Whether you are a seasoned marketer looking to amplify your organization's brand online or a new business owner setting up an eCommerce shop, knowing the basics of website building is a handy and indeed a critical skill to have. The Internet has become the world's primary platform on which to communicate, transact, and share, and having a presence here amidst all the billions of competitors requires you to have a website that stands out for its robust structure and attractive offerings.
Building a website means writing the code, designing wireframes, setting up a content management system, and so on. The process is indeed so much more than the aesthetics. At the end of the day, websites attract visitors and help them understand what a company is about and what it offers through various indicators — such as text, interactions, and visuals.
The Topmost Essential Website Design Tech Stack Tools
Every element of the website or application matters as it needs to work towards achieving that specific goal. If you want to get the website development fundamentals right, you'll need to outsource some professional webmasters. The thought of hiring website designers or application developers is constantly on the uptick and expected to grow rapidly between now and the near future.
There are various Website Design Tech Stack Tools to consider when developing impactful websites for digital brands and online businesses. Although the tech stack in any web development project depends on what you are building, it is essential to know that the tech stack is a set of programming languages, prototyping tools, and frameworks.
It is the combination of specific components that makes any website application fully functional. This section will discuss two categories of tech stacks that play a huge role in website development and come with a comprehensive set of tools for developers:
1. Client-side development
Also known as frontend development, it enables the web application to be visible to the end-users on a browser. It is responsible for how they interact with the site.
Pros:
- Client-side code gives access to many additional features that are not available to the server.
- It is known for reducing server load, resulting in a smoother user experience.
- It does not require you to pay for the end-users' processing power, thereby reducing overhead expenses for the company.
- Client-side code is faster than server-side scripts and gives instant feedback to the end-users.
Cons:
- Users can see any codebase being run in their browser.
- The client-side code is not precisely search-engine-friendly because Google cannot fully understand and execute the frontend framework (such as JavaScript) sometimes. This makes achieving favorable SEO results challenging.
- Client-side code cannot do everything on its own — some things have to be sent to the server.
In terms of the skill sets required, webmasters must be proficient in utilizing the best web frameworks, like Spring MVC and Struts, and adept with database administration. They should know networking techniques such as security, debugging, and concepts. Having sound knowledge of web server administration tools such as Apache, JBoss, and GlassFish is a must. They should be able to utilize object-oriented design principles and execute open standards and protocols. There are various web technologies involved.
They include:
- JavaScript: This makes the website interactive while it runs. It enables developers to add different animations and dynamic elements to a webpage to make it more intuitive.
- CSS: This is known for designing the content's style on a web page, i.e., fonts, colors, layouts, and so on. Its full form is Cascading Style Sheets.
- HTML: This is used to structure a web page's contents to make it look attractive and easily navigable.
In addition, there are also a few other libraries and frameworks to consider. One of the most popular frameworks for client-side web development is Bootstrap and Foundation, as they both deal with both CSS and HTML. Angular, of course, is the oldest of the lot and comes with advanced functionalities and a thriving community. React and Vue.js have also emerged as the obvious choice for custom web development due to being lightweight.
2. Server-side development
Server-side or backend development tasks happen behind the scenes and are not visible to the end-users. The backend helps developers build a web app with logic and facilitates communication between each component of the site.
Pros:
- Since servers are powerful, they can do so much more processing than the client-based codebase.
- With server-side code, the end-user sends a request to the server. The server, in turn, processes the data, and a response is sent back to them. This arrangement enables the companies to keep the server-side code proprietary.
- It can access all resources of the server, such as files and databases.
- Server-side code is necessary for authentication and security-related tasks to disallow end-users from manipulating anything.
Cons:
- It can result in a poor User Experience (UX) as it requires data to be sent back and forth.
- The company has to pay for all the processing that takes place on the server. This can turn out to be a rather expensive option in the long run.
Regarding the skill sets required, backend developers must know at least one of the popular backend frameworks or programming languages. It is even better if they also know frontend web technologies such as CSS and HTML. The developers must be able to manage a hosting environment with database administration.
Notwithstanding, web development skills like handling security and accessibility compliance are non-negotiable. They should also have experience working with Version Control, such as GIT. Likewise, in terms of the programming languages and frameworks requirement, backend developers have to work with the frontend development team and set server rationale to external components of the web app. There are a few programming languages in server-side development to know about.
Including:
- Java: Java is an object-oriented and platform-independent programming language popular for its cross-platform capabilities, convenience, and security features.
- PHP: An open-source scripting language used for developing websites and web apps. Even amateur developers can work on it because of its simple syntax that does not take a long time to learn.
- Python: A cutting-edge and general-purpose programming language significantly reduces the need for coding and ensures high utility because of third-party modules.
- Ruby: It gives precedence to conventions rather than configuration and helps backend developers save time while configuring files before starting the development process.
The next thing on the list are databases and server management. Even though it is possible to create a web app without a database, it would mean limited functionality. You need to have someplace to store data, especially if your website asks for visitors' data. That makes the database an integral part of every technology stack for web app development. There are some of the most common databases worth mentioning.
Including:
Since a server is where an end user's request is received, processed, and acted upon, there should be a web development tech stack that enables developers to host the application on the server. There are a few popular servers for websites to consider, including Apache, Nginx, and many more.
The Most Common Website Design Tech Stack Tools
It is incredible to see the speed with which web development techniques are evolving. Who would have thought of building robust and dynamic web applications such as Netflix, Spotify, and Airbnb 12 years ago? But here they are and how!
Since websites are also getting more complex, it has become necessary for web developers to know a range of versatile tools. Some of the essential tools you will need to become a web developer include Chrome Developer Tools, Visual Code Studio, React, Bootstrap, NPM, and Figma. There are also other types of devices that every developer should have in their toolbox.
A. A web application framework
A web app framework, such as React, is a software library that helps build web services, APIs, and resources. Choosing the right platform is essential because a wrong choice could otherwise become expensive and time-consuming. Today, React has become the most popular JavaScript application framework. Created and maintained by Facebook, React is often considered an early proponent of component-based User Interface development. It is so popular because of React Native, which enables developers to create iOS and Native UI Android apps as well.
B. A package manager
A package manager, such as NPM, helps in automating the process of installing, configuring, upgrading, and removing computer programs. For instance, if a user requests a package, the particular tool finds it from the known location and installs it.
In the JavaScript runtime environment Node.js, NPM is the default package manager. It is known for simplifying the process of sharing and reusing the codebase for developers. NPM is apt for building large-scale websites, but it can also help handle small-scale web application projects.
C. A code and text editor
Developers cannot do their job efficiently and swiftly without using code and text editors. After all, the whole foundation of a website is based on coding. Luckily, many tools, such as the Visual Code Studio, can help with this cause.
Visual Code Studio is a source-code editor that works on macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms. Its notable features include intelligent code completion, debugging, embedded Git control, snippets and code refactoring, and syntax highlighting.
Developed by Microsoft, it allows developers to edit and undertake a range of activities, such as changing the layout, fonts, and color scheme of the website quickly.
D. A frontend framework
Frontend frameworks comprise standardized and pre-written codebases that help developers hit the ground running when building new websites. It is crucial to select a tool that is not too complex for a basic project and not too simple for a large website. In this case, Bootstrap is a popular open-source CSS framework that comprises CSS, JavaScript, and HTML components and enables developers to build responsive websites of all sizes and complexities.
Since responsiveness is a major factor that defines user experience, you must choose a framework that can help you achieve this goal. Bootstrap is mainly known in the industry for being accessible to those developers who are just getting started in web development. It was created and launched by Twitter.
E. A backend framework
A framework such as Django holds a lot of importance to ensure optimal performance and scalability of the websites. They form the foundation of any web application, which is why you cannot take the process of choosing one lightly for your web app development project.
Django is an open-source backend framework based on Python and follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern. Apt for feature-rich, database-driven websites, Django facilitates reduced coding, faster development, and optimal pluggability.
F. A web design and prototyping tool
Web development goes beyond coding websites. A lot of effort needs to be put into its UI and UX. Optimal design is imperative, which is why web development teams must use prototyping tools to see how the result will look once launched. Be that as it may, Figma is a UI design software known for enabling multiple people to work on a single document simultaneously. It helps designers define subtle interactions (e.g., click), connect UI elements on the web page, and insert features like momentum scrolling on the site.
G. An API & Cloud Testing Tool
It is essential to have reliable tools to write, test, and deploy web APIs securely and efficiently. They are, after all, necessary to manipulate and retrieve data from any modern IoT devices in a way that is useful for web apps. Postman is a collaboration platform that helps in API development. It helps simplify every step of the API creation process and smoothens the collaboration channels. Postman also has a thriving community of developers.
How To Choose The Right Website Design Tech Stack Tools
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned webmaster, you will agree that there are far too many options when it comes to choosing the most suitable website design tech stack tools for your new projects. The more knowledge you consume about them, the more overwhelming and burdensome it becomes for you to make the right call.
One wrong move and the foundation of your web development project can be hampered. That is something you do not want for your project, as that costs time, money, and effort. Therefore, to make your job simpler, we list four factors below to be considered while choosing the right tech stack:
ii. Know your project type and size
If you are building a smaller website or web app, choose a simple stack such as Python-Django. If you are undertaking a full-stack development project, Node.js development and React are an excellent choice. For enterprise-level web apps, full stacks such as MERN and MEAN are essential.
Going the Angular.js route can also help you build scalable and responsive web apps relatively quickly. In a nutshell, be clear about what type of project you want to undertake — eCommerce, content-rich, social media, and so on. If you also have clarity about the size, you can choose a tech stack that will definitely help you build a great application. No point going wrong here!
ii. Define the timeline to launch and market your site
Every business, at some point, gets unrealistic about when and how they want to launch and market their website. Therefore, once you have a clear idea about the timescales, you can choose an appropriate tech stack to help you achieve those targets.
Pick those technologies and databases that allow convenient third-party integrations and help in shortening the development cycle. MEAN is an ideal tech stack in this regard. Please also consider your future expansion plans, where the current stacks can integrate with third-party apps rather conveniently.
iii. Plan your budget practically
You might want to have the best website in your industry, but creating a dynamic and intuitive platform comes at a cost. Many cross-divisional teams are involved in custom web development — from professional web developers and designers to QA analysts and software testers.
Not only that, the types of technologies you use for this job also influence your budget. Therefore, be realistic. Deploy on those tech stacks and third-party plugins, which you would most definitely need to build a site. Speak to your developers and identify the best tech stack for the job.
iv. Keep scalability in mind
Indeed, you are never going to build a website and leave it at that. As your website matures, you will fetch more footfall online. Perhaps you might want to add more functionality to it. Whatever it is, your web application is bound to evolve and scale. Therefore, you need to score a tech stack that helps you scale up. AngularJS and Node.js can help you in this regard.
Alternatively, choose the MEAN stack. Whatever you go for, please make sure that the components and frameworks are scalable. The technologies deployed should help you Create An MVP that can efficiently handle your beta users. You do not want to switch core technologies once the site starts maturing or the app begins evolving. Have a word with your web development agency regarding that.
Tips To Help Outsource The Most Professional Webmasters
Website development is far more than just piecing together a bunch of web pages and uploading them online. A website needs to be highly secure, compatible across devices and browsers, contain all the features a customer expects, and be easy to navigate.
All of this is more challenging than you might think, especially if you have no one to guide you or support you. Therefore, if you are not an expert developer yourself, it is ideal to hire web developers or an agency to help with it. Consider some of the following key principles:
1. Taskforce Competence
The web development company you go with should have specific expertise and experience in designing websites for brands in your industry. That matters because the company will already have an idea of the pitfalls that companies like yours might face with website building, and give you suitable suggestions.
2. Performance Portfolio
The development company should willingly provide you with portfolio examples of their past clients so that you can make sure their work is a good fit for what you want. If they are cagey about providing you with a portfolio, that is a red flag. Plus, the role of the target company portfolio is to also give you an idea about the types of clients they have catered to before.
3. Coding Standards
Apart from ensuring that the development company is proficient in the coding language you need for your website, you need to verify that all of the code going into the website belongs to you. Ask the company for a copyright agreement that transfers the ownership of everything they develop to you. Have a very open conversation with them in this regard.
4. Project End-Results
Your website needs to be profitable, both in terms of the goods you directly sell through it and in terms of the increased traffic and social media engagement you get through it. The development company should present you with a clear plan for how they will help you monetize your website and make it the one-stop online destination for your customers.
5. Client Feedback
You will be working with the development company for an extended period, so you need to make sure you have a strong working relationship with them. An excellent way to verify this is by talking to their previous clients, who can give you first-hand information on how the development team communicates, how prompt they are with replies, whether they are pleasant to speak to, and so on. Their clients will provide you with an unbiased picture.
6. Communication Style
If you are located in different time zones, you need to establish specific timelines and mediums to communicate. Before you sign an agreement with the development company, agree upon a channel — be it email, instant messaging, or Skype — by which you can share updates and questions, and the frequency of communicating with them (daily/weekly).
7. Platform Compatibility
Be sure to hire a development company that is used to designing websites compatible across web browsers, operating platforms, and devices. Every platform has slightly different rules, and websites load differently on phones than they do on laptops, and the developers should know how to take care of it. This area of expertise is non-negotiable.
8. Delivery Capacity
The better the user experience on your website, the more traffic and conversions you get. Ensure that the developer team you pick knows how to design websites based on customer personalities and how to optimize them for cross-platform use. Web design can make or break the future of your project. Do not take your potential developer’s UX expertise lightly.
9. Database Security
However attractive your site might look, insecure storage or deployment can affect its lifespan and get you flagged. Ensure that the developer team uses multi-layered security solutions to guard your data against any breach or malware.
10. Service Package
Particularly if you want your development team to take care of the whole gamut of website tasks — from market assessment to launch — it makes sense to invest in a service package that covers all these tasks under a single price bracket. If you need any highly customized services, you can always pay extra for them. Everyone wins!
Takeaway:
Once you are done with all the above, ensure you also ask the development team how they will beta test the website to ensure that it is in line with customer expectations and test it for bugs or glitches. It would be best if you also had clarity on how rapidly the team will address these issues. All optimal enterprise web development services should have proper testing processes.
At the same time, having clear expectations about a timeline and milestones is critical to your website's success and something that your development team needs to be upfront about. Besides, make sure that there will be at least a few team members dedicated to your project alone.
Similarly, an NDA is an absolute must. A non-disclosure agreement legally binds the development team to confidentiality, and any professional company worth its salt will introduce one at the very start of the partnership. Fortunately, together with our partner (Intuz), we do take care of all that! You are always welcome to Contact Us so we can help plan your next design/development project effectively.