This means you are one of many who intend to have a website or web app built in 2024. It also means that now is the time to start if you're already committed to web development. However, choosing the right tech stack is critical because it is determined by the project's size, complexity, and timeline. MEAN and MERN Stacks are some of the best examples of technology stacks. MERN develops web applications with React JS, while MEAN uses Angular JS.
Numerous technologies are available on the market that enable app developers to create feature-rich mobile apps with extravagant characteristics. To build apps, you'll need a variety of technologies. The market for web and mobile application development is constantly growing. There is always a discussion about which stack is best for custom app development.
Whether you're a seasoned developer or just getting started, this guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure the success of your Philadelphia Web Development project. We'll look at two popular options: MEAN Stack and MERN Stack. We'll look at what they are, their benefits, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
What is the Mean Stack?
MEAN stack is a powerful combination of technologies that have emerged as a favorite for building scalable and efficient web applications. It helps create strong web and mobile applications; its abbreviations are MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS, and NodeJS.
Its components are:
It has the following components:
MongoDB: It is used to store back-end application data as JSON files.
ExpressJS: is a front-end framework that runs code within the browser.
AngularJS: It is a front-end framework that executes code in the browser.
NodeJS: It provides a JavaScript runtime system for back-end web applications.
How Does the MEAN Architecture Work?
The MEAN architecture seamlessly integrates its four core components—MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node. Js—to allow full-stack web application development.
Client Side (Angular)
Angular handles the front end, allowing developers to create dynamic user interfaces. It uses a component-based architecture and supports two-way data binding, which makes UI development efficient and interactive.
Server-Side (Node.js and Express.js)
Node.js and the Express.js framework power the application's back-end. Express simplifies back-end development by handling routing, middleware, and HTTP requests. Node.js runs server-side JavaScript, resulting in scalability and high performance.
Database (MongoDB)
MongoDB, a NoSQL database, stores and retrieves data in a flexible JSON format. It integrates seamlessly with the Node.js back-end, allowing for efficient data handling and retrieval.
Communication
Angular communicates with the Node.js back-end using API calls. Express.js handles these requests, communicates with the MongoDB database as needed, and returns the results to the Angular front end. This architecture facilitates data flow and operations, allowing Philadelphia Web Development companies to create modern and scalable web applications.
MEAN Stack Advantages:
The following are the advantages of using MEAN Stack.
Uniformity and Consistency: Because JavaScript is used throughout the stack, the language and data format (JSON) are consistent from front to back, making development more efficient. Cost-effective: JavaScript developers can work across the entire stack, eliminating the need for specialized front-end and back-end developers.
Cost-effective: JavaScript developers can work across the entire stack, eliminating the need for specialized front-end and back-end developers.
High Performance: Node.js offers a non-blocking, event-driven architecture ideal for scalable, high-performance applications.
Flexible Data Model: MongoDB's NoSQL nature allows for a more flexible schema, making it easier to accommodate changing data structures.
Community Support: Each component of the MEAN stack has a dedicated community that ensures regular updates, plugins, and solutions to common issues.
End-to-End Solution: The stack includes everything from the database (MongoDB) to the server (Express and Node) to the front end (Angular), providing a comprehensive solution for Philadelphia Web Development.
MEAN Stack Disadvantages:
Despite several benefits, MEAN stack has its cons that you must consider.
Learning Curve: The learning curve can be steep for developers new to JavaScript or asynchronous programming, particularly given Angular's complex structure.
Younger Ecosystem: The MEAN stack is younger than more established stacks. This means fewer third-party tools and libraries may be available for specialized needs.
NoSQL Limitations: MongoDB is great for many use cases but may be better for applications requiring complex transactions with multiple or JOIN operations.
Angular Complexity: Although powerful, Angular.js can be perceived as overly complicated for simple applications. Some developers prefer alternatives such as React and Vue.js.
Overhead: While MongoDB's flexibility is a strength, it can sometimes introduce overhead in situations where a relational database might be more efficient.
Performance Nuances: Node.js may only sometimes be the best option for CPU-intensive operations.
Applications Built Using MEAN Stack
- PayPal
- Trello
- Soundcloud
- Walmart
- Buzzfeed
What is the MERN stack development?
MERN stands for MongoDB, ExpressJS, ReactJS, and NodeJS. This framework relies on Java as its primary component to make mobile and web development easier and more efficient. If you are looking for dedicated developers in India, contact GraffersID, a leading staff augmentation company.
The components are:
MongoDB: It is a No-SQL document-oriented database used to store back-end applications.
ExpressJS: is a layered framework built on NodeJS that manages a website's back-end functionality and structure.
ReactJS: is a library that allows you to create seamless user interfaces for single-page web applications.
NodeJS: is a runtime environment that can run JavaScript on a computer.
How Does MERN Architecture Work?:
The MERN architecture seamlessly integrates its four key components—MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node. js—to facilitate the development of full-stack web applications.
Client-side (react.js)
React.js handles the application's client-side or front end. It allows developers to create interactive user interfaces with reusable components. React efficiently manages the UI state, creating a responsive and dynamic user experience.
Server-Side (Node.js, Express.js)
On the server side, Node.js and the Express.js framework build a strong back-end. Express makes creating RESTful APIs easier and manages routing, middleware, and HTTP requests.
CDatabase (MongoDB)
MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores and retrieves data in a flexible, JSON-like format. It integrates seamlessly with the Node.js back-end, allowing Philadelphia Web Development companies to work with data in a way that meets the application's requirements.
Communication
React.js uses API calls on the client side to communicate with the Node.js back-end. Express.js handles these requests, interacts with the MongoDB database as needed, and returns the relevant data to the React.js front end.
MERN Stack Advantages:
The following are the advantages of using MERN Stack.
Built-in Testing: MERN's robust integrated testing tools ensure that apps are thoroughly tested before launch, providing quality assurance without incurring additional costs.
Full-Stack Proficiency: MERN adeptly manages both front-end and back-end development, providing a comprehensive approach to app development.
MERN uses the Model View Controller (MVC) architecture to ensure a streamlined development process.
Community Support: The MERN stack benefits from a thriving community and a large network of experienced developers. This collective knowledge helps to navigate challenges and troubleshoot effectively.
Versatility: MERN is remarkably adaptable. It produces code for browsers and servers while catering to web and mobile app development requirements.
MERN Stack disadvantages:
Despite several advantages, the MERN stack has its cons.
Rapid Changes: Given the rapid evolution of JavaScript frameworks and libraries, developers may need help to keep up with frequent updates, particularly in React.
Learning Curve: While JavaScript is the primary language, beginners may struggle to grasp the nuances of each technology, particularly React's component lifecycle and state management.
Browser Limitations: The framework may need to work better with older versions of Internet Explorer, raising compatibility concerns in certain situations.
Lack of Comprehensive Documentation: The framework's documentation needs to meet expectations, making it difficult for newcomers to understand and use the MEAN Stack.
Applications Built Using MERN Stack:
- Airbnb
- Netflix
Difference between MEAN Vs MERN
| Features | MEAN Stack | MERN Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Front-end framework | Angular is used as the frontend framework | React.js is employed for the frontend. |
| Development Speed | Faster (JavaScript Focus) | Faster (JavaScript Focus) |
| Performance | The MEAN stack outperforms the MERN stack. As it is pre configured framework and offers better performance than MERN stack. | MERN technology stack uses virtual DOM rather than native DOM which leads to increased rendering time. |
| Technology Focus | JavaScript (JavaScript, MongoDB, Express.js, Angular/React) | JavaScript (JavaScript, MongoDB, Express.js, React) |
| Scalability | Good scalability | Good scalability |
| Learning Curve | Angular's full-fledged framework may have a steeper learning curve. | React.js is generally considered more straightforward for beginners |
| Community and Ecosystem | Angular has a robust ecosystem backed by Google. | React.js has a large and active community with strong support from Facebook. |
The MERN architecture seamlessly integrates its four key components—MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node. js—to facilitate the development of full-stack web applications.
Which is better: MERN or MEAN?
The choice between MERN and MEAN stacks is based on the specific project requirements, team expertise, and preferences. Both stacks can create modern, scalable apps. If your team is familiar with Angular and prefers a more opinionated framework, MEAN may be right. On the other hand, if your team prefers React.js for its flexibility and simplicity, MERN may be a better option. Finally, the decision should be made based on the project's needs and the capabilities of your development team.
