MEAN Stack or MERN Stack? Your 2024 Web Stack Decision

Introduction

Choosing the right technology stack for any web or mobile app development is important for the project's success. If you’re trying to find out which stack to use then this blog is for you. This article will help you understand these options better.

“Stack” refers to a combination of technologies needed to build a web or mobile application. Namely, there are two types of stack, a technology stack and an application stack. A technology stack is a set of tools and software used during development, while an application stack is a specific component or service that makes up the application itself.

The demand for developing apps is growing, and with it, the importance of choosing the right stack to ensure your app is scalable, performs well, and can adapt to changes in the market. Knowing which stack to choose will help your business stay aligned with the latest web development trends and meet your specific needs efficiently and cost-effectively.

So, let’s understand in detail to help you make the best choice for your next web app development project.

Now, let’s first begin by understanding what does term “Stack” mean

What Do you mean by Stack?

Agile development is becoming very popular and business needs strong technological foundations to fully benefit from it and maximize their return on investment. When we discuss a “technology stack” we mean a set of compatible technologies and programming languages that are used together.

There are main types of development stacks: technology stacks and application stacks. Both are used to build web and mobile applications. A technology stack would include everything from a programming language to a framework, tools, libraries, and even software for creating user interfaces.

Before deciding on the best stack for your needs - whether it's Full Stack, MEAN Stack development, or MERN Stack development - these components can help you choose wisely for your next project.

• Understand the specific needs and goals of your project

• Consider how agile methods can be integrated.

• Look beyond the basic requirements to better serve the audience

• Think about the overall cost of development.

These steps will guide you in selecting the right technology stack.

Now, further, let’s understand How to choose the Right Stack.

How to Choose the Right Stack?

Before selecting the right stack, consider the below questions:

1. What are the project requirements?

2. Do you want agility?

3. Do you want to exceed project requirements to get a better audience?

4. Is your team/company knowledgeable and expert in this field?

5. Is your development team scalable and flexible?

6. What is the final cost of development?

In the year 2024 based on the answers to the above questions, the most probable options can be MEAN Stack development and MERN Stack development

Now, let’s quickly understand both of them. Let’s first begin by understanding what MEAN Stack means,

MEAN Stack: A Detailed Overview

MEAN Stack is one of the famous development frameworks that can help in developing complex web applications easily. The MEAN stack is a full form of MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, and Node.js

These components are a set of JavaScript-based frameworks that can be used throughout the entire system, from a client to the server and from the server to the database. MEAN is an approachable stack that makes it the go-to choice for building dynamic websites and applications.

Now, let’s quickly understand the components of MEAN Stack.

Components of MEAN Stack

To understand the MEAN stack in a better way, examining each of its components closely is important. Let’s understand the four components of the MEAN Stack

• MongoDB: A NoSQL document database to store data in JSON format.

• Express.js: A back-end web application framework to build APIs and web applications.

• Angular.js: It is a front-end web application framework to build a dynamic, single-page application.

• Node.js: It is a powerful framework for JavaScript, that provides both versatility in development and powerful security features.

If you are feeling a shortage of manpower, then you can hire MEAN stack developers from a well-known IT company with expertise in MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, and Node.js

Now further, let’s understand the Pros of MEAN Stack

Pros of MEAN Stack Development

1. MEAN Stack is an open-source and free-to-use framework

2. MEAN tech Stack helps in reducing the development time and making it more efficient.

3. Coding in the MEAN stack is completely based on JavaScript, reduces the learning time and eases up the process of connecting and adapting different features and frameworks.

4. Moreover, MEAN Stack has a very lightweight architecture that runs on a JavaScript engine based on Chrome, reduces memory requirements, and improves web response time.

5. Additionally, the Stack also has a reduced development cost and shorter development cycles.

6. The MEAN Stack has a richer, unified, and flexible ecosystem with features like code sharing, and code reusability and it also reduces code complexities.

7. Also supports fast MVP development and app scalability.

Now further, let’s understand the skill set a MEAN Stack Developer should possess

Skillset a MEAN Stack Developer should have

When hiring a remote MEAN Stack Developer you should look out for the below skillset. A MEAN stack developer should possess below skills:

• They should be aware of cloud technologies, architecture, web designing, and integration.

• They should also possess sound and efficient knowledge of HTML and CSS.

• Moreover, a MEAN stack developer should have a proper understanding of SDLC and Agile environments.

Now, let’s understand what is MERN Stack Development

MERN Stack: A Detailed Overview

The MERN Stack is a collection of advanced tech that developers use to create big web applications with parts like backend, frontend, and database components. In other words, this stack is similar to other options that use JavaScript, but only for the front end. Whereas, a MERN Stack will use React.js instead of Angular.js which is used by MEAN Stack.

Now, let’s quickly understand the components of MERN Stack.

Components of MERN Stack

• MongoDB: A NoSQL document database to store data in JSON format.

• Express.js: A back-end web application framework to build APIs and web applications.

• React.js: ReactJS is a popular JavaScript framework used to build websites.

• Node.js: It is a powerful framework for JavaScript, that provides both versatility in development and powerful security features.

If you are feeling a shortage of manpower, then you can hire MERN stack developers from a well-known IT company with expertise in MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js

Now further, let’s understand the Pros of MERN Stack development

Pros of MERN Stack Development

1. One of the primary benefits of the MERN stack is that it provides businesses with a high level of performance, agility, and intelligence to drive their business ahead.

2. An application that is built by the MERN stack will give high-end interactivity and performance.

3. A single script for MERN Stack can cover both frontend as well as backend developments.

4. The complete development process of the MERN stack is based on JAVA and JSON which eases up the coding.

5. Similar to MEAN, a MERN stack also follows an MVC architecture.

6. It has built-in tools for real-time development testing.

7. Modules for a MERN stack can be easily found on the internet with a modifiable source code.

Now further, let’s understand the skill set a MERN Stack Developer should possess

Skillset a MERN Stack Developer should have

When hiring a remote MERN Stack Developer you should look out for the below skillset. A MERN stack developer should possess below skills:

• The MERN stack developer should be proficient in HTML and JavaScript.

• They should possess a proper understanding of profiling applications.

• Moreover, they should also possess knowledge of various databases and programming templates.

Now further let’s understand the Similar frameworks between the MEAN vs MERN stack.

MEAN Stack Development vs MERN Stack Development: Similar Frameworks

Selecting between the MEAN and MERN stacks can be a tricky choice as both stacks use technologies to manage the user interface. Below is a simpler explanation of the technologies involved in these stacks with their main difference.

Common Technologies of Both Stacks

MongoDB: It is a flexible, NoSQL database that is used by both MEAN and MERN stacks. MongoDB stores the data in a format that is similar to JSON and is known to handle large volumes of data efficiently. A MongoDB lets users build and manage databases with dynamic schemas.

Express.js: It is a web application framework that runs on top of Node.js, thus simplifying the backend development. Moreover, it also helps in building a powerful API and web application by supporting reusable code and middleware.

Node.js: It is a JavaScript runtime environment that lets you run the JavaScript on the server. It is fast because it uses an asynchronous operation, meaning it handles many tasks at once without slowing down. Node.js is known for its performance, thus making web applications faster to respond, which is important since users expect web pages to load in less than a second.

But the question here arises, what is the key difference that sets MEAN and MERN apart from each other? Worry not, as we’ll cover that in the upcoming section.

Key Differences Between MEAN Development and MERN Development

Angular.js: Angular.js is a complete framework used in the MEAN stack. It provides a structured and efficient way to build the user interface.

React.js: It is a library used in the MERN stack to build the user interface. It is well known for its flexibility and efficiency in updating and rendering components of a web page.

Both MEAN and MERN are great choices for developing modern web applications, but the choice between them often comes down to whether developers prefer to work with AngularJS or ReactJS.

Now further let’s understand a few Real-world examples of MEAN and MERN stack.

MEAN and MERN Stack: Real-world Examples

MEAN (i.e. MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, and Node.js) and MERN (i.e. MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js) both are popular technology stacks used to develop a dynamic website and application. 

Below are three real-world examples of each:

Real-world Examples: MEAN Stack Development

1. LinkedIn

LinkedIn uses the MEAN stack for a few of its applications, specifically for its backend services. The combination of Angular.js and Node.js enables scalable and efficient performance, which is important for the platform with millions of users.

1. PayPal

PayPal has integrated the MEAN stack into a few of its backend applications. Its ability to handle an asynchronous request with Node.js and manage a rich, interactive front-end with Angular.js makes MEAN an efficient choice for financial service platforms that require a powerful, secure, and dynamic application feature.

1. Guardian

The British News and the media platform use Angular.js as a part of its MEAN stack to handle the dynamic content of its online editions. Moreover, the MEAN stack also helps the Guardian efficiently manage and present a large volume of news data to users worldwide.

Real-world Examples: MERN Stack Development

1. Facebook

Facebook uses React.js extensively, as it incorporates the elements of the MERN stack in several internal applications. React.js allows an efficient updating and rendering of UI components, which is essential for dynamic and interactive elements of the website.

1. Instagram

Instagram which is owned by Facebook, uses React.js heavily and fits into the MERN stack for its frontend development. The use of React lets Instagram manage its highly interactive and dynamic interface, specifically when a high volume of user-generated content and interaction is given.

1. Airbnb

Airbnb uses React.js for its frontend development, and while not a pure MERN implementation, the principles and technologies here are closely aligned with the MERN stack. The use of React in building a highly interactive and user-friendly interface that handles real-time data and booking functionalities effectively.

Now nextly let’s understand the comparison between the MEAN stack and MERN stack development.

MEAN Stack vs MERN Stack: Comparison chart

Let’s quickly compare the MEAN and MERN stacks in the following section:

Now further, let’s understand how to choose which is the best among both MEAN and MERN Development

MEAN or MERN - Which is the best?

Choosing the right technology stack for your web projects is important and you should consider factors such as developer expertise, scalability, project requirements, and development costs to make the right choice.

Infowind's research shows that over 32% of developers prefer learning React rather than Angular. 

For a well-informed choice, businesses need to clearly outline their objectives, understand their target audience, explore various technology stacks, make a decision, and then test the chosen stack to confirm it fulfills their requirements.

Let’s understand all the factors in a little detail:

Factors to consider when choosing one out of MEAN or MERN

Choosing the right technology stack for your web application is essential for any enterprise, but it depends on several factors:

Development Cost

Cost is a key consideration before selecting a tech stack. The MEAN stack, which incorporates Angular, tends to be slightly more expensive than the MERN stack, which uses React. This is because Angular is a comprehensive framework that generally requires more resources and time to learn and implement.

Project Requirements

The specific needs of your project will dictate the most suitable stack. The MERN stack is ideal for building real-time applications, thanks to Socket.io, which supports real-time communication. On the other hand, the MEAN stack might be preferable for more traditional web applications.

Scalability & Flexibility

When developing applications intended to scale, consider both scalability and flexibility. Both MEAN and MERN stacks offer scalability, but the MERN stack is often viewed as more flexible. This flexibility comes from the Node.js framework used in MERN, which can handle a range of tasks like server-side and client-side rendering.

Developer Expertise

The expertise of your development team is another crucial factor. If your developers are more familiar with Angular, the MEAN stack might be the better choice. Conversely, if they are proficient in React, then the MERN stack could be more advantageous.

New Practices

It’s also important to consider the latest practices in technology. The MERN stack is a newer set of technologies gaining popularity and is continuously evolving with new frameworks and libraries. Meanwhile, the MEAN stack has a more established ecosystem and provides stability.

Each of these factors plays a significant role in determining the most appropriate technology stack for your enterprise's web application needs.

Now let’s understand the step-by-step process to choose the best Tech Stack

MEAN vs MERN Stack: A Step-by-Step Process

Selecting the appropriate technology stack for a web application involves a thoughtful decision-making process. Below is the simplified step-by-step process to help you find the right fit for your enterprise's needs:

Define Your Goals

The first step is to start by clearly stating what you aim to achieve with your application. Ask questions like “What type of web applications are you planning to develop?”, “What are your key business goals?”. Finding answers to this will help you find the right fit for the project.

Consider Your Audience

Understanding who your user is, along with their preferences and expectations is important. Understanding your audience helps you choose the tech stack that delivers the best possible user experience.

Research Tech Stacks

With clear goals and a defined audience, research potential tech stacks. Popular options include MEAN and MERN but don’t overlook other technologies like LAMP or Django. Investigate the advantages, limitations, and requirements of each stack to see which one matches your project needs and goals.

Making a Decision

After thoughtful research, compare and evaluate the features, advantages, and potential challenges of each of the tech stacks relative to your project’s requirements and the needs of the audience. Consider factors like development costs, scalability, and various other expertise of your developers. By choosing the tech stack that not only aligns with your objective but also fits well with your organization’s operational requirements.

Experiment

After choosing the tech stack, test it regularly by developing a minimum viable product (MVP). The trial will help you identify and assess the functionality, performance, and scalability. Next, collect feedback from users and make adjustments as and when required. Evaluate the effectiveness of the tech stack repeatedly to find whether it meets your business needs and later adjust the approach to ensure optimal performance and scalability

This step-by-step approach will streamline your decision-making process and help ensure that you select the most effective tech stack for your enterprise’s web application.

Now finally, let’s talk about the Salary range for hiring remote MEAN stack developer and hiring remote MERN stack developers.

MEAN vs MERN Stack: Salary Comparison

On average, a MEAN stack developer’s salary in the US ranges from USD 120,000/year which is $57.69/hour. For an entry-level MEAN stack developer, the salary ranges from $100,000/year to $156,000/year for an experienced MEAN stack developer.

Whereas, a MERN Stack developer earns an average of $107,500/year which is $55.13/hour. A highly experienced remote MEAN stack developer earns around $146,250/year whereas an entry-level developer would earn $87,500.

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, selecting the right technology stack, like MEAN or MERN, is important for the success of your web or mobile app project. MEAN Stack, with MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, and Node.js, offers a comprehensive environment for effective and efficient app development. It uses JavaScript across all application layers, which simplifies the development process.

Alternatively, the MERN Stack replaces Angular.js with React.js, making it ideal for projects that require dynamic and highly interactive user interfaces. React’s capabilities in handling real-time data and user interactions make MERN suitable for more visually engaging and responsive applications.

The decision between MEAN and MERN should consider factors such as project requirements, team expertise, scalability, and the user experience you aim to provide. Both stacks offer robust solutions, but the right choice depends on aligning the stack’s capabilities with your project’s long-term goals and needs. By carefully evaluating each technology's strengths and how they match your objectives, you can ensure your project is built on a solid and scalable foundation.