How To Choose The Best Technology Stack for eCommerce Website Development?

Last Updated on July 14, 2022

The job of choosing a technology stack may look like a tough and confusing task, specifically for entrepreneurs who are from a non-technical background.

Picking a tech stack for developing an eCommerce store is a daunting process as slow-speed websites usually lead to lost revenues. Furthermore, in the stack, the distribution part holds the same importance as the product part.

Today, we are here with a breakdown of the tech stack for you to ease you with the development of your eCommerce store.

Let us start with the breakdown so you can develop your eCommerce business with ease and peace of mind saving a few dollars of your budget. First, let’s know about a technology stack.

What Is A Tech Stack?

A combination of tools, frameworks, platforms, applications, and programming languages, a technology stack, is used to develop a mobile app or a website.

As technological platforms and tools layer one above another, finally, they craft a fully functional system.

There are two major parts of this ecosystem.

• Front-end, which is client-facing
• Back-end, which is server-facing

Front-End eCommerce Technologies

A client-facing, tech tools suite that is used in the app and web development is the front end. Various front-end technologies are used side by side. Let’s discuss them below:

HTML (HyperText Markup Language)

It is the standard markup language that is used for designing documents that are displayed in a web browser.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

A style sheet language, CSS assists in describing the presentation of a document that is written in a markup language, like HTML. CSS is a basic technology of the World Wide Web, parallel to HTML and JavaScript.

JavaScript

The widely accepted front-end programming language, JavaScript is used for appending interactivity into static HTML pages. The JS libraries that are used for front-end development are React, Angular, Vue, jQuery.

Vue.js

A progressive open-source JS framework, Vue.js helps in developing web user interfaces, and single-page apps. It also performs well for developing lightweight eCommerce websites.

Node.js

An open-source runtime environment, Node.js, permits developing front-end and back-end solutions based on JS. Node.js development holds various advantages for eCommerce solutions.

Angular

A front-end framework, Angular, is used in developing dynamic mobile, web, and desktop apps. It is known as a robust and complete solution that is developed and supported by Google. Various brands prefer Angular.js development services for developing eCommerce websites.

React.js

One of the widely-known JS frameworks, React.js assists in developing interactive elements on sites. It’s also used in software development and for eCommerce websites.

Back-End eCommerce Technologies

The server-side part of technology, also known as the back-end uses a group of frameworks and tools to perform its functions.

C#

A general-purpose programming language, C# is used for developing versatile software solutions, embracing eCommerce apps.

Web Server

Software that takes requests from the users analyzes them, and offers an output of the requested documents back to those users is known as web servers. Two chief web servers that are both free and open source are Apache and Nginx.

Databases

An important part of the back-end ecosystem, databases, permit us to process and maintain various data points. The top and widely-accepted databases are:

• MySQL
• MongoDB
• DynamoDB by Amazon
• Firebase database by Google
• PostgreSQL

Storage

Also known as object-based or object storage, storage is a strategy that handles and manages data storage as different units, known as objects. Such objects are placed in a single storehouse and are not included in files inside the other folders. Despite this, object storage merges the pieces of data that form a file, appends all its related metadata to that file, and fixes a custom identifier.

AWS S3 (Amazon Simple Storage Solution)

An object storage service that provides industry-leading data availability, scalability, performance, and security is Amazon Simple Storage Solution

Firebase Storage by Google

A simple, powerful, and cost-effective object storage service that is developed for Google scale is known as firebase storage.

Programming Languages

Programming languages utilize distinct syntax to give the command to a computer to get the desired output. These languages are used in a technology stack along with their respective frameworks. Below we have enclosed such frameworks in brackets ([]).

Ruby [Ruby on Rails]

A model-view-controller framework, Rails, offers default structures for a web service, a database, and web pages.

Java [Spring]

An object-oriented, high-level programming language, Java is designed to develop large enterprise-class apps.

Python [Django, Pylons, Flask]

An integrated, high-level, general-purpose programming language, Python, is used for other types of software and programming development apart from web development.

Scala [Play]

A robust statically typed general-purpose programming language that supports both OOP and functional programming, is Scala.

PHP [Laravel]

A general-purpose scripting language, PHP is suited for web development. It is a powerful tool for making interactive and dynamic web pages. Laravel based on PHP is also a popular framework for ecommerce website development.

Spring

An app framework and inversion of the control container for the Java platform is Spring. The core features of the framework can be used by any Java app, but extensions are also available for developing web apps above the Java EE platform.

Groovy on Grails

An open-source web app framework, Grails uses the Apache Groovy programming language. It is known to be a high-productivity framework.

Popular Tech Stacks for eCommerce Website Development

LAMP Stack

LAMP stands for (Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP). The lamp is the quickest tech stack that helps in app development. But, its fast release leads to two drawbacks: it is not scalable enough and is also low-performance.

• Operating System: Linux
• Web Server: Apache
• Database management: MySQL or MariaDB
• Scripting Language: Perl / PHP / Python

Python-Django

The Django framework is used side-by-side with Python and offers a high-security level for back-end development.

• Web Server: Apache
• Database management: MySQL or PostgreSQL
• Scripting Language: Python

MEAN Stack

MEAN stands for MongoDB (NoSQL DB), Express.js (backend web framework), Angular (front-end framework), & Node.js (an open-source cross-platform server). This is widely accepted as the best technology stack for developing eCommerce websites and online stores.

• Database management: MongoDB / MySQL
• Backend framework: Express
• Web Application Framework: Angular
• Backend platform: Node.js

.NET Stack

The proprietary stack of Microsoft that was developed in the early 2000s, the .NET stack, has become partially open source and encourages further action.

• Operating System: Windows (but you can use Linux & macOS)
• Framework: ASP.NET
• Web Server: Microsoft SQL
• Database Management: various
• Scripting Language: C# & JavaScript

How-To Choose A Tech Stack For eCommerce Web Development?

Let’s now check out the tips and process of choosing a tech stack for developing an eCommerce store.

Compatible with Existing Stack

So, if you are new to the eCommerce business and are in search of a suitable technology stack to develop your online store from scratch, then existing frameworks and tools would be the best way to start. You should be sure that the new tools and platforms that you choose should be compatible with your current solutions that you are already using.

Check with Your Team Skills

Well, startups generally have a limited budget, we all know this as we all have once been there. That’s why here, it would be better to utilize the experience and strengths of your team. If you have a skillful team, you should consider its expertise to develop your website.

Check for Project-Specific Considerations

Before you start with your project, you should understand its initial needs, niche-specific features, size, and later you can adjust your choices as per the technology stack you choose for developing your online store.

Consider Development Lapse Time

While picking eCommerce technologies for your website development project, you should consider time to market also.

If you want just a quick app to test your idea, you may do it well with a LAMP stack. If your development lapse time allows you to follow an approach considering agility and quality, then you are not likely to opt for LAMP, as it offers low scalability and average performance.

Scalability

In eCommerce, the basic factor on which the make and break of the company’s growth depend is scalability.

If your frameworks and platforms fail to scale faster with no extra investment when it comes to time, talent, and capital, it will lead to losing market share and revenues, even in a single minute.

Talent Availability & Recruitment

Well, the more popular the technology is, the more developers will master it. So, this time it depends on you how you select the talent for your project. The market is full of expertise and in all price ranges in varied languages and skills.

So, you should pick the proficient developers in or nearby to your location or even remotely as per your chosen tech stack for eCommerce development.

Budget Planning & Hardware Requirements

It depends entirely on the software that you pick. They may demand a few servers or more to conduct some basic functions. So, check your selected solutions carefully for their hardware needs, especially if you are a newbie, a budget-sensitive startup in the eCommerce industry.

Examples Of Technology Stack Of Top Five eCommerce Players

Let’s check out the big eCommerce players who are empowering all over the world. You may learn about their choices when it comes to tools for their eCommerce business.

It’s not like choosing the same tools will soon help you to catch up with success. You may try the tips and procedure aforementioned to choose the best technology stack for your project. So, let’s start with the eCommerce leaders on this globe.

Amazon

Amazon.com, an American multinational technology company that targets cloud computing, eCommerce, artificial intelligence, and digital streaming. It’s the world’s largest eCommerce marketplace which started with selling books but expanded more to sell software, apparel, electronics, furniture, and a lot more.

• Sales revenue in 4th quarter of 2020 – $125.6 Billion
• Active Users – 300 million
• Third-Party Sellers – 2.5+ Million

eBay

An American multinational eCommerce corporation, eBay Inc. allows business-to-consumer and consumer-to-consumer sales through its website. It is a multibillion-dollar business having an operation in about 32 countries as recorded in 2019. The brand handles the eBay website, an online auction, and a shopping website through which people buy and sell various goods and services all over the world.

• Users Worldwide – 182 Million
• Live Listing – 1.6 Billion
• Per Seller Listing – 268

Target

An American retail corporation, Target Corporation started expanding nationwide in the 1980s. Earlier it was the 8th-largest retailer in the US only. It introduced new store formats in the 1990s under the Target brand. Their retail formats include the hypermarket SuperTarget, the discount store Target, and “small-format” stores.

• Total Revenue (in 2020) – $93.6 Billion
• Stores in the US – 1,909
• Distribution Centers – 44

Walmart

An American multinational retail corporation, Walmart operates a chain of discount department stores, hypermarkets, and grocery stores from the US. Walmart has 10,526 clubs and stores in 24 countries, operating under 48 distinct names.

• Revenue Worldwide – $559 Billion
• Net Sales Worldwide – $555 Billion
• Customers Worldwide – 265 Million
• Stores Globally – 11,501

Etsy

An American eCommerce company that focuses on vintage or handmade items and craft supplies is Etsy. Such items belong to a wide range of categories, such as bags, jewelry, home decor, clothing, and a lot more.

• Gross Merchandise Sales (in 2020) – $10.28 Billion
• Revenue (in 2020) – $1.72 Billion
• Active Sellers – 4.32 Million

Role of Third-Party Technology Solutions In Tech Stack

Third-party solutions play an important role when it comes to the tech stack. In the market, there are varied choices. So, let’s check some of most used third-party web technology:

Payment Gateways

To offer customers a secure and convenient platform, smooth transactions, and delivery at their doorstep, the eCommerce platform needs an efficient gateway that may increase customer loyalty and in turn profit and sales. You need to integrate a payment gateway to your eCommerce store to reap its benefits.

A technology that is used by merchants to accept credit and debit card purchases from customers is a payment gateway.

Third-party solutions play an important role when it comes to the tech stack. In the market, there are varied choices. So, let’s check some top web technology:

You should choose one as per the prediction of your anticipated transactions.

PayPal

One of the largest online payment processors, PayPal is widely accepted by online merchants all over the world. It offers credit card security, flexibility, allows you to send money, saves time, etc. It is available free of cost.

Authorize.net

With Authorize.net, your transaction data may be reliable, quick, and transmitted securely. The user needs to install software to allow the gateway to handle the routing of transactions. It can also perform transaction management, report generation, account setting configuration, and more.

Braintree

An online payment solution with credit cards, Braintree is a property of PayPal. This solution is chiefly targeted at international business. Braintree charges the lowest currency conversion fees. It is a payment solution for any startup that wants to sell on the Internet. It is an attractive solution for those brands that sell abroad and like to have other forms of payment.

Stripe

One of the top benefits of Stripe is that it allows users to make payments by staying on your website, despite being redirected to another website. It charges no setup fee and is also quick.

Adyen

Adyen integrates gateway, processing and acquiring processes, and risk management all into one platform to reveal three chief benefits: unified commerce, global reach, and centralized data. Software development, networking, administration, security, and database management all is done in-house.

Checkout.com

Checkout.com, a flexible payment solution assists global enterprises in launching new products and craft experiences that customers love. It offers the most reliable, fastest payments in 150+ currencies, top-class fraud filters, and reporting, all through one API.

2checkout

A premier global payment platform, 2CheckOut offers companies the tools to receive online and mobile payments anywhere all over the globe. This solution features localized payment options and renders a sequence of services that may benefit both merchants and customers.

Email Marketing Software Solutions

The best email marketing software should facilitate easy email designing, list segmentation, message personalization, and analytics reports view. To choose the best, you need to research reliability, price, template designs, technical support, deliverability, ease of use, integration, and automation, and more features you need. Here are some top email marketing software solutions:

• MailChimp
• ConvertKit
• GetResponce

Social Media Marketing

When social media platforms and sites are used to promote a service or a product is known as social media marketing. It is becoming popular for both researchers and practitioners. It helps in enhancing brand awareness, increasing traffic, and promoting products and services. Some of the widely-accepted social media marketing tools are:

• Hootsuite
• Buffer
• Marketing 360

CRM (Customer Relations Management Software)

A system and technology that sustains marketing, sales, and customer service activities in CRM. It is designed to collect and interpret customer data, both structured and unstructured, and also to assist the management of the business side of customer-related operations. CRM technology automates the workflows and processes and helps in interpreting and organizing data to support the brand in effective customer engagement. Some common and widely used CRM software are:

• Salesforce
• HubSpot
• Nimble CRM
• Zoho
• InfoFlo
• Microsoft Dynamics

Inventory Management Software

The practice of planning the storing, buying, and selling of stock, whether it’s raw materials or finished goods, is known as inventory management. Inventory management assists in inventory accuracy, cost savings, diminished risk of overselling, greater insights, increased profits, more productivity, and more. Some common inventory management software that is in use is:

• Square For Retail
• Lightspeed
• NetSuite

Chatbots For eCommerce

Amazing conversational marketing tools, chatbots hold the caliber to handle multiple conversations simultaneously. They offer the customers replies by acquiring knowledge from various channels while maintaining a consistent tone for the brand.

Live Chat

It permits support teams to communicate with customers all through live messaging. You can start a preemptive live chat invitation to specific customers based on their behavior.

Location-Based Marketing

A direct marketing strategy that utilizes a mobile device’s location to alert the owner of the device about an offering from his nearby business is location-based marketing. Such alerts are typically delivered through SMS text messages to smartphones.

VR/AR Guidance

By integrating AR and VR technologies you will get an extraordinary mobile shopping experience for your customers, connecting in a more meaningful and deeper way with your brand.

eCommerce Analytics Tools

The ecommerce analytics tools that are used by business analysts incorporate statistical tools, data mining tools, and predictive modeling. Such software apps offer organizations a complete view of key insights that enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

• KISSmetrics
• Piwik
• Hotjar
• Woopra

Shipping Solutions

Shipping software helps in automating the process of managing and tracking freight delivery. It assists businesses in coordinating and smoothing their outgoing shipments to customers. Its features include bulk editing and printing of shipment information, comparative carrier pricing and shipments, and custom tracking and confirmation notifications.

• ShippingEasy
• Shippo
• Sellbrite
• ShipStation

Modern eCommerce Development Platforms

A software app that permits online businesses to handle the website, sales, marketing, and operations is known as the eCommerce platform. eCommerce platforms lay a huge impact on the stability and profitability of your business.

There are two chief eCommerce platform options:

Hosted

Often referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery model, a hosted eCommerce platform is an all-in-one solution that usually includes shopping baskets, hosting, and technical support.

Shopify

An eCommerce platform that one can use to develop a store both online and offline is Shopify. Store owners use Shopify as it permits them to sell both online with a website and/or in-person with Shopify POS. Everyone can use Shopify from beginners to eCommerce experts. It comes with a free, 14-day trial.

BigCommerce

A leading eCommerce software platform, BigCommerce offers startups and well-established companies everything they need to start with and grow their online store.

A robust platform, BigCommerce arrives with an easy-to-use interface and advanced in-built features.

Self Hosted

With hosted eCommerce platforms, you are not required to worry about setting your server. With hosted eCommerce platforms, businesses can operate on the cloud where all their data and files are stored.

Despite hosting your eCommerce platform through a hosted server, you can develop a self-hosted platform yourself. This states that you are entirely responsible for the development, hosting, and storage of your data. Businesses that pick a self-hosted eCommerce platform are needed to set their server that is generally within the cloud.

Magento 2

Magento 2 integrates physical and digital shopping experiences successfully to delight the customers. Additionally, it holds a robust portfolio of cloud-based omnichannel solutions comprising retail associate, in-store, and order management technologies.

WooCommerce On WordPress

WooCommerce is crafted as a WordPress extension. It is a widely accepted website builder that permits users to develop an eCommerce website from scratch or also add shopping cart functionality to the current website.

What It Costs To Develop An Online eCommerce Store?

Generally, the cost of eCommerce website development costs ranges from $1,000 to $1,000,000 or even higher. Although, the minimum eCommerce website budget for custom development is approximately $60,000 per platform.

This price range is because of factors that affect the cost. Let’s check out those factors:

• eCommerce website hosting cost, SSL certificate cost.
• Timeline and business objectives.
• SEO and marketing expenditures.
• Number and integration of third-party services.
• Number and complexity of site functionalities.
• The complexity of website design.
• Vendor rates (that vary as per the experience, location, portfolio, etc. )
• Vendor type (in-house, freelance, or remote website development team)

Wrapping Up

So, the development of eCommerce solutions includes its unique features and demands special tools and frameworks. Thanks to the world of technologies, there exists a wide range of eCommerce software development tools and technologies. You can pick as per your choice and your business requirements.

Your choice, in the beginning, will decide the end of your business. So, be careful while choosing a tech stack for your eCommerce website development, choose the best and get the best. You may take the guidance from our post and attain success ahead. We hope you find this article helpful.