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Located in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and commitment to sustainability. However, recently, it has made itself known as a prime nearshoring location for technology and software development. With a highly skilled workforce, strong government support for the tech industry, and a thriving startup ecosystem, Costa Rica has become a preferred destination for companies looking to outsource their software development needs. The country’s developers are proficient in a wide range of programming languages and frameworks, making it an attractive hub for innovation. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most advancing and widely used tech stacks in Costa Rica.
Understanding How Tech Stacks Work
A tech stack is the collection of technologies used to develop a software application. It includes both the front-end (what users see and interact with) and the back-end (the server, database, and application logic that make everything function). Each tech stack is chosen based on the project’s needs, such as scalability, speed, and security. Some tech stacks are better suited for mobile apps, while others work best for large-scale enterprise systems. Choosing the right tech stack is crucial because it determines how well an application will perform and how easy it will be to maintain in the long run.
10 Popular Costa Rican Tech Stacks
1. Jamstack (JavaScript, APIs, and Markup)
Jamstack is gaining popularity in Costa Rica for building fast and scalable web applications. This approach relies on static site generators, APIs, and cloud computing instead of traditional server-based websites. Developers use frameworks like Next.js and Gatsby to create pre-rendered pages that load quickly, improving performance and SEO. The use of headless CMS platforms such as Strapi and Contentful makes content management more flexible. Jamstack is ideal for companies looking to build high-performance websites with enhanced security and a better user experience.
2. Elixir with Phoenix
Elixir is an emerging programming language that is becoming more popular among Costa Rican developers due to its scalability and fault-tolerance. Paired with the Phoenix framework, it is used to build real-time applications like messaging platforms and financial systems. Elixir runs on the Erlang Virtual Machine (BEAM), which allows it to handle thousands of simultaneous connections without slowing down. Phoenix brings high-speed web development capabilities, making this tech stack perfect for companies that require low-latency applications, such as fintech startups and gaming platforms.
3. Go (Golang) for Cloud-Native Development
Golang is becoming a preferred language in Costa Rica for cloud-based applications and microservices architecture. Originally developed by Google, Go offers fast execution speed, simple syntax, and excellent concurrency support. It is commonly used with Kubernetes, Docker, and Terraform for scalable cloud applications. Costa Rican developers appreciate Go for its ability to handle large-scale distributed systems efficiently. Startups and enterprises focusing on cloud-native development are increasingly adopting Go to build robust and high-performance backend services.
4. Rust for High-Performance and Secure Applications
Rust is gaining traction in Costa Rica for building secure and high-performance applications. It is particularly useful in system programming, embedded devices, and blockchain development. Unlike traditional languages like C and C++, Rust provides memory safety without needing a garbage collector, making it ideal for performance-sensitive applications. Developers use Rust for building secure APIs, cryptographic applications, and even game engines. With its focus on safety and speed, Rust is becoming a preferred choice for companies looking to innovate in software security and performance.
5. Serverless Computing with AWS Lambda and Firebase
Serverless computing is changing how applications are built and deployed in Costa Rica. Instead of managing servers, developers use cloud-based functions that execute code on demand. AWS Lambda and Firebase Functions are two of the most popular serverless platforms used by Costa Rican developers. They allow businesses to scale applications dynamically while reducing operational costs. This tech stack is widely used for real-time applications, chatbots, and automated workflows. Companies leveraging serverless computing enjoy faster deployment times and lower infrastructure maintenance.
6. Blockchain Development with Solidity and Hyperledger
Costa Rica has a growing interest in blockchain technology, with developers exploring ways to build decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. Solidity, the programming language for Ethereum, is widely used for developing blockchain applications. On the enterprise side, Hyperledger is a popular framework for building private and permissioned blockchain networks. Startups and fintech companies are using blockchain to create secure financial transactions, supply chain tracking systems, and decentralized identity solutions. With the global rise of Web3, Costa Rican developers are positioning themselves as key players in blockchain innovation.
7. AI and Machine Learning with TensorFlow and PyTorch
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are rapidly growing fields in Costa Rica. Developers use TensorFlow and PyTorch to build intelligent systems that analyze data, make predictions, and automate tasks. These frameworks allow businesses to integrate AI into their applications for tasks such as image recognition, natural language processing, and fraud detection. Many Costa Rican startups are adopting AI-powered solutions to improve decision-making and customer experiences. As AI continues to advance, more companies in Costa Rica are investing in machine learning technologies to stay competitive.
8. WebAssembly (Wasm) for High-Speed Web Applications
WebAssembly is changing the way web applications are built by allowing developers to run high-performance code in the browser. Unlike JavaScript, WebAssembly enables web applications to execute complex tasks at near-native speed. This makes it ideal for gaming, video editing, and scientific computing on the web. Developers in Costa Rica are experimenting with WebAssembly to enhance the performance of web applications, reducing load times and improving user experiences. With support from major browsers, WebAssembly is set to become a game-changer for web development.
9. Low-Code and No-Code Platforms
Low-code and no-code platforms are gaining traction in Costa Rica as businesses seek faster ways to develop applications. Tools like OutSystems, Bubble, and Microsoft PowerApps enable non-technical users to create web and mobile applications with minimal coding. These platforms are especially useful for startups and small businesses that need to build digital solutions quickly without hiring large development teams. Low-code solutions are also helping companies automate internal workflows and improve business efficiency. As more businesses embrace digital transformation, low-code platforms are becoming an essential part of the Costa Rican tech ecosystem.
10. AR/VR Development with Unity and Unreal Engine
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality technologies are gaining popularity in Costa Rica, especially in gaming, education, and real estate industries. Unity and Unreal Engine are two of the most widely used platforms for developing immersive AR/VR experiences. Costa Rican developers are leveraging these tools to create interactive applications for training simulations, virtual tours, and gaming. With advancements in AR/VR hardware, the demand for skilled developers in this field is increasing. Businesses exploring innovative ways to engage users are investing in AR/VR solutions to stay ahead of the competition.
Why Costa Rica Is a Great Place for Software Development
Costa Rica's tech industry continues to grow, making it an attractive location for software development and outsourcing. Some key advantages of hiring developers from Costa Rica include:
Highly Skilled Workforce – Costa Rica has a strong education system, with many universities offering computer science and engineering programs.
Nearshore Outsourcing Benefits – With a time zone similar to the U.S., companies can easily collaborate with Costa Rican developers in real time.
Government Support for Tech Innovation – The Costa Rican government provides incentives for tech startups and promotes digital transformation across industries.
Strong Tech Community – Costa Rica has a vibrant community of developers, with regular meetups, hackathons, and conferences that encourage knowledge sharing and innovation.
Find the Best Developers in Costa Rica with Blue Coding
If you're looking to hire skilled software developers in Costa Rica, Blue Coding can help you connect with highly skilled talent. As a nearshore outsourcing company, we specialize in matching businesses with highly skilled developers who fit their project requirements. Contact us today and book your free strategy call to learn how we can help you build your next project with Costa Rica’s top developers!
