A tech stack, also called a technology stack, is a grouping of software tools, frameworks, and technologies that are used in the development and operation of websites and digital applications. It’s comparable to the framework and constituent parts of a structure, in which each part plays a distinct role in guaranteeing the performance and functionality of the application.
The tech stack gets even more complicated in the field of blockchain development, where it includes decentralised storage options, smart contract languages, and blockchain platforms. A key component of developing a successful application is still knowing and choosing the right tech stack, even as the digital landscape changes constantly.
In this article, we’ll talk about the components of a tech stack, layers of blockchain tech stack, understanding blockchain development tech stack, Top Web3 Development Environments and Development Environments for Non-EVM Blockchains
Components of a tech stack
The frontend, also known as client-side, and the backend, also known as server-side, make up the two primary parts of a tech stack.
1.Frontend: This is the area of the programme that users can see and directly interact with. It includes everything that the user interacts with directly, such as buttons, images, sliders, text colours and styles, and other elements. Along with frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, common frontend technologies include HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
2.The backend of an application is its behind-the-scenes portion, where logic for the whole thing is managed, data is stored and organised, and the frontend is made to function flawlessly. A server, an application, and a database make up this system.
Databases like PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and MySQL, as well as server environments like Node.js or Ruby on Rails, are examples of popular backend technologies.
Selecting the appropriate technology stack is essential to an application’s success. The choice is frequently influenced by a number of variables, such as the project’s specifications, the team’s experience level, the need for scalability, and financial limitations. A well-selected tech stack can guarantee the long-term viability of the application, improve user experience, and expedite development processes.
It’s important to keep in mind that, despite shifting technological trends, the main objective is still to develop a reliable, effective, and user-friendly application. Therefore, it’s best to put the project’s unique requirements ahead of widely accepted industry trends when choosing a tech stack.
Layers of the Blockchain Tech Stack
Visualising the structure of the blockchain tech stack is crucial to comprehending its many layers. From the bottom up, the image displays different programmable chains, or layer-1 (L1) blockchains. Remarkably, layer-2 (L2) blockchains are included in this base layer of the blockchain developer tech stack as well. These chains serve as the foundation, supplying the databases, networks, and protocols that make the decentralised Internet possible.
From the blockchain networks, the subsequent tiers consist of nodes, platforms, APIs, and a combination of Web3 and Web2 development tools. dApps are the ultimate solution. All of these parts make up the modern tech stack that is necessary for blockchain development.
Understanding Blockchain Development Tech Stack
The following are the tiers of the blockchain developer tech stack.
1.Blockchain Systems: This fundamental layer is essential to Web3 development and the realm of blockchain development. Without it, we could only use centralised systems. The Ethereum network continues to lead the field in programmable blockchains and maintains its standing as a popular decentralised platform.
Layer-1 Blockchains include: Ethereum, Avalanche, Cronos,Fantom, BNB Chain, Solana, NEAR,
Layer-2 Blockchains include: Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Hermez
2. Understanding nodes: Among other things, every full node keeps a complete copy of the blockchain’s current state. The degree of decentralisation of a given blockchain network is largely determined by the way nodes are distributed and spread within it.
Interacting with nodes is essential because they serve as a conduit for data retrieval and communication with the blockchain. Comparing Web3 development to traditional web development, it makes sense to avoid direct blockchain interaction, just as Web2 applications do not involve direct CPU interaction.
Although anyone can theoretically operate a node, the realities are more complicated. Running a node frequently requires full attention, requiring a team to maintain it, make sure backups are made on a regular basis, and handle other technical matters.
It is unrealistic to expect every Web3 developer to manage their node given these complexities. The bright side is that there are specialised node providers available, so developers don’t have to manage their own nodes. In the blockchain developer tech stack, these providers serve as the foundation of this layer. Well-known brands in the node provider space include Pocket Network, QuickNode, Alchemy, Chainstack, Getblock, and RunNode.
Nodes do, however, have inherent limitations. Generally speaking, a single node is limited to a single blockchain and cannot access multiple smart contracts linked to cryptocurrency tokens. Furthermore, a node provides raw data that is taken straight from the blockchain without any editing.
3.The Role of APIs
The idea of APIs, or application programming interfaces, is not new to those who are familiar with computer science. Software applications can be created and integrated more easily with the help of these organised sets of definitions and protocols. When it comes to blockchain, Web3 APIs are essential for creating decentralised apps (dApps).
In their most basic form, APIs offer a structured method for smooth communication between various software components. Stable environments with consistently coded code are made possible by high-quality APIs. Many prestigious Web3 API services are available within the blockchain ecosystem. Prominent examples include Bitquery, Alchemy, Biconomy, Covalent, QuickNode, and The Graph. It’s also important to note that these API offerings come with extensive documentation. For example, Moralis’ documentation is enhanced by real-world use-case examples that cover a wide range of its endpoints. This gives developers the capacity to use short code segments to answer a wide range of questions.
Top Web3 Development Environments
For Web3 developers embarking on the journey of dApp creation, the choice of blockchain network is pivotal. An essential criterion is the range and quality of developer tools at their disposal.
The silver lining for those opting for EVM-compatible chains is the rich legacy of Ethereum’s developmental history, offering a plethora of tried-and-tested development environments
1.Hardhat:This development environment, which is focused on JavaScript, is very helpful for developers who want to create, test, implement, and debug Ethereum applications. The ability to extend Hardhat with plugins enables customised local blockchain development configurations. Its thorough documentation also makes debugging and problem-solving easier.
2.Truffle Suite: This suite is an all-inclusive toolkit for EVM development, consisting of three JavaScript-focused developer tools: Ganache, Drizzle, and Truffle.
a As the primary development platform, truffle provides deployment and testing features.
b.Ganache: Enables a local blockchain to be established quickly.
c.Drizzle: Offers a set of frontend libraries that connect frontend components to the smart contracts that underpin them.
3. Brownie: Designed for EVM development, Brownie is a Python-driven framework that is positioned as a rival to Hardhat and Truffle. It provides a wide range of Web3 developer tools, primarily using the web3.py package for the deployment, testing, and compilation of dApps.
Development Environments for Non-EVM Blockchains
The explosion of dApp development on non-EVM blockchains is a recent development in the blockchain space.
Proponents of these networks frequently criticise EVM chains for being unduly dependent on Ethereum, arguing that new architectures can spur innovation. Non-EVM blockchains typically give data and transaction scalability top priority, guaranteeing high transaction rates.
Non-EVM Blockchain Examples include:
a.Solana: A Layer 1 platform that develops smart contracts in Rust.
b.NEAR: An additional Layer 1 platform that prefers Assembly Script or Rust for the development of smart contracts.
c.Astar: A Parachain connecting top Layer-1 blockchains with the Polkadot ecosystem
Non-EVM chains may not have as developed of a development environment, but some networks are leading the way in platform-specific development tools.
As an example, Flow uses a native extension for Visual Studio Code, one of the most popular IDEs, to give developers the tools they need to examine Cadence smart contracts for possible problems.
Anchor, intended for Solana contract development, is another notable non-EVM development environment. It provides a user experience that is similar to that of Truffle and Solidity, making the switch to Rust and Solana development easier for developers.
In conclusion, the blockchain technology stack is a complex system in which every tier is essential to the creation and operation of decentralised applications. It is crucial to comprehend these layers and the tools they include, regardless of experience level as a developer or inexperience with blockchain technology. To fully utilise blockchain technology as the digital landscape grows, it will be essential to stay informed and make use of the appropriate tools.