Solution stack

"Software stack" redirects here. For other uses, see Stack § Computing.

In computing, a solution stack or software stack is a set of software subsystems or components needed to create a complete platform such that no additional software is needed to support applications.[1] Applications are said to "run on" or "run on top of" the resulting platform.

For example, to develop a web application, the architect defines the stack as the target operating system, web server, database, and programming language. Another version of a software stack is operating system, middleware, database, and applications.[2] Regularly, the components of a software stack are developed by different developers independently from one another.

Some components/subsystems of an overall system are chosen together often enough that the particular set is referred to by a name representing the whole, rather than by naming the parts. Typically, the name is an acronym representing the individual components.[3]

The term "solution stack" has, historically, occasionally included hardware components as part of a final product, mixing both the hardware and software in layers of support.[4][5]

A full-stack developer is expected to be able to work in all the layers of the application (front-end and back-end). A full-stack developer can be defined as a developer or an engineer who works with both the front and back end development of a website, web application or desktop application.[6] This means they can lead platform builds that involve databases, user-facing websites, and working with clients during the planning phase of projects.

  1. ^ "Solution stack". Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. The Computer Language Company. 2015. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  2. ^ Mimoso, Michael S. (24 February 2003). "Red Hat: Linux served at vertical data center dinner tables". SearchEnterpriseLinux.com. Retrieved 2009-08-09.
  3. ^ Beal, V. (7 September 2007). "Acronym Guide to Web Stacks". Webopedia. Quinstreet, Inc. Retrieved 5 July 2018.
  4. ^ Ferguson, R. (2002). Using Microsoft SharePoint Portal Server. Que Publishing. p. 616. ISBN 9780789725707.
  5. ^ Anderson, G.W. (2003). SAP Planning: Best Practices in Implementation. Sams. p. 13. ISBN 9780789728753.
  6. ^ Amir, Masroor. "Full Stack Developer - Complete Roadmap | Technologies in 2023". The Geeks Bot | A Computer Science Site for geeks. Retrieved 2023-04-27.