Web development is one tricky part, as here the web developers have a wide range of choices and it is vital for them to pick the right ones. With technology going places every day, there are constant upgrades and new challenges, hence as web developers are making a choice for a JavaScript framework, they need to pick one that offers immense scope for showcasing their skills and also the flexibility to function conveniently.

This is why today, most web developers are making this switch from LAMP/WAMP stack to the MEAN stack that is considered the best at the moment. As a framework, the MEAN stack is suitable for both startups as well as big enterprises. In fact, at the moment, both front-end and back-end developers choose the JavaScript framework for web development. So, here in this blog, let’s explore it all about Mean stack, its advantages, and a lot of other aspects related to it.

What is MEAN

This basically is open-source software. In MEAN stack, the M stands for MongoDB, E for Express, A for AngularJS, and ultimately N stands for Node.js. To begin with, we will discuss all the terms here. When combined, these technologies excel at catering to complex demands and projects of the clients and hence they are nothing less than a blessing for web developers.

  • MongoDB: This open-source NoSQL database uses a document-oriented data model, thus here it relies on an architecture that comprises of collections & documents, and not tables & rows (as it is in the relational databases). Owing to MongoDB architecture, the database is highly scalable and even handles a large amount of data.
  • Express: This lightweight server-side JavaScript framework is used in MEAN stack with node.js for simplifying development procedure. This way, it gets easier to write modular, secure & fast applications.
  • AngularJS: Often referred to as simply Angular, it has, in fact, become a default web front-end JavaScript framework. AngularJS, which is built & maintained by Google, enables the rapid development of dynamic, single-page web applications. Owing to its modular structure, it paves way for simplified development & testing and also enables easy scalability.
  • Node.JS: This JavaScript-based runtime is built on the V8 engine by Chrome. With a compilation of JavaScript source code to the native machine code prior to execution, high-performing and scalable web applications are built by the developers. Node.js has a rich ecosystem of open-source libraries & components, counting an npm (which basically is Node.js package manager).

How is it beneficial to learn MEAN stack?

JavaScript is one crucial aspect of web development today and without it, it is impossible to make a mark in the web arena today. JavaScript is a single language that incredibly runs the entire MEAN stack, hence it is highly regarded by the communities of active web developers. With MEAN programming being entirely written in JavaScript, it enables an exclusive execution environment for both the server-side & client-side. As a framework, MEAN stack is highly acknowledged for the versatility it offers, as here the web and mobile applications are not just fast, maintainable but also robust. Whereas, yet another reason is the opportunity for employment that comes with it. There is a never-ending demand for engineers who possess great knowledge of JavaScript & MEAN Stack technologies.

Next, let’s explore more about the MEAN Stack technologies in terms of their growth all over the years.

Web Development Framework

Node.JS & Express.JS: As web server and web development framework, MEAN stack web development has already been adopted by the big firms, like SAP, LinkedIn, and Microsoft. Other of its competitors in the arena of web development frameworks are Django, Laravel, and Rails.

Recommended Read: Top Laravel Development Companies in USA

Now after framework, let’s explore databases.

MongoDB: MEAN Stack uses a database, and apart from this, it is also Meteor.JS the default database for its project. Its competitors are Neo4j, Couchbase, & Cassandra. Next, it’s time for Front-end JavaScript frameworks.

Front-end JavaScript framework

Angular.JS: In the MEAN Stack, the stands for Angular.JS, while its competitors are Ember.JS, React.JS, & Backbone.js.

Understanding MEAN Stack Architecture

In JavaScript, Angular.JS is a client-side language. Here, as a request is made by the client, it is first processed by AngularJS. Once it is done, then request enters Node.JS (this is phase 2). It is even called a server-side language. Post Phase 2, request enters Phase 3 (ExpressJS). Here the request is made to the database. After a request is made by ExpressJS, MongoDB retrieves all of the data and returns the response to the ExpressJS. Same way, ExpressJS returns a response to Node.js, which then returns that to Angular.JS.

How each component contributes to MEAN

Here is how all components of MEAN stack, like MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS, NodeJS function:

MongoDB: In MEAN stack, MongoDB is responsible for storing the app’s data. JavaScript is used in both database and application, so MongoDB removes the requirement to translate when the object goes from app to database and vice-versa. It is high-scalable both in terms of performance and storage. Besides, it is applauded for its perfect and error-free management of the huge amount of data. It is also helpful in adding fields to database sans having to reload the whole table.

Express.JS: This strengthens the back-end of the MEAN stack. It brilliantly manages interactions between database & front-end as well as ensures that data smoothly transferred to end-user. Its approach is that is minimalist and it has the potential to efficiently handle all processes. Being minimalistic doesn’t make it featureless, however. Besides, Express.JS removes the chances to overwrite the variables. This way, one is unable to inadvertently redefine the variable that was created earlier. Needless to say, it saves a lot of money as well as your time, this way.

Angular.JS: This highly successful JavaScript front-end framework is useful in developing the user-facing side of the app. As JavaScript manages everything from front-end, back-end, and database, this way it ensures data’s smooth flow among all parts of the app. It’s high-performance and easy-to-use templates make it an ideal front-end framework. Also, with it, you are able to create the application simultaneously for desktop as well as mobile.

Node.JS: In the MEAN stack, Node.js is its backbone. Express.JS is specifically developed so it works on the top of Node.JS. Even Angular.JS seamlessly connects to the Node.JS and this way it facilitates fast data serving. With its in-built web server, it gets easier to deploy MongoDB database to cloud. Its scalability is its USP as well as it is able to support millions of simultaneous connections. Node.JS is greatly compatible to work with the low-resource requests instead of resource-intensive resources.

Why choose MEAN Stack

By now you have learned the usage and architecture of MEAN Stack, and now it is time to know about its benefits.

Best choice due to scalability: All the four components of MEAN stack are open-source, free and highly scalable. They even contain an array of additional libraries & reusable modules. This plays a significant role to accelerate development speed and saves a huge amount of time as well.

The advantage of JSON: MEAN Stack developers can benefit tremendously with JSON. When developers choose AngularJS or MongoDB, it allows for the seamless distribution of data between layers. Here one doesn’t have to write codes time and again. Also, developers can have access to PHP. Besides, the data can be important with the help of codes from the MSQL server and even process it. Another advantage of JSON is, MEAN use similar formats each time and when reformatting, it saves a lot of time. What’s more pleasing is this fact that it supports external APIs, hence you can choose to work with them when required.

Flexible & Highly-efficient: This JS framework offers great flexibility and efficiency and it can well handle the projects of all the sizes and firms. Often, web development is complex or client requirements are for single-page apps or complex apps. But with the help of a skilled & experienced set of developers who have great coordination, then it gets a lot easier to work on different projects. Even sharing data and other info is simple here, as one just needs to add a field and follow further procedure.

All-of-JavaScript: This is a full JavaScript framework and this is why it is beneficial for both client & server-side, and this makes it all the more amazing. Also, it supports both Linux OS & Windows. With it being an offering of JavaScript, hence it offers both optimal user experience and is also helpful to manage data in an appropriate way. With Data Recovery, JavaScript works wonders, and when using MEAN, the process speeds up further. Most web developers today consider it as a robust and reliable framework to create web apps. Both Angular.JS & Node.JS offers better scope for making dynamic and scalable web apps. This way, it successfully fetches more traffic.

Budget-friendly: This is certainly one given a reason why MEAN Stack is so popular and why has topped the list of both clients and the developers. Clients don’t have to choose different developers as it is a full-stack framework. In fact, since the time it became popular, numerous young ambitious developers have been keenly interested in it. MEAN stack enables to work as one efficient team, where all of the JavaScript developers are coordinate and perform tasks. Developers here can share code with each other and the codes are reusable within the stack.

A large pool of talent: Famed as the most prominent programming language out there, JavaScript is based on an annual Stack Overflow survey. This way hiring the developers gets less challenging as there is a large pool of talent. Even the number of job postings and the number of developers searching is growing steadily, for MEAN stack jobs.

Exceptional performance: Called the backbone of MEAN stack, Node.JS is prominent for its amazing performance. It is better than numerous other back-end programming languages, like Python, Ruby, and PHP.

Increases Developer’s efficiency and flexibility: You get a competitive advantage by getting MEAN stack developers for your project: this means enhanced team efficiency and better flexibility. As the entire team is coordinated with JavaScript, thus, all of them can understand each other well and switch the tasks seamlessly and this results in increased productivity. This even facilitates collaboration & eases the project managed endeavors between the team. Now this works best for the smaller web projects, like dynamic single-page apps, complimentary business applications, or when the whole project is assigned to a single MEAN developer.

Rapid MVP development: A lot of additional libraries, frameworks, & reusable modules available within stack contributes to increased development speed. With ready-made solutions, one just doesn’t save time but even makes the development less strenuous. This is the reason startups highly prefer MEAN stack, which also offers a solid foundation to build scalable software products.

Lesser Development Cost: Yes, this is one significant benefit that businesses get from MEAN stack i.e. reduced expenses. Owing to the extensive codesharing & re-usage within the stack, there is lower development time and this results in lower development cost. Also, MEAN and its rich ecosystem are entirely open-source and free for usage.

Conclusion

Today, most numbers of brands are using MEAN stack for enterprise application development and also real-time app development. Owing to the many benefits of MEAN stack for developers, the development firms and the business owners, they all prefer to choose it over its competitors.? 

THE AUTHOR
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Palak Khandelwal is a seasoned tech blogger with a passion for exploring the ever-evolving landscape of technology. With years of experience in the industry, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her engaging and informative blog.

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