Stack Selection Guide

Intermediate ⏱️ 20 minutes

Stack Selection Guide

This guide helps you choose the right technology stack for your OSpec project based on your requirements, team experience, and project constraints.

Overview

Technology stack selection is crucial for OSpec project success. The right stack can accelerate development while ensuring maintainability, scalability, and team productivity.

Stack Selection Framework

1. Assess Project Requirements

  • Outcome type: web-app, api, cli, mobile-app, etc.
  • Performance requirements: latency, throughput, scalability
  • Security requirements: authentication, authorization, data protection
  • Integration needs: external APIs, databases, third-party services

2. Evaluate Team Experience

  • Current technology expertise
  • Learning curve tolerance
  • Development velocity requirements
  • Maintenance capabilities

3. Consider Deployment Constraints

  • Target environments (cloud, on-premise, hybrid)
  • CI/CD pipeline compatibility
  • Resource limitations
  • Operational complexity

Common Stack Patterns

Web Applications

  • Traditional: Django/Flask + PostgreSQL + React
  • Modern: Next.js + TypeScript + Prisma + PostgreSQL
  • Serverless: Next.js + Vercel + PlanetScale

APIs

  • REST: FastAPI/Express + PostgreSQL/MongoDB
  • GraphQL: Apollo Server + TypeScript + PostgreSQL
  • Microservices: Docker + Kubernetes + multiple services

Mobile Applications

  • Cross-platform: React Native + Expo
  • Native: Swift (iOS) + Kotlin (Android)
  • Hybrid: Flutter + Firebase

CLI Tools

  • Python: Click/Typer + rich for UX
  • Node.js: Commander.js + chalk
  • Go: Cobra CLI framework
  • Rust: Clap for argument parsing

Decision Matrix

Use this framework to evaluate stack options:

Criteria Weight Stack A Stack B Stack C
Team familiarity 30% 8 5 3
Development speed 25% 7 9 6
Performance 20% 6 7 9
Community support 15% 9 8 7
Cost 10% 8 6 8

Best Practices

  1. Start simple: Choose familiar technologies for MVP
  2. Plan for growth: Ensure stack can scale with requirements
  3. Consider the team: Match stack complexity to team experience
  4. Document decisions: Record rationale for future reference
  5. Validate early: Build prototypes to test critical assumptions

Common Pitfalls

  • Over-engineering: Choosing complex stacks for simple projects
  • Technology chasing: Selecting trendy but immature technologies
  • Team mismatch: Ignoring team expertise and preferences
  • Lock-in: Choosing proprietary solutions without exit strategies

Next Steps

  1. Complete the OSpec requirements template
  2. Use the decision matrix to evaluate options
  3. Build a proof-of-concept with your chosen stack
  4. Document your selection in the OSpec file

Need help with stack selection? Check out our example projects or ask in Discord.