Minimize Your Stack 📦 What Do You Really Need?

published by Jens-Uwe Lössl on 2/15/2025

We Are Developers, and We Love New Tech

Let’s be honest—new technology is exciting, and testing out the latest frameworks and tools is always tempting. However, when selecting a tech stack for your project, you need to ensure it aligns with your goals and requirements. But let me tell you something: The best code is the code that doesn’t exist.

Customer-Centric Thinking

The biggest challenge in software development isn’t just building something, but building the right thing. Before you write a single line of code, put yourself in the user’s shoes and ask:

  1. Who will use this software?
  2. In what situation will they use it?
  3. What is their ultimate goal when using it?

The better you understand your users, the better you can define meaningful requirements. These are the ones that truly matter. For example, if your target users are often outdoors without an internet connection, a web app might not be the right approach. On the other hand, if your users work in an office, a web app could be the perfect fit.

I once worked on a project designed for biologists—people collecting plant and animal samples in the wild and later analyzing them in a lab. This required both a mobile app (for data collection in the field) and a web app (for data analysis). These applications had different designs and functionalities because the same users interacted with them in entirely different contexts and with different needs.

Users Don’t Care About Your Tech Stack

The only people who care about the technology you use are developers. End users don’t care about how well-structured your code is—they care about new features and system stability. You don’t need a microservices architecture unless your user base is large enough to require scaling.

So what do your users actually care about? It depends on your application. If you’re in the early stages of product development, focus on delivering features quickly rather than implementing the latest tech trends. Fast feedback loops with users are far more valuable at this stage than using the newest tools.

Doesn’t New Technology Speed Up Development?

Good question! I’m not against adopting new technology, but you should always ask yourself why you’re choosing it. For example, in one startup I worked with, we relied heavily on hardware infrastructure. Instead of self-hosting, we chose AWS—more expensive at first glance but ultimately more cost-effective than managing our own servers or hiring a DevOps engineer. This allowed us to focus on building the application rather than worrying about infrastructure.

For my personal projects, I use Google Cloud and Firebase. Are they the most cost-efficient options? Probably not. Are they the best for my use case? Maybe not. But they let me focus on development without worrying about infrastructure, and since my apps have a database abstraction layer, I can migrate away if needed.

Practical Steps to Simplify Your Tech Stack

  1. Audit your current stack—identify redundant tools and services.
  2. Prioritize essential technologies that directly impact your users.
  3. Consider low-code or no-code solutions for non-core functionality.
  4. Leverage open-source frameworks and libraries.
  5. Use cloud platforms to reduce infrastructure maintenance.
  6. Implement a modular architecture for easy scalability.

Common Pitfalls When Choosing a Tech Stack

Many developers fall into common traps when selecting their technology stack. Here are some key mistakes to avoid:

  1. Shiny Object Syndrome - Don’t choose tech just because it’s trending.
  2. Over-Engineering - Avoid unnecessary complexity that slows down development.
  3. Ignoring Scalability - Think long-term but don’t over-optimize for problems you don’t have.
  4. Lack of Documentation - Ensure your stack has good documentation and community support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my tech stack is too complex?

If you’re spending more time managing infrastructure and dependencies than developing features, your stack may be overly complex. Simplifying your setup can free up resources for actual product development.

When should I change my tech stack?

Change your stack when it no longer meets business needs, creates maintenance headaches, or significantly slows down development. Otherwise, refactoring and optimizing your current stack may be the better approach.

Should startups use microservices?

Microservices add complexity and should only be used when scaling demands justify them. Most startups benefit from a monolithic or modular approach in the early stages.

Final Thoughts

When choosing a tech stack, keep it simple and maintainable. Focus on what you truly need for success, and most importantly—DON’T FORGET YOUR USERS. By making thoughtful decisions, you can reduce technical debt, improve developer productivity, and build a product that truly serves its audience.