MEAN vs MERN Stack: The Ultimate Guide

MEAN and MERN are two frameworks with all-stack components coded in JavaScript. In the MERN, four languages are combined: MongoDB, Express, ReactJS, and NodeJS. Whereas AngularJS replaces ReactJS in MEAN. The developers who want an alternative to AngularJS find solace in MERN.    

In the below write-up, we have provided a detailed comparison of the MEAN stack vs MERN stack comprising different aspects such as front-end framework, backend framework, language, architecture, and others.   

Why have MEAN and MERN Stacks Become the first choice of developers?

Developers have stopped using rotating backends for web pages or application development. The new ‘in’ is the widget that serves the needs of quickly loading websites or web pages. Developers are also able to create more responsive and interactive web pages that meet users’ evolving expectations from online touchpoints.

All these changes in user expectations have made stacks the preferred tools for development in 2024.

Further, all businesses, whether SMEs or large-scale, have understood the importance of being active online. The business owners have started putting a sizeable budget aside for building their ventures’ online presence. So, DevOps solutions that bring down the development cost can help businesses attain their dreams of improved web presence.

On the developers’ side, they have started getting more mobile app development projects. A framework that helps them do rapid development can bring them more earnings per year.

MEAN and MERN stacks provide seamless development, so developers put them first. Previously, the development process comprised HTML coding, CSS for styling, and PHP. It required an extended development team with different skill sets, including better coordination and swift management.

However, MEAN and MERN led the hassle-free development process by providing a common framework of JavaScript-supported components. 

All these points indicate the relevance of STACKs in the app development process. Initially, it was only the MEAN stack that simplified the whole process, but with the rising need for reactive or interactive pages, MERN rose to fame. The dedicated developers have the freedom and flexibility to pick one between these two.

What is MEAN Stack?

The MEAN stack is a well-known web development technology comprising four major languages: MongoDB, ExpressJS, Angular, and NodeJS. We can say that MEAN is a fine combination of open-source technologies generally used to create dynamic mobile or web applications. In the MEAN stack, MongoDB works smoothly with JavaScript technologies.

In MEAN VS MERN, MEAN easily carries the full-stack web app development process, leveraging JavaScript throughout the entire app stack.

MEAN has managed to build a vast community because of speed, scalability, real-time testing support, and robustness. This is why businesses prefer to hire a top MEAN app development company to get faster and more seamless mobile and web app development.

Components of MEAN

Look at MEAN components that give any developer solid proof of all claims made above.

• MongoDB: It is a NoSQL database for backend applications and stores data as JSON files. Its document-based nature brings it added robustness.
• ExpressJS: Running on top of NodeJS, this component is a backend application
• AngularJS: It offers an app’s front-end framework and enables the running of JS code in the web browser.
• NodeJS: Offers JS runtime environment backend application backend in JS can be implemented.

Some of the most talked-about benefits of the MEAN stack are:

1. It is a stack widely accepted across the industry, as it easily complements the backend development of all types of applications.
2. Companies hire MEAN stack developers who come with enriched portfolios. Since MEAN is easy to implement and enables the development of applications of various types, businesses can easily find experienced hands for their projects. With popularity comes the convenience of finding developers at a low cost. So, faster and cost-effective developments become easy with MEAN stack developers.
3. Compatibility with numerous plugins and widgets makes the MEAN stack an easy development solution. Businesses that want development done on short notice and without compromising quality can employ MEAN developers for their next Web project.
4. Since MEAN allows various solutions to carry out the development process, the apps stand apart in functionalities, design, and user-friendliness. The apps have enhanced intuitive appeal that helps create the ultimate user experience.
5. MEAN stack framework is open-source. Thus, community support allows developers to include the best solutions and resolve all bugs faster and more sustainably.
6. MEAN comes with many in-built testing tools; thus, the testing takes place in real-time and adds seamlessness. 
7. Since both front-end and backend are developed in a single language, added coordination between both ends of the applications becomes conspicuous. Thus, MEAN applications respond faster to the backends, allowing developers to include more user-centric solutions.

Now, let’s navigate the MERN benefits to understand its role in application development.

What is the MEAN Advantage to the Development Process?

If we decode MEAN advantage in one word, it will be – AngularJS development, the ‘A’ of the MEAN stack. MEAN stack can be called a specialized full-stack, made using the best of all Front-end and backend technologies and frameworks. You must be aware that the following technologies and frameworks constitute a full-stack resource:

• Database technologies: MongoDbackend, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle.
• Front-end framework: AngularJS, backbone js, Ember.js,Polymer.js
• Backend technologies: Node.js, Ruby on Rails, PHP, .NET
• Backend framework: Rails, Express, CodeIgniter, ASP.NET

Also Read: Android vs iOS: Which Platform is Better

MEAN picks the most advanced or promising backend technologies and frameworks and utilizes them to create purpose-driven applications. 

MEAN Front-End Specific Benefits

AngularJS is front-end support available in MEAN. It is known for managing all the interactions on the client side. It eases single-page application development exceptionally. Since it employs side route execution for client requests, the server remains unburdened due to its presence. Further, its Model View Whatever (MVW) architecture is capable of replacing the functionalities of all front-end code based on CSS, HTML, and JS; thus, more work is achieved with minimal expertise.

MEAN Backend-Specific Benefits

MEAN stack development company designs the table/documents to store data intelligently for swift retrieval. MongoDB’s capabilities are enhanced by introducing Nodejs development and Expressjs in the module. It results in easy access to JSON data natively. So, the apps respond swiftly and become appreciably interactive, making performance more productive.

What is MERN Stack?

MERN stack is also an amalgamation of open-source technologies consisting of MongoDB, ExpressJS, React, and NodeJS. Regarding MERN VS MEAN, MERN enables developers to collect data in reactive JSON file documents. This is why developers prefer MERN, which can easily combine and store data with JSON files.  

MERN’s position as a proven development framework has improved in recent times. It enables the easy and faster full-stack web development of top-tier applications. Many biggies in various industries use MERN applications, which points to better comfort for businesses and developers with these applications.

One of the primary benefits of MERN stack development in making applications is that it supports a smooth development process. This is why businesses are advocating hiring a MERN app development company.

Related Blog: Django vs. Node.js: Which is Better Backend Framework?

Components of MERN

Take a look at the below components that will provide you with an idea about why MERN developers choose this stack:

MongoDB: Known as an open-source and document-based database

ExpressJS: Easy-to-use, faster, and simple web development framework mainly used for NodeJS

React: It is popular as a front-end JavaScript library for building intuitive user interfaces.

NodeJS: It is a runtime environment to execute server-side JavaScript. It is built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine.  

Other reasons why people are choosing the MERN stack:    

• A single coding script, JavaScript, covers the entire front-end and backend development process. 
• The developer can complete the whole development process using only JAVA and JSON.
• It complements MVC architecture, which brings added backends to development.
• There is a plethora of testing tools available.   
• It runs on exceptional open-source community support, which means the best brains help you when you are stuck. The source code can also be easily modified per the business’s custom requirements. 

Related Blog: Web Application Business with MEAN Stack Development

MERN Stack Overall Benefits

Look below to learn about the popular benefits of the MERN stack:

1. Simpler and Faster Development Process: Since JSON governs all portions, including database, server, client-side, and server-side, MERN stack development brings a conspicuous uniformity in operations throughout the app ecosystem. Also, the only language used is JavaScript. Thus, the developers can do a lot of work with a single skill set and not assess all parts separately for bugs.

2. Robust Server-Side: Node.js architecture responds in an event-driven manner. Non-blocking I/O further adds to the speed of the server. Thus, the web server’s resilience is used in a performance-driven manner, making the whole experience quite enjoyable for the application’s end-user.

3. Fully Customized Ecosystem: The NPM ecosystem is available in a variety of free packages. These packages can be picked according to the type of problem to be solved by the application. Even if the ready-made features are not usable, the MERN stack developer can modify them according to their purpose. 

4. More Ease of Testing and Improvement: MERN has in-built testing tools, as suggested above. So the testing does not interfere with the working environment. It can happen on a real-time basis. Also, the debugging gets faster and more seamless, leading to achieving better quality apps in minimal time. Mostly, when an event-based application is to be designed, MERN stack development services support proves to be more useful.

A Detailed Comparison Table for MEAN Stack VS MERN Stack

While choosing the MERN stack VS MEAN stack, you must consider a lot of factors that are relevant to diverse business requirements. Here is a thorough table that shows the difference between both stacks:

Comparison Elements	MERN Stack	MEAN Stack
Front-end Framework	ReactJS with a vast library for UI development, component-based architecture, and higher flexibility	A full-fledged AngularJS framework to develop single-page, dynamic apps with structured architecture
Learning Curve	Easy to learn and integrate, focuses on the view layer	There is a steeper learning curve because of the complexity and inflexible structure of Angular
Performance	It has a virtual DOM of React for regular updates and rendering.	It has slower updates in large-scale apps due to Angular’s real DOM.
Scalability	Highly scalable with component-based methods	It is less scalable due to the rigid structure of Angular.
Flexibility	Highly flexible and customizable	Less flexible due to structured and set rules.
Development Speed	Faster speed for small-scale projects	It is slower for small-scale projects but faster for large-scale and structured apps.
Data Binding	One-way data binding (unidirectional)	Two-way data binding (Bidirectional)
Architecture	Smooth UI Rendering	Upgrading and managing the code
Security	Medium	High
Real-world Examples	Instagram, Facebook, Airbnb	Google Drive, Gmail, Upwork
Use Cases	Suitable for dynamic apps and projects with fast UI updates	Approachable for enterprise-level apps with intricate needs.

MEAN Stack VS MERN Stack: How to Choose Better One?

While discussing which MEAN VS MERN stack is better, you must consider that both are popular choices for modern web application development. Here are some components on which you can decide for the MERN VS MEAN stack. Let’s have a look:

Architecture

• MEAN Stack: MEAN uses a two-way data binding architecture assembled around Angular. This stack ensures smooth management between the model and view, proving it to be suitable for real-time updates like collaborative tools or chat applications. MERN is the best for large-scale enterprise applications that require modular, structured, and faster development.
• MERN Stack: MERN mainly relies on React, using a unidirectional data flow. This stack enables control over data and enhances performance in enterprise-level applications. React also has a virtual DOM, leading to improved updates. MERN can be used to create dynamic applications comprising highly intuitive user interfaces like social media or eCommerce platforms.

Scalability

• MEAN Stack: In the MEAN stack, Angular has a complete, end-to-end structure comprising TypeScript support, making the MEAN appropriate for intricate, enterprise-level applications that need scalability. MEAN developers can use this stack for web app development with a great focus on long-term growth and maintainability.  
• MERN Stack: MERN stack is highly scalable, specifically for front-end applications. React has a vast ecosystem of libraries leading to flexibility, but for scaling, it might need surplus configuration. It is most suitable for dynamic SPAs (single-page applications) with constantly changing front-end needs.

Learn More: Backend vs Frontend Development: Which is Better

Learning Curve

• MEAN Stack: To become a MEAN developer, it will be a little bit challenging to learn Angular due to its sheer learning curve and rich features. However, it provides great support for large and bulky applications. It can be an added proficiency for experts with prior experience in structured and popular frameworks.    
• MERN Stack: Businesses can easily hire MERN developers with fine knowledge and proficiency, as React is easier to learn. Developers with knowledge of JavaScript can learn MERN even faster due to its simple and component-based architecture. It is more suitable for startup ventures and projects with rapid, instant market requirements.

Performance

• MEAN Stack: Between MEAN and MERN stack, Angular in MEAN has built-in features, resulting in faster development of large-scale applications. It emphasizes creating enterprise apps with fewer load times. However, the performance of apps with controlled workflow remains steady.  
• MERN Stack: React in MERN uses virtual DOM and lightweight library subsidized to quicker rendering process and overall improved performance. This stack is specifically for apps that require regular updates.  

Broad Community Support

• MEAN Stack: In MEAN, Angular has a broad enterprise community support from Google and an advanced ecosystem. MEAN is extensively used in commercial settings and offers detailed documentation. It has support from platforms like Google Cloud and Gmail.   
• MERN Stack: In MERN, React has open-source, active, and larger community support, resulting in rapid answers to all the issues and a wider array of third-party libraries and frameworks. It has support from apps like Instagram and Facebook.

In MEAN VS MERN, only one point differentiates them; one carries AngularJS advantages, and the other has Reactive JS, so there is not much to lose when developers use either of them. However, if the interaction is secondary and robustness is the primary need, MEAN will provide the requisite solutions. MERN stack development company will be useful when end-users want more interactive apps that offer a native-like experience.

Final Words

Developers can go for either MERN or MEAN for their app development process. Since both have become a favorite choice among modern developers, picking one over the other can be tricky. The best option is to self-analyze which tool you have used more in the past.

If you are not looking forward to using a full-stack development job, the next best option is to find your comfort level with both of the choices. In functionality and results, you will hardly be disappointed when you hire a MERN stack developer or a MEAN development expert.

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