Navigating Frustrations with Technology Stacks: A Developer’s Perspective
Building a SaaS product can be an exciting journey, but it often comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to choosing and sticking with the right tech stack. Many developers experience the desire to switch or experiment with different frameworks and tools, driven by a mix of familiarity, curiosity, and the quest for efficiency.
Recently, I’ve found myself oscillating between different technologies. I started with Angular and Java (Spring Boot), integrating Amazon Cognito for authentication. While these tools are well-known and reliable, their extensive boilerplate requirements made the development process feel slow and cumbersome. It often felt like progress was dragging because of the sheer amount of setup and configuration needed.
Eager to explore alternatives, I attempted building a project using SolidJS and Django, supplemented by SuperTokens for authentication. The experience was initially invigorating—creating components felt straightforward and rapid. However, the unfamiliarity and the perceived potential for errors made me uncomfortable. While rapid component creation was appealing, the freedom in design led to concerns about maintainability and stability.
Ultimately, I decided to revert to my original stack—Angular, Java, and Amazon Cognito. This decision was driven by a desire for stability and predictability, especially when working toward a product launch. The journey, however, highlighted a common pain point: the rapid evolution of technology. Angular releases new major versions quite frequently, and services like Amazon Cognito also undergo regular updates, often requiring re-familiarization and adjustments.
My primary goal is to develop a straightforward SaaS application with simple, manageable authentication flows. I realize that sticking to a consistent stack might be the best approach, especially one where I feel comfortable and confident. Java, in particular, remains a favorite of mine for its robustness.
To fellow developers feeling the same doubts: it’s perfectly normal to question your choices and experiment. But in the pursuit of building and shipping, sometimes consistency and familiarity outweigh the allure of the latest trends. Focus on what works for you, keep your goals clear, and remember that progress is the ultimate goal—not constantly chasing the newest technology.
Happy coding!
