What is Web Stack?

Demystifying the Web Stack: Building Blocks of the Websites You Use

Ever wondered how the website you're browsing right now functions? It's not magic, but rather a complex collaboration of technologies known as the web stack. In this blog, we'll break down this critical concept, using real-world examples to shed light on its components.

Imagine a web stack like a delicious burger:

• The bottom bun (foundation): This represents the server-side, the hidden engine that powers the website. Here, technologies like programming languages (e.g., Python, PHP, Java) and databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) work together to store and process information.
• The patty (core): This is the server-side framework (optional but common), a pre-built structure that streamlines development on the server-side. Popular frameworks include Django (Python) and Ruby on Rails (Ruby).
• The top bun (presentation): This represents the client-side, the user-facing part of the website. Here, the front-end development takes center stage, using technologies like HTML (structure), CSS (styling), and JavaScript (interactivity) to create the visual experience and interactive elements you see.

Bringing the burger to life:

• When you visit a website, your browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) sends a request to the server.
• The server-side, powered by the chosen technologies, retrieves the necessary information from the database.
• The server then processes this information and prepares a response in the form of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code.
• This code is sent back to your browser, which interprets and renders it, displaying the website on your screen.

Examples in action:

• E-commerce website: The server-side might use Python and a Django framework to manage product data stored in a MySQL database. The client-side would use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create the product listings, shopping cart, and checkout process.
• Social media platform: The server-side could utilize Java and store user data and posts in a PostgreSQL database. The client-side might leverage HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to display user profiles, news feeds, and interactive features like commenting and sharing.

Understanding the web stack is valuable for:

• Web developers: Choosing the right technologies for their projects based on specific needs and functionalities.
• Non-technical users: Gaining a basic understanding of how websites work and appreciating the complexity behind the scenes.

The web stack is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, but hopefully, this blog has provided a helpful starting point for your exploration!