Picking technology stack in web development is important for creating performant and scalable applications. As developers, we often come across the terms MERN and MEAN stacks which have become popular for new age web development. But what are these stacks, and how do they differ? To understand these concepts, let’s first understand what a “stack” means from the perspective of web development. A stack is essentially a group of technologies used for developing a web application.
MERN Stack and MEAN Stack are full-stack JavaScript solutions. That is, we can use JavaScript during every phase of development. This is useful as it helps to consolidate the language used on the entire application which simplifies the development process. However, these stacks, despite their similarities, have differences which can affect the choice of stack for a particular project.
Knowing all the parts of these stacks, how strong each part is on its own, and the weaknesses is fundamental to making the right choice. Here, I will discuss the details of both stacks, compare their parts, and see their benefits and use cases. In the end, you should clearly know which stack will be suitable for your upcoming project.
What is the MERN Stack?
A MERN Stack is the preferred selection of developers who use technologies based on JavaScript. It is an acronym representing the four key technologies it comprises: MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js. To maximize the use of these technologies, the developers actively use all of them, so the MERN Stack is considered very useful in developing web applications programmed using modern technologies.
MongoDB: This is a NoSQL database that enables developers to effortlessly store information in the form of JSON. In addition to being simple to work with and scale, its document-oriented structure is advantageous for applications that manage large amounts of data.
Express.js: As an API building framework for Node.js, Express.js streamlines the construction process. In particular, it offers features and tools that improve the management of HTTP interactions, thus increasing overall effectiveness of development activities.
React: Developed by Facebook, React is a front-end library famous for building user interfaces that are responsive and highly interactive. It is component-based, enabling the creation of UI elements that can be reused, which simplifies the crafting of intricate user interfaces.
Node.js: It is an environment where developers can run JavaScript code outside a web browser. With Node.js, server-side JavaScript execution is made possible, resulting in the development of scalable and efficient applications.
The combination of these elements works together for smooth incorporation, which is why the MERN Stack is preferred in full-stack development.
What is the MEAN Stack?
The other full stack developed on the core principle of JavaScript is the MEAN Stack which consists of Mongo DB, Express.js, Angular and Node.js. Just like the MERN Stack, every part of the MEAN Stack has defined roles in the processes of application development to ensure complete web application creation.
MongoDB: MongoDB is also a NoSQL database in the MERN Stack and serves the same purpose of being an application data repository with ease and scalability.
Express.js: This framework of web applications operates on top of Node.js as a back-end web framework using server-side logic to automate web applications on a server.
Angular: An open source front-end framework for dynamic single-page applications maintained by Google. It enables complicated client-side applications to be built and stresses on simplicity, usability, and efficient scaling.
Node.js: It provides the server environment in the MERN stack which enables developers to create server applications in JavaScript.
The MEAN Stack has the advantage of being a complete system while Angular offers more control in large scale applications.
Key Components of MERN Stack vs MEAN Stack
The MERN and MEAN Stacks have several common components. Their primary difference, however, is the choice of front-end technology. Let us analyze these components to figure out their function in each stack:
The Front-End Technology
Another React versus Angular debate that issues the stacks difference is the foothold of that technology on the stack. React is a library that promotes flexibility and component-based architecture, and it’s used in the MERN Stack. Angular, on the other hand, is a complete framework that has a more structured and opinionated approach. The latter tends to dominate the former on the basis of sheer project or developer requirements.
Database
As explained in the comparison of the blocks above, both stacks are built on a NoSQL database that keeps information in documents resembling JSON: MongoDB. The reason this database was chosen is obvious; it conveniently joins with the JavaScript stack by providing smooth data flow between the server and the client.
Server and Back-End
These two are shared by both stacks: Express.js and Node.js are responsible for the server-side functions. API construction is much easier with Express.js, and there is no need to mention what Node.js does: it provides a runtime environment to execute JavaScript on the server.
Knowing these parts lets us understand the difference between the MERN and MEAN Stacks as well as the relevancy both have in development.
MERN Stack Pros
Knowing these parts lets us understand the difference between the MERN and MEAN Stacks as well as the relevancy both have in development.
MERN Stack Pros
The MERN Stack provides multiple benefits which appeal to developers wanting to streamline their development process with JavaScript. The most notable one certainly is the incorporation of React in front-end development. With React, developers can create reusable components, which improves code quality and organization. This makes modification in large scale applications easier because it reduces risks of having to modify the whole system.
The easing of learning when it comes to MERN Stack is another plus. From a JavaScript perspective, the MERN Stack can be simple to pick up for those with experience already. Having a single language throughout the entire stack improves context switching complexity, which allows adding features instead of multu-language juggling.
In addition, the performance of the MERN Stack is optimized by its dependence on Node.js. As software built for network applications, chat services, and live-streaming platforms nodes, Node.js is scalable and responsive. It manages connections without blocking other activities, enabling it to service multiple connections simultaneously. Overall, Node.js contributes to excellent user satisfaction even with high traffic.
Further advantages of the MEAN Stack
The strength of Angular’s framework and the sound architecture makes the MEAN Stack popular. Angular provides application structure through two-way data binding, dependency injection, a development command line (CLI), and more, which aids in streamlining the software development process. The benefits of this framework are invaluable for large-scale applications that are expected to be consistently maintained and, most importantly, structurally sound over time.
Like MERN Stack, the MEAN Stack’s full-stack JavaScript environment is another striking benefit. Unlike the JAVA MERN Stack which operates on the principle of using one language throughout the development process, works with JavaScript at every level within the MEAN Stack, thus easing the burden on developers who are accustomed to the language. This uniformity enhances teamwork and shortens development time due to improved productivity.
Also, the MEAN Stack has the MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture built into it, which offers support for separating an application’s concerns. This approach is good for increasing code maintenance and testing augmenting challenges as applications can be more easily scaled with this approach. The MEAN Stack offers a strong framework for other projects that plan to add additional scaling features later.
Performance Comparison: MERN Stack vs MEAN Stack
Both the MERN and MEAN Stacks offer robust solutions, but their performance might differ due to particular project needs and use cases. This comparison is especially pertinent to the front-end framework development decision of React versus Angular.
React with MERN Stack is widely recognized for its implementation of Virtual DOM (Document Object Model) that enhances the speed at which a UI is updated. This is especially true for applications where data changes frequently, as they respond in a smoother manner. Dynamic applications also benefit when using the component-based structure of UI elements exposed by React because finer control over the elements translates to improved performance.
The MEAN stack on the other hand, includes Angular, which is an all-encompassing one. It takes care of various features that affect application performance. In addition, it offers two-way data binding, which makes the working of the model and view much easier and requires less code to be written. With that in mind, in some cases there might be a performance cost, especially regarding bigger applications with intricate data models, due to the complexity of computing.
For backend efficiency, both stacks utilize Node.js and Express.js, which makes the handling of server tasks more efficient. Node.js, for instance, shines in handling asynchronous processes, making it ideal for applications where data has to be updated in real time. In the end, what determines the performance of the stacks is how well the components are configured and optimized for the given application.
Use Cases: When to Choose MERN vs MEAN
Meeting the requirements of a project tailored to a specific use case usually dictates the choice of one stack over the other. Let’s take a look at some cases that could tip the scale towards one stack or the other.
When to Choose the MERN Stack
Real-Time Applications: For collaborative and chat applications, as well as live-streaming services that require real-time interaction to be smooth and quick, using Node.js along with React in the MERN stack is ideal.
Single Page Applications (SPAs): Incorporating the MERN Stack React Component will be efficient with its UI dynamic nature and frequent data fetching updates, as it allows easier maintenance and quicker development with dynamic SPAs.
Prototyping: Considered the best framework for prototyping and MVP development thanks to its flexibility and straightforward nature, the MERN Stack with the React library allows for feature rapid iteration and testing.
When to Use the MEAN Stack
Enterprise Applications: In the case of large and complex enterprise applications that require a well-organized and easily maintainable code base, Angular offers powerful capabilities for functional long-term growth and continued development.
Complex UI Logic Features: Most complex applications require intricate interactions and advanced front-end logic, which means two-way data binding of Angular means comprehensive framework enable the MEAN Stack.
Framework with Available Features: Using the MEAN Stack with angle component is the solution for projects that require a full-featured framework that supports testing, routing, dealing, and advanced form management.
Salary Overview: MERN Stack and MEAN Stack Developers
The increase in the demand of talent with MERN and MEAN Stacks skills is resulting in competitive salary offers. While salary ranges can differ based on an individual’s region, level of work, and the company’s size, aspiring developers should have a basic idea of salary predictions in order to make better career choices.
Reasons For Salary Variation
– Experience: As is the case with nearly all tech positions, experience greatly impacts the salary offered. Senior developers that have worked on a number of different projects are likely to get paid more compared to newly employed developers.
– Location: Different regions within a country will have varying salary levels. For instance, San Francisco or New York City are considered tech capitals, and so, developers living in such cities will earn more than developers from other smaller cities.
– Company Size and Industry: Smaller firms or those in Emerging fields like finance or even healthcare have a tendency to pay higher in order to secure skilled talent.
Demand in the Industry
The preference for one stack over the other impacts salary expectations. Both stacks command high demand, yet there is a need for a distinct one in certain particular companies or industries. The balance of market needs supported by skill enhancement in JavaScript and any other related skills will offer value-adding opportunities in either of the stacks.
Future Trends in Web Development: MERN vs MEAN
New technologies emerge all the time, hence keeping an eye on future trends is essential for developing reliable software in the future. The MERN and MEAN Stacks are anticipated to greatly influence the future of web development.
Increased Needs Of Full Stack Developers
A distinct focus is placed on cross discipline developers who work on both the front-end and back-end of software applications. In that regard, there is likely to be heightened demand for full-stack developers who use MERN or MEAN Stack. This further paints the need to understand full-stacks as a way to value one’s career.
Integration with Emerging Technologies
The use of AI, machine learning, and IoT is now being incorporated into web applications. Both stacks enable the incorporation of these technologies into web applications, which makes them ideal for modern applications.
Optimization of Performance and User Experience
Further, as user expectations for speed and efficiency continue to rise, application optimization will always be a key focus. The MEAN Stack’s framework is all-encompassing while its virtual DOM provides additional performance optimization in the MERN Stack. Both frameworks enhance user experience.
At the same time, following these trends and maintaining a good grasp on these stacks is bound to keep developers relevant and able to build modern applications.
Conclusion: Which stack should you go for?
Choosing between MERN and MEAN Stacks is completely up to you based on the requirements of your project, as well as your preferences as a developer. They both provide powerful solutions for web development, albeit each having particular use cases that bolster their frameworks.
If your focus is on flexible workflows and responsive, dynamic applications, MERN Stack with React might work best for you. Alternatively, if you prefer a clear structure with an ample suite of tools for large-scale application development, then MEAN Stack with Angular might be more appropriate.
Whatever selection you make, both stacks are powerful tools in modern web development which allows the creation of scalable, high-performance applications. In planning your development roadmap, keep in mind the requirements of the application being developed, the intended future scalability of the project, and how comfortable you are with each of the stack’s components.
If any of you want to go deeper into these stacks, I would suggest that you look into the mentions made earlier to resources and communities. Using these resources will help you acquire skills that will prepare you for the world of web development. No matter which option you choose, the advancements that can be done in web development is abundant.
Want to start learning MERN or MEAN Stack with us? Visit our selected list of online courses and community discussion boards to get started on your journey. If your next big app is on the horizon, or you’re working on levelling up your skills, the world of web development has you covered. Let us build something great together!