Exploring Tech Stacks: Unveiling the JAMstack Revolution Introduction In the ever-evolving world of technology, developers frequently discuss the concept of a tech stack. This is because a tech stack serves as the fundamental technology infrastructure used for building web and mobile applications. In essence, a tech stack is a composite of various components, including programming […]
Exploring Tech Stacks: Unveiling the JAMstack Revolution
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of technology, developers frequently discuss the concept of a tech stack. This is because a tech stack serves as the fundamental technology infrastructure used for building web and mobile applications. In essence, a tech stack is a composite of various components, including programming languages, frameworks, databases, front-end and back-end tools, and APIs. These components collectively provide the essential services required to operate a single application. Take, for example, Facebook, the world’s most popular social networking website. It was crafted using a combination of programming languages and coding frameworks such as JavaScript, CSS, ReactJS, HTML, and PHP, which, when combined, constitute Facebook’s tech stack.
Understanding Tech Stacks
Now, if you’re venturing into the realm of web or mobile application development, you’ll encounter various models of tech stacks. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the primary tools in these stacks, as the choice of a tech stack can significantly impact your application’s speed, scalability, and overall support and maintenance costs. In this article, we will delve into the world of JAMstack, exploring what it is, its functionalities, and weighing its pros and cons.
Different Types of Tech Stacks
Before we delve into JAMstack, let’s briefly survey the tech stack landscape. The realm of technology offers a variety of tech stacks, with some of the most popular options in use today. You may already be acquainted with terms like MEAN, MERN, LAMP, and MEVN. In this article, we’ll shift our focus to JAMstack and unravel its intricacies.
What is JAMstack?
JAMstack is rapidly gaining popularity in the realm of website development, offering developers the means to create a diverse range of interactive websites. Most notably, JAMstack opens up new possibilities for the development of user-friendly and flexible eCommerce platforms. At its core, JAMstack is composed of three key components: JavaScript, APIs, and Markup. It represents a contemporary approach to online development architecture, underpinned by two core principles: pre-rendering and decoupling, which empower websites and applications with resilience.
A Brief History of JAMstack
The term “JAMstack” was first coined by Mathias Biilmann, the CEO of Netlify, in 2015. Netlify, a San Francisco-based cloud computing company, provides hosting and serverless backend services for web applications and static websites. The company hosts an annual conference called “Popular Jamstack,” co-hosted by Vercel and Cloudflare Pages, among others. Over the past decade, websites have evolved from simple folders containing static HTML files to more advanced, customizable, flexible, and interactive platforms. In 2019, developers began adopting the JAMstack, and new tools and services emerged to support JAMstack-powered sites. In 2020, JAMstack continued to gain traction, with frameworks like Next.js, RedwoodJS, and Blitz.js contributing to its expansion.
Core Principles of JAMstack
JAMstack operates on two core principles: decoupling and pre-rendering. Decoupling involves separating the front end from the back end, allowing for the use of different tools for client and server-side development. Typically, the front end is crafted using a static site generator, while the back end is integrated with the front end via APIs. Server-side processes can also be executed using serverless functions. Pre-rendering, on the other hand, involves generating the site in advance, departing from the traditional model of generating each page view in response to a user’s request.
JAMstack’s Architecture
Let’s take a closer look at the architecture of JAMstack.
Components of JAMstack
JavaScript (JS): JavaScript is a vital component of JAMstack, residing on the client side, where it handles responses and requests. It plays a crucial role in transforming static sites into interactive and dynamic ones. JAMstack allows for the use of various UI frameworks, such as React, Vue, and Svelte, providing flexibility and organization in the development process.
APIs: Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are essential in making a site as dynamic as possible. Reusable APIs simplify the development of new features without the need to write code from scratch. Whether enhancing functionality or user experience, JavaScript’s ability to make HTTP requests through APIs is invaluable.
Markup: In the JAMstack architecture, markup is created through decoupling and pre-rendering, facilitating the construction of web pages.
Some Popular Stats About JAMstack
According to recent studies, JAMstack has experienced significant growth. In 2019, JAMstack powered only 0.50% of desktop web pages and 0.34% of mobile web pages. However, in 2020, these figures jumped to 0.91% for desktop and 0.84% for mobile, indicating a steady increase in JAMstack’s adoption. Among JAMstack frameworks, Next.js leads the way with a usage share of 58.65%, followed by Nuxt.js at 18.6%.
Pros & Cons of Using JAMstack for Your Next Project
Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of adopting JAMstack for your next project.
Pros
- Scalability: JAMstack’s reliance on pre-built static files served over Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) enables effortless handling of large volumes of traffic.
- Performance: JAMstack-based websites deliver outstanding performance, translating to an exceptional user experience.
- Decoupling for Security: Separating the front end and back end enhances security, making it easier to maintain and less vulnerable to attacks.
- Cost-Efficiency: Hosting static files on CDNs is more cost-effective than traditional hosting.
- Focused Development: Decoupling fosters focused development and streamlined debugging, enhancing flexibility.
Cons
- Learning Curve: Developers with limited knowledge of web development technologies like React and Vue may find JAMstack challenging initially.
- Technical Editors: Content creators or editors may require technical expertise to edit or update content.
- Coding Updates: Implementing updates typically involves coding, potentially requiring additional developer time.
- Dynamic Features: Developing dynamic features can be more resource-intensive.
- Dependency on Third-Party Services: Relying on third-party services or APIs means that if they fail, your entire website could be affected.
JAMstack Web Development Cost
The cost of developing a website using JAMstack hinges on various factors, including:
- Outsourcing vs. In-House Development: The choice between in-house development and outsourcing significantly impacts costs.
- Type of Website: The nature of your website, whether an eCommerce platform or a simple blog, affects development costs.
- Features: The inclusion of animations, images, the number of web pages, feature complexity, and customization levels play a role in determining costs.
- UX/UI Branding: Effective UX/UI design is essential for customer satisfaction, contributing to a seamless user experience.
- Team Composition: The composition of your development team, including project managers, JAMstack developers, designers, QA testers, and scrum masters, influences costs.
In conclusion, JAMstack offers a compelling approach to web development, emphasizing decoupling and pre-rendering to create highly performant and scalable websites. While it comes with both advantages and challenges, its adoption continues to grow, making it a noteworthy choice for modern web development projects. Whether you’re an experienced developer or just beginning your journey in web development, exploring JAMstack is a step toward embracing the future of web technology.