Choosing Between the Mern Stack and the Mean Stack: A Comprehensive Guide

The fast-paced progress of technology has caused a boom in the development of web and desktop applications. Consequently, businesses seek developers who possess the expertise to deliver novel solutions that provide seamless user experience. This has given rise to discussions about whether the MEAN Stack or MERN Stack is the more appropriate approach to fulfil this requirement.

In the quest to create software that is more responsive and user-friendly, development companies are always on the hunt for new frameworks and technologies. At the same time, they seek to enhance their coding processes and simplify the code. This is where the concept of a ‘Stack’ comes into play. Essentially, a stack refers to a collection of interconnected ideas, such as a group of related programming languages, tools, frameworks and technologies, which allows for seamless implementation of solutions for front-end, back-end, testing and maintenance.

Normally, a technology stack is classified into four categories:

  1. “Application stack” refers to the integration of interdependent hardware and software components aimed at achieving a specific goal. In a business setting, application stacks often include common software like email platforms, word processors and databases.
  2. In the field of Computer Science, the expression ‘tech stack’ refers to the entirety of software and hardware tools used to develop and sustain a software application or any other technological undertaking. Currently, two of the most well-known tech stacks are the MEAN Stack and the MERN Stack.

In the past, technology stacks often consisted of frameworks and tools written in diverse programming languages, making it daunting for developers to merge them. To tackle this issue, one strategy has been to create a stack that employs just one language, such as JavaScript. By using a single programming language for all code and frameworks, it becomes easier to integrate with APIs and eliminates the need to switch contexts constantly. The popularity of JavaScript-based technology stacks keeps growing as JavaScript gains momentum as a language.

Since their inception, there has been a constant debate over which is better between the MEAN Stack and MERN Stack. This has led to questions about whether these two stacks are equivalent or if one holds an advantage over the other. To gain clarity, it is crucial to examine the fundamental disparities between the two stacks. To make the best decision, it is advisable to assess which Stack is most suitable for your specific needs.

MEAN Stack: What Does It Entail?

In the initial segment of our MEAN Stack versus MERN Stack discourse, we will explore the distinctions between the two stacks.

Popularly used in development, the MEAN Stack facilitates the creation of complex web applications. It is composed of MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS and Node.js frameworks, which are all coded in JavaScript and used throughout the system, from the client and server to the underlying database. Considering its user-friendliness, it is the perfect stack for developing dynamic applications and websites.

Advantages of Leveraging the MEAN Stack:

  1. The MEAN Stack is free-to-use and available under an open-source licence.
  2. The implementation of the MEAN technology stack has notably hastened development and reduced expenses.
  3. Single-handedly relying on JavaScript minimizes the learning period and eases the integration and customization of distinct features and frameworks.
  4. MEAN Stack uses a JavaScript engine that is modelled after Chrome, which translates to lower memory usage and swifter page loading speeds.
  5. The Stack is also advantageous in terms of reduced development expenses and more rapid iterations.
  6. The system proposes a comprehensive, stable, and flexible ecosystem with features like code sharing and code reusability that streamline the code.
  7. The MEAN Stack is compatible with both the rapid creation of MVPs and expanding applications.
  8. It incorporates numerous libraries, reusable models, and additional frameworks that accelerate and streamline the development process.

What Exactly is the MERN Stack?

Now, let’s proceed to the second point of discussion in the MEAN Stack vs. MERN Stack debate.

The MERN Stack is a remarkable amalgamate of technologies employed for building high-performing and resilient web applications. It encompasses a backend, frontend, and database components, all of which are grounded in JavaScript. In contrast to the MEAN Stack, the significant distinction lies in utilizing the ReactJS framework for the frontend in place of AngularJS.

The Advantages of the MERN Stack:

  1. The MERN Stack offers an array of dynamic, responsive, and intelligent functionalities to companies that can be utilized to gain a competitive edge.
  2. The MERN Stack permits the development of highly responsive and efficient applications.
  3. Utilizing a framework eliminates the necessity of composing separate scripts for front-end and back-end purposes.
  4. The entire code is composed in JAVA and JSON, facilitating a smooth and straightforward development process.
  5. Similar to MEAN Stack, it leverages a model-view-controller architecture.
  6. Comes equipped with built-in tools for real-time assessment.
  7. Plenty of modules with changeable source code are accessible online.
  8. MERN Stack utilizes RESTful Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) as middleware to ensure interconnectedness within the system.
  9. By using ReactJS in MERN Stack, there’s no need to generate your own templates, aiding in accelerated learning and saving time.

With that, we conclude our introductory notes on the MEAN Stack vs MERN Stack. Now, let’s start contrasting MEAN Stack with MERN Stack immediately.

Common Frameworks Shared by MEAN and MERN Stacks

Choosing between the MEAN Stack and MERN Stack can be challenging, given that both provide abstraction at the UI level. While the Angular JS framework is employed by the MEAN Stack, the MERN Stack makes use of the React JS library.

Before delving into the significant differences between the MEAN and MERN stacks, let’s analyze and distinguish their common frameworks and libraries.

MongoDB

MongoDB is a flexible, NoSQL database that functions on various platforms and is highly scalable, having a document-oriented approach. Its JavaScript interface, Mongo Shell, enables users to construct table and database structures, as well as query, modify and erase records.

With MongoDB, minimal setup is required to have a reliable data storage solution. It is a document-oriented NoSQL database that operates on a binary JSON format, catering to cloud services while providing a high level of scalability and efficiency in storing data.

ExpressJS

Constructed on Node.js, this modular framework facilitates the backend development process and helps in the creation of advanced web applications and APIs. It provides middleware support and promotes code reusability, simplifying code development.

With a focus on building streamlined applications, this product is optimized for use. It is a web-based framework that constructs API back-ends, facilitating the development of applications with diverse page numbers and types. The stack is powered by a server running on nodes, providing the framework’s logic.

NodeJS

A server-side running environment for JavaScript, Node.js operates on Node Package Manager (npm), granting users access to a broad range of commercial and open-source modules. Node.js provides excellent performance due to its asynchronous nature, delivering accelerated execution compared to other languages.

To enhance data access speed for users, optimizing the application’s backend is crucial. Research demonstrates that the average user anticipates a webpage to load within a second, highlighting its significance. Node.js is a server-side runtime environment that interprets code written in JavaScript, utilized in building web frameworks, executing I/O-based applications as well as creating server-side and networking applications.

MEAN Stack vs. MERN Stack: Which is Superior?

As the MEAN and MERN Stacks depend on AngularJS and ReactJS, it is impractical to match the two directly. Nonetheless, let us examine the similarities and disparities between the two methods.

  • ReactJS:

    Angular is a JavaScript package that provides a front-end framework for the convenient creation of user interfaces. It is highly suitable for dynamic data processing, making it an excellent option for developing single-page apps and mobile applications. By utilizing this package, designing the user interface and experience of single-page web apps is achievable without requiring the webpage to be reloaded each time changes are made.
  • AngularJS:

    Created to offer a free and open-source user-interface framework in JavaScript, the framework is based on the Model-View-Controller format. This framework utilizes HTML in expressing an array of syntaxes, providing developers with an effective platform for building enterprise and online applications.

Around 40% of developers prefer utilizing React.js compared to 23% utilizing Angular. Both Angular JS and React JS are employed to organize UI layer elements and display them using optimized code, with an abundance of resources available for both, including tutorials, example code, and documentation. Let us compare the two based on several criteria to aid in selecting the most appropriate option.

Sources Cited

The use of external libraries would be a critical deciding factor for the relative triumph of the Mean Stack opposed to the Mern Stack. Efficiently managing HTTP requests and establishing backend connections are some of the areas where the Mean Stack excels.

In developing a major application, third-party libraries are typically utilized. Angular JS, being a framework, grants functionality that aids in integrating external resources. Unlike React JS, that calls for additional libraries to make such connections, Angular JS supports “$http” inquiries, making connecting to the back-end server easy.

Overall, Angular JS is efficient in making feature addition a plug-and-play task, while React JS requires additional setup steps.

Consequently, developers who may not be well-versed in a specific language can still utilize third-party libraries.

Although still in development, integrating third-party libraries into the MERN stack requires additional effort. Unfortunately, the MERN stack developers are restricted in their selection of available libraries.

Performance

Because the MEAN stack is pre-configured, its performance level should be higher than that of the MERN stack.

Angular JS has progressed considerably since its earlier version and is now a dependable and efficient MVC framework built with JavaScript. It aids in keeping codes organized and abstracted, while React JS allows for speedy code creation. Despite acting solely as a library, React JS performs faster than Angular JS.

Since the MERN stack leverages the virtual DOM as opposed to the native DOM, its rendering time is increased. In addition, each component must be individually set up to fully utilize the MERN stack’s capabilities, potentially lowering its efficiency. Hence, seeking assistance from seasoned MEAN stack developers can ensure the maximization of the MEAN stack’s performance for your digital product.

Architecture

For a large-scale enterprise like LinkedIn, structural preservation was prioritized, leading them to favor the MEAN stack over the MERN framework. It is essential to bear in mind that the MERN stack is only a library, although it simplifies UI rendering significantly. Its function is solely to offer tools for facilitating easy rendering.

Angular JS provides an organized framework for implementing an MVC (Model-View-Whatever) architecture, enabling the separation of database and UI code with an intermediary layer. This results in easier code updates and maintenance, making the MEAN stack the preferred option for enterprise-grade systems.

Security

Compared to the MERN stack, the MEAN stack provides improved security since it utilizes scalable frameworks supported by JWT (JSON web token). The stack developer also adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access through encrypted data.

Although the MERN stack does offer certain authentication mechanisms, these mechanisms are susceptible to CSRF attacks.

Explore the Variations Between the MEAN and MERN Stacks.

The ongoing competition between the MERN and MEAN stacks often leaves developers conflicted when deciding which technology is best suited for their upcoming projects. As the choice of stack can significantly influence the final product of a mobile or web app, making an informed decision is crucial.

In terms of security and scalability, both MEAN and MERN stacks are equally matched. However, when it comes to scalability, MERN stack is way ahead of the competition.

MVC:

An all-encompassing architecture necessitates regular maintenance for enterprise-level software. Hence, opting for the MEAN stack is the best course of action.

UI:

Opt for MERN stack if you require a high-end UI that is also easily navigable. MERN stack simplifies user interaction.

CRUD:

For executing CRUD (Create, Read, Update, and Delete) operations, MERN stack is the recommended option. This is because of React JS’s user-friendly interface and its ability to process data changes rapidly.

Support:

The MEAN stack includes Angular JS, which simplifies the establishment of back-ends for applications that enable the use of HTTP requests. For enterprise-level app development, using external libraries is essential, and React JS’s vast collection of libraries enhances the framework’s capabilities. MEAN stack, unlike MERN stack, requires fewer configurations to attain desired results and offers superior user experience by harnessing third-party extensions.

The MERN stack has several benefits over the MEAN stack in terms of its simplicity, scalability, CRUD operations, and learning curve. However, MEAN stack continues to have advantages in areas such as MVC and community support.

MEAN Stack MERN Stack
Uses AngularJS Framework Uses ReactJS Library
Maintained by Google Inc. Maintained by Facebook Inc.
Steep Learning Curve Easier To Learn
Uses Typescript language Uses JavaScript and JSX
maintains abstraction in coding and also manages files develops code at a quicker rate
Has Enterprise-Level Architecture Can Quickly Develop Smaller Applications
Can Handle Small Projects Well Suitable For Maintaining Larger Projects
Data Flow is Bidirectional Data Flow is Unidirectional
Better Productivity For Developers Lower Productivity For Developers
Possesses Ready-to-use Features. Also Supports Multiple Third-Party Libraries React.js Doesn’t Have Such Features. Requires Additional Libraries

Comparison of MERN Stack Developer vs. MEAN Stack Developer

Before determining which stack is best suited for your project, it’s crucial to compare and assess the benefits of MEAN and MERN Stack developers. Both stacks have their advantages, and it’s essential to evaluate which one aligns better with your requirements to make an informed hiring decision.

Advantages of Hiring a MEAN Stack Developer

For faster development of mobile and web applications, it’s advisable to hire a MEAN Stack Developer. The benefits of engaging a MEAN Stack Developer include:

  • >

    MEAN Stack Developers are proficient in JavaScript and can work on the client and server sides of an application.
  • MEAN Stack Developers employ the MVC architecture, which simplifies and streamlines the development process, reducing the amount of manual labour required.
  • MEAN Stack Developers build their backend using MongoDB and Express.js, while Angular.js and Node.js, both of which are industry standards, are utilized to construct their frontend .
  • >

    They have mastered a technique to efficiently use the framework by simplifying system management and making common plugins functional with it.

Key Skills Required for a MEAN Stack Developer

Benefits of Hiring a MERN Stack Developer

Hiring MERN Stack Developers equipped with industry-leading practices and expertise can deliver rapid online and mobile application development. Below are a few additional advantages of hiring a MERN Stack Developer.

  • With the MERN stack, developers leverage design thinking to apply their cutting-edge knowledge of various technologies.
  • MERN Stack Developers have demonstrated the ability to accomplish rapid development within an optimal timeframe.
  • MERN Stack Developers prioritize delivering an exceptional user experience and incorporating highly scalable cloud integration, both of which contribute to their emphasis on providing improved solutions.

Key Skills Required for a MEAN Stack Developer

  • Familiarity with HTML and JavaScript is necessary.
  • Proficiency in application profiling and optimization
  • Mastery of numerous database and programming formats

Comparison of Salaries for Developers Using the MEAN Stack vs. The MERN Stack

A MEAN stack developer’s median salary in the United States is $120,000 annually or $57.69 hourly rate. Entry-level positions start at $100,000 per year, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,000 annually.

A MERN stack developer in the United States earns a median salary of $107,500 annually or $55.13 hourly rate. A beginner’s salary starts at $87,500 per year with experienced professionals earning up to $146,250 annually.

In the United States, MEAN Stack developers typically earn an average monthly salary between $4,000 and $8,000. The cost of hiring a MEAN stack specialist may differ based on various factors like the complexity of the project, individual’s experience and salary, timeframe and other related costs.

Conclusion

There are no major differences in terms of developer safety between MEAN Stack and MERN Stack. However, it is vital to determine when utilizing MEAN or MERN stack is appropriate for the company’s needs.

According to the analysis, both MEAN and MERN stacks are trustworthy frameworks for developing effective front-end solutions, as they can create lightweight JavaScript applications. But, the fundamental difference lies in their data structure and organization. Consequently, MEAN stack is better suited for more significant projects, while MERN stack provides faster development for smaller projects.

Within Full Stack Development, the MEAN and MERN Stacks are two of many available technological combinations that are gaining popularity. Their attributes are similar and are necessary for any app developer. However, the frameworks differ in their arrangement, and determining which one is the best fit for a project depends on its specific requirements.

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