Struggling with Technology Choices: Navigating the Challenge of Sticking to a Stack

Building a SaaS product can be a demanding journey, and selecting the right technology stack is often a significant part of that challenge. Many developers find themselves cycling through various frameworks and tools, hoping to find the perfect fit for their project—and their comfort zone.

Recently, I’ve experienced this firsthand. My current setup involves Angular and Java (Spring Framework) integrated with Amazon Cognito for authentication. While this combination is familiar and stable for me, I’ve noticed that both tend to be quite boilerplate-heavy, which sometimes slows down progress. The pace of development can feel sluggish, especially when looking at peers who deliver SaaS products in under a month.

Curiosity led me to explore alternatives, such as building with SolidJS and Django paired with SuperTokens. While I appreciated how rapidly I could develop components within SolidJS, the unfamiliarity of the framework and the multitude of options made me feel overwhelmed and uncertain. The flexibility was a double-edged sword; too much freedom caused apprehension about potential pitfalls.

After experimenting, I’ve decided to return to my familiar stack—Angular with Java and Amazon Cognito. My main goal remains creating an efficient, manageable authentication flow that simplifies the development process. I find myself frustrated with the frequent updates and rapid evolution of some technologies, like Angular’s rapid release cycle and the ongoing changes in Amazon Cognito.

Ultimately, I’ve realized that simplicity and stability are priorities for my project. Perhaps sticking with a stable version of Angular or even exploring other less rapidly changing tools might be the way forward. I do have a fondness for Java, which adds another layer to my decision-making.

If you’re facing similar dilemmas with your tech stack, remember that consistency and familiarity can often be more valuable than chasing the latest trend. Building a successful SaaS product is as much about strategic tech choices as it is about coding skills. Patience and clarity on your project’s needs will guide you toward the best path.

In conclusion: Finding the right development tools is a personal journey. Beware of the allure of every shiny new framework and remember that stability and simplicity often lead to the most successful outcomes.