MEAN vs. MERN stack
In the modern world, the internet is an integral part of our lives. On it, we use websites and applications to do our daily activities like taking orders, getting resources, and checking out information. These websites require some code to work, which includes multiple coding languages. A technology stack, or stack, is a set of combinations of programming languages, frameworks, libraries, and other tools needed to create various components of a website or application. The most popular stacks include MERN and MEAN.
MERN stack
The MERN stack is a web development framework consisting of four main components.
Front-end: This stack uses the React library to create dynamic and interactive components. This makes the application ideal for single-page applications (SPA).
Back-end: This stack uses ExpressJS (built upon NodeJS) as its web application framework. It provides tools that enable HTTP requests, routing, APIs, and other tasks that allow the user to create a scalable server-side application.
Database: This stack uses MongoDB as its NoSQL database. This allows a flexible and schema-less data model well-suited for handling large amounts of data. Moreover, it also offers high scalability, which is ideal for large applications.
Hosting: This stack uses NodeJS and other hosting platforms for its server needs. NodeJS is used in both backend and server development as it provides an efficient runtime experience for the user. Moreover, when deploying our application to a website, we can use various hosting platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Heroku.
MEAN stack
The MEAN stack is a web development framework also consisting of four main components.
Front-end: This stack uses Angular to create complex and feature-rich web applications. Moreover, Angular follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture which enables developers to create a structure and maintabnable front end.
Back-end: This stack also uses ExpressJS (built upon NodeJS) as its web application framework. It provides tools that enable HTTP requests, routing, APIs, and other tasks that allow the user to create a scalable server-side application.
Database: This stack also uses MongoDB as its NoSQL database. This allows a flexible and schema-less data model well-suited for handling large amounts of data. Moreover, it also offers high scalability, which is ideal for large applications.
Hosting: This stack also uses NodeJS and other hosting platforms for its server needs. NodeJS is used in both backend and server development as it provides an efficient runtime experience for the user. Moreover, when deploying our application to a website, we can use various hosting platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Heroku.
Differences
As we can now see, the only difference between the two stacks is their differnet front end components. MERN uses React while MEAN uses Angular. Therefore, let us now talk about the differneces between both and touch upon the differnece in linking with the other components.
Angular | React |
It is a comprehensive solution, i.e., it has all the built-in features like routing, forms, and more which make it suitable for complex applications. | It requires additonal libraries like Redux for state management and more. This forces users to import and install packages individually. |
It has a opinionated structure which means it has a structed development process which enhances maintainability and collaboration on larger projects. | It does not forcce users to have a very structured process and is therefore much more flexible in its working. |
It does not support a modular build and has a comprehensive build. This does not allow for a light weight project. | It has a modular based build that allows developers to use it for differnet parts of an application which allows for more flexibility for all types of projects. |
It has a good community but it is less popular and does not support as many libraries as React. | It has a strong community and ecosystem of libraries, components, and tools that greatly improve its working. |
It has a steep learning curve due to its extensive features which makes it harder for developers to gain a complete grasp of the language. | It also has a learning curve but it is less steep than that of Angular. However, concepts like hooks may still present challenges for new developers. |
It has a large boilerplate code due to its comprehensive nature. | It has a smaller boilerplate code due to its modular nature. |
Conclusion
Both MERN and MEAN provide a great stack and allow users to create complex and dynamic applications catered to their needs. However, the choice between the two depends on the user's requirements. For a developer with JavaScript experience and a requirement for lightweight and flexible stack, then MERN is the best choice for them. On the other hand, MEAN might be a better choice when creating enterprise-level applications that are built upon a structured and comprehensive framework.
Note: Click the following topics to start your journey into developing your first full stack application.
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To continue your exploration of tech stacks, check out our series of Answers below:
What is full stack development?
Understand full stack development as the process of using both front-end and back-end technologies to build complete web applications.What is MEAN stack?
Learn about the MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node.js) and its power in building dynamic, single-page applications.What is the MERN stack?
Discover the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js) and how it's tailored for building fast and scalable applications using React.MEAN vs MERN stack
Explore the differences between the MEAN and MERN stacks and decide which is the best fit for your web development needs.What is the MEVN stack?
Explore the MEVN stack (MongoDB, Express, Vue.js, Node.js), a modern stack focused on Vue.js for building dynamic web applications.What is JAMstack?
Learn about JAMstack (JavaScript, APIs, Markup), a modern web architecture focusing on performance, scalability, and security.What is the LAMP stack?
Dive into the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP), one of the most traditional web development tech stacks.
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