pages, so your app doesn’t just function—it also looks good and feels responsive.
• Node.js is the engine that keeps everything running smoothly. It’s fast, making it perfect for apps where users need real-time updates, like chat apps or dashboards.

Startups and smaller teams often choose it because it’s open-source (free!) and relatively simple to learn. Plus, when everyone on the team uses JavaScript, communication becomes much smoother.

2. MERN Stack

If you’ve heard about the MEAN stack, you’ll notice the MERN stack is almost the same, except it replaces Angular with React. Why? Many developers find React easier and more flexible to use. React is a library for creating user interfaces. Think of it like a toolbox full of ready-made components that you can reuse across your app. For example, if you design a button for one page, you can use the same button on every other page without rewriting the code.

React also uses a feature called a virtual DOM. It makes updates super quick, which is great for apps where users expect constant updates, such as live sports scoreboards or social media feeds.

Just like the MEAN stack, the MERN stack includes:

• MongoDB, for storing and organizing app information.
• Express.js, to manage the back-end logic.
• Node.js, to handle how the app performs.

Together, React and Node.js make the MERN stack perfect for apps with rich, interactive features. Developers also love how easy it is to break projects into smaller, reusable pieces, which saves time and effort in the long run.

3. JAMstack

Have you ever wondered how some websites load almost instantly, even with tons of content? That’s often thanks to the JAMstack. This stack isn’t like MEAN or MERN—it’s a bit different because it focuses on speed and security by pre-building web pages.

JAMstack stands for three things:

• JavaScript adds extra functionality, like interactive forms or animations.
• APIs connect your app to external services, like payment processors or social media login options. Instead of building everything yourself, APIs let you plug in these features like Lego blocks.
• Markup refers to pre-built HTML, which makes the app load much faster because the pages are already prepared.

The best part? JAMstack doesn’t rely on heavy servers. Instead, it uses content delivery networks (CDNs) to deliver pages quickly, no matter where the user is. Developers often turn to it for blogs, e-commerce stores, and personal portfolios. For example, a photographer might use JAMstack to showcase their work because the pages load quickly, even with lots of high-resolution images.

Classic Stacks for Traditional Web Applications

When it comes to building traditional web applications, some stacks have been around for a long time and are still popular in 2024. These classic stacks are tried and tested, offering reliable solutions for creating everything from content management systems to forums.

4. LAMP Stack

The LAMP has been a popular tech stack for developers for many years. It's perfect for building traditional web applications like content management systems (CMS), forums, and blogs. But what makes it so reliable?

The LAMP stack includes:

• Linux: An open-source operating system that serves as the foundation of the stack. It’s free to use and provides a stable environment for your app.
• Apache: A widely-used web server that processes requests from users, like when someone visits your website or submits a form.
• MySQL: A database system that stores and organizes data. It’s known for its speed and ease of use, making it ideal for managing everything from user profiles to product catalogs.
• PHP: A scripting language that powers dynamic content on websites. PHP is often used to generate web pages on the fly, making it essential for interactive sites.

So why is the LAMP stack still so popular? It's because of its simplicity and stability. Many well-known platforms like WordPress and Drupal use LAMP to run their websites.

5. WAMP Stack

The WAMP stack is like the LAMP technology stack for web applications but designed for use on Windows instead of Linux. It has all the same components as LAMP:

• Apache: A web server that helps handle incoming requests.
• MySQL: A database for organizing and storing your data.
• PHP: The scripting language used to create dynamic web pages.

The difference is that WAMP works on Windows operating systems. This makes it a popular choice for developers who are more comfortable working with Windows tools. It’s often used for personal websites, small business applications, and prototypes. If you’re just starting out with web development, WAMP can be a good way to learn the ropes without worrying about a complicated setup.

Backend-Focused Stacks for Web Applications

When building web applications, the back end is just as important as the front end. A strong backend stack handles all the behind-the-scenes work, such as managing databases, processing requests, and guaranteeing that data is securely transferred.

6. Django Stack

The Django application tech stack is one of the best choices when security, scalability, and speed are key priorities. Built on Python, Django is known for being a clean and powerful framework that’s ideal for handling the backend needs of complex applications.

So, what makes Django stand out:

• Python-based: Django’s syntax is easy to read and write, which makes it simpler for developers to maintain and scale the application over time. This clean codebase speeds up web development.
• Built-in tools: Django comes with a lot of pre-built functionality, like user authentication, admin dashboards, and other essentials. This reduces the amount of time developers need to spend building these features from scratch.
• PostgreSQL compatibility: Django works well with PostgreSQL, a strong and reliable database system. It handles large amounts of data efficiently, making it perfect for applications that need to store and manage sensitive information.

Given its features, Django is a great fit for industries that require a high level of data security and scalability. Finance and healthcare are just a few examples where Django’s backend strength is most appreciated. 

7. Ruby on Rails Stack

The Ruby on Rails modern web development stack, also known as Rails, is famous for making development fast and easy. Rails takes a different approach to web development with its "convention over configuration" philosophy. This means that developers don’t have to spend too much time setting up basic components because Rails already takes care of much of it.

Here’s what you get with the Ruby on Rails stack:

• Ruby on Rails framework: Rails simplifies backend coding by providing built-in solutions for common tasks, such as handling database connections, generating URLs, and managing session data.
• Database compatibility: Rails works well with databases like SQLite (good for smaller apps) or PostgreSQL (better for larger, more complex applications).

Ruby on Rails suits startups and developers who need to build an application quickly. It's particularly useful for creating web apps like e-commerce stores, online booking systems, and content platforms. If you need to rapidly prototype an idea or launch an MVP (minimum viable product), Rails is a great option.

Frontend-Focused Stacks for User-Friendly Interfaces

When building web apps with user-friendly interfaces, the right frontend technology stack is key. These tools help developers craft smooth, interactive, and visually appealing user experiences. 

8. React + Next.js Stack

The React + Next.js stack is an excellent choice for building web apps that are fast, interactive, and engaging. React handles the user interface, and Next.js adds extra features that improve performance.

Benefits and features:

• React: A popular JavaScript library that enables building dynamic, interactive UIs.
• Next.js: A framework that extends React’s capabilities with built-in server-side rendering (SSR) for faster page loads.
• Server-Side Rendering: Helps improve SEO and user experience by generating content on the server, making pages load faster.
• Automatic Code Splitting: Only loads the code needed for the current page, reducing load times.
• Optimized for SEO: Server-side rendering makes your web app more SEO-friendly, improving its search engine ranking.

This stack is great for building modern web apps like blogs, portfolios, and data dashboards, offering a smooth user experience with quick loading times.

9. Angular + Firebase Stack

The Angular + Firebase stack is a powerful combination for creating real-time web apps. Angular is a frontend framework that helps organize complex apps, while Firebase offers backend services to simplify app development.

The advantages include:

• Angular: A framework for building dynamic, scalable, and well-structured user interfaces.
• Firebase: Provides easy-to-use backend services like real-time databases, user authentication, and hosting.
• Real-Time Data: Firebase’s real-time database enables live updates, making it ideal for apps like chat platforms or collaborative tools.
• Backend Simplification: Firebase reduces the complexity of managing server infrastructure, letting developers focus on front-end features.
• Built-in Authentication: Firebase offers simple authentication solutions for secure login systems.

This modern web development stack is perfect for apps that require live data updates, such as messaging platforms, online collaboration tools, or social apps.

10. Serverless Stack (AWS Lambda)

The Serverless stack is gaining traction among developers who want more flexibility and less server management. With AWS Lambda, developers can run code only when necessary, saving both time and money.

Why choose it:

• AWS Lambda: Runs code in response to specific events without the need to manage servers.
• Frontend Flexibility: Works well with frontend frameworks like React or Angular for building highly responsive apps.
• No Server Maintenance: Focus on writing code and building features, while AWS Lambda handles scaling and server management.

This stack is ideal for apps with varying traffic demands, such as on-demand services (e.g., ride-sharing apps) or Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Of course, choosing the right tech stack is incredibly important, and Admiral Studios hopes our team has helped you with our list. Each technology stack example mentioned here has its strengths, and your decision should align with your app’s purpose, the team’s skills, and your long-term goals.