Choosing the Right Tech Stack for Your MVP

One of the most common questions I get from entrepreneurs is: “What technology should I use for my MVP?” The answer depends on your specific needs, but there are some proven combinations that work well for rapid development.

The Golden Rule: Use What You Know

If you’re technical and already familiar with a stack, stick with it. The fastest MVP is built with technologies you understand. However, if you’re hiring developers or starting fresh, here are my recommendations.

Frontend Technologies

React

• Pros: Large ecosystem, lots of developers, great tooling
• Cons: Can be complex for simple projects
• Best for: Complex user interfaces, when you need many developers

Svelte

• Pros: Easier learning curve, great documentation, extremely fast
• Cons: Smaller ecosystem than React
• Best for: Teams new to modern frameworks

Astro

• Pros: Fast performance, great for content-heavy sites
• Cons: Less suitable for complex web apps
• Best for: Marketing sites, blogs, landing pages

Backend Technologies

Node.js

• Pros: JavaScript everywhere, fast development
• Cons: Can be memory-intensive
• Best for: Real-time applications, APIs

Serverless Functions

• Pros: No server management, scales automatically
• Cons: Cold starts, vendor lock-in
• Best for: Simple APIs, event-driven applications

Database Choices

PostgreSQL

• Pros: Reliable, feature-rich, great for complex queries
• Cons: Requires more setup
• Best for: Applications with complex data relationships

Supabase

• Pros: Real-time features, authentication built-in
• Cons: Vendor lock-in, pricing can scale unexpectedly
• Best for: Real-time apps, rapid prototyping

My Recommended Stacks

For Simple Web Apps

• Frontend: React + Tailwind CSS
• Backend: Nest.js
• Database: PostgreSQL
• Hosting: Cloudflare

For Content-Heavy Sites

• Frontend: Astro + Tailwind CSS
• Backend: Serverless functions
• Database: PostgreSQL or headless CMS
• Hosting: Vercel + PlanetScale

For Real-Time Applications

• Frontend: React + TypeScript
• Backend: Node.js + Supabase or Hasura
• Database: PostgreSQL
• Hosting: Cloudflare or DigitalOcean

Key Considerations

1. Development Speed: Choose familiar technologies
2. Team Expertise: Match the stack to your team’s skills
3. Scalability: Consider future growth, but don’t over-engineer
4. Community Support: Popular technologies have better resources
5. Cost: Factor in hosting and third-party service costs

Conclusion

The best tech stack for your MVP is the one that gets you to market fastest. Don’t get caught up in the latest trends—focus on proven technologies that your team can execute well.