The Seldom Acknowledged Element of a Tech Stack: The People
Choosing a tech stack for a new project or product isn’t just about which programming language or framework to use, it’s about understanding the people who will be working on and maintaining that technology. Yes, you want a tech stack that can scale, handle your use cases, and integrate smoothly with existing systems. But remember, if you’re in charge, your role isn’t just to pick the best tool—it’s also to champion it, train others, and document decisions so the entire team can be on board and successful. In 6 months, you will inevitably look at your code and find it lacking, this is a natural part of progress, not a sign of failure. Doing your best right now is all that matters, and accepting that tomorrow’s perspective might differ is key to healthy growth.
Why It’s Really About People
We often focus on software metrics like performance benchmarks, community support, or library ecosystems when choosing a stack, but in practice, it’s the people behind the code that matter most. A tool is only as effective as the team wielding it. If you select a technology no one feels comfortable with, you’ll spend valuable time on steep learning curves rather than delivering features. Conversely, picking a stack everyone already knows might expedite development, but could limit your long-term product potential. Balancing familiarity and future growth is crucial.
It’s also vital to recognize your leadership role. People will look to you for direction on how to use the tech stack, how to solve project-specific challenges, and how to stay consistent throughout the codebase. If you don’t feel confident or have resources to learn alongside your team, reconsider the choice. A confident, knowledgeable lead instills trust and helps new contributors get up to speed quickly.
Documenting Your Choice
Whenever you commit to a tech stack, take the time to write down the reasoning behind your decision. This living document can include:
- • Goals & Objectives: Outline the project’s requirements and why this tech stack meets them; maybe even list known alternatives.
- • Team Skills: Note existing expertise and any training gaps you’ll need to fill; you may declare a leading expert and supporting experts.
- • Future Scalability: Describe how the chosen technologies can grow with the product.
- • Risk Assessment: Mention potential pitfalls and how the team can mitigate them.
- • Maintenance Plan: Identify who will maintain the stack once the core build is complete.
Sharing this document with the broader team creates transparency. It also gives newcomers a reference to understand the rationale behind your stack choices, reducing the “But why did they pick this?” question cycle.
Laying Out Processes for Your People
People can only perform at their best if they have clear guidelines and well-defined processes. Whether it’s coding standards, pull request protocols, or design patterns, establish these early on and resist the urge to change them too frequently. Doing so reduces friction, aligns everyone on best practices, and minimizes inconsistencies that can cause future headaches.
There might be a counterargument that you don’t want to stifle creativity, but most teams thrive when core principles are stable, leaving creativity for solving real challenges rather than deciding where curly braces go. Establishing code review norms, defining how architecture decisions are made, and setting up a communication flow for blockers all empower team members to move forward without waiting for constant direction. This autonomy boosts morale and respects each contributor’s expertise.
Trust Yourself (But Remain Flexible)
As the decision-maker, you will inevitably face pushback. Some will question your choices or argue that a different tech stack is more “cutting-edge.” And they might be right, or they might just prefer their personal favorite tools. Listen to their reasoning, remain open to good ideas, but remember you were placed in this position to lead. Trust your past decisions and your documentation; embrace the mindset that you have done your due diligence. You’ve researched, you’ve weighed pros and cons, and you’ve documented your decision. That doesn’t mean you’re closed off to pivoting if you find a glaring issue down the line. It just means you won’t pivot purely out of fear or indecision.
Practical Tips for a People-Centric Stack
- • Acknowledge the Learning Curve: If the stack is new to some, outline a training plan or pair them with more experienced members.
- • Create a Team Charter: This can include a pair programming schedule, code review expectations, and communication protocols.
- • Stay Open to Adjustments: People’s preferences and project requirements may evolve. Small, incremental stack updates can ease transitions.
- • Celebrate Milestones: When someone masters a particular framework feature or hits a performance goal, acknowledge it.
- • Monitor Workload & Morale: If team members are struggling, check if the stack or processes are too complex. Offer consistent support and learning resources.
Ultimately, picking a tech stack is a human decision in a human-driven environment. Yes, technology matters, but it’s the people behind the code who will truly determine your project’s success. By being mindful of their skills, comfort levels, and growth opportunities, you’ll create a cohesive team that trusts your decisions and trusts each other. Document your choices, define consistent standards, and keep an open mind. People are the foundation, and the technology is simply the bridge to help them reach greater achievements together.