Navigating Framework Choices in SaaS Development: My Experience and Insights
Developing a SaaS platform can be both exciting and challenging, especially when selecting the right technologies. Recently, I’ve found myself oscillating between different stacks, questioning the best approach for efficient and manageable development.
My initial setup involved Angular paired with Java (Spring Boot), complemented by Amazon Cognito for user authentication. This combination, while familiar, often felt bogged down by boilerplate code, making progress seem slow despite the extensive effort.
Seeking a more agile experience, I experimented with SolidJS and Django, utilizing SuperTokens for authentication. The rapid component creation was appealing, offering a sense of freedom and flexibility. However, this newfound flexibility also introduced concerns about potential pitfalls and implementation complexities, leading me to feel somewhat overwhelmed.
Ultimately, I reverted to my original stack—Angular and Java, using Amazon Cognito for auth—hoping for a balance between familiarity and progress. My primary goal is to develop a robust SaaS product efficiently. Yet, I often find myself comparing my pace to others who launch SaaS solutions in under a month, which adds to the pressure.
An additional frustration stems from the frequent updates in the technologies I use. Angular, for example, releases major updates regularly, and Amazon Cognito’s evolving features can be challenging to keep up with. I crave simple, straightforward authentication flows that are easy to manage and integrate smoothly.
Perhaps, at this point, sticking with a stable version of Angular or exploring other low-maintenance options might be the key. I still appreciate Java’s robustness, but reconciling ease of use, speed, and maintaining control over updates remains a constant challenge.
In the end, finding the right development stack is a personal journey, balancing familiarity, flexibility, and efficiency. For anyone facing similar dilemmas, my advice is to prioritize what aligns best with your project goals and workflow, and not to be afraid of sticking with what works while gradually exploring new tools at your own pace.
