A set of software subsystems or components needed to create a complete platform such that no additional software is needed to support applications. Also known as a technology stack or software stack.
A solution stack represents the layered architecture of software components that work together to deliver a complete solution. Common examples include LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), MEAN (MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node.js), and modern stacks like JAMstack. Each layer serves a specific purpose: operating system, web server, database, and programming language/framework. Understanding solution stacks is crucial for architecture decisions, as the choice impacts development speed, scalability, cost, and talent availability. Modern cloud platforms offer managed stacks that abstract infrastructure complexity.
Context: Traditional Web Development
Linux + Apache + MySQL + PHP - classic web development stack powering millions of websites including WordPress
Context: Modern Web Applications
MongoDB + Express + Angular + Node.js - full JavaScript stack enabling end-to-end development in one language
Context: Static Site Generation
JavaScript + APIs + Markup - modern architecture for fast, secure websites with decoupled frontend and backend
Context: Cloud-Native Applications
AWS Lambda + API Gateway + DynamoDB - cloud-native stack eliminating server management
The application of scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes that solve practical problems.
The capability of a system, process, or organization to handle growing amounts of work or to be enlarged to accommodate growth without compromising performance or efficiency.