MEAN Stack versus MERN Stack For Web App Development - Comparison Between Technology Stacks

Whether it is mobile or web application development solutions, both have seen a drastic transformation in recent years. Well, a stack of technologies is used to build these apps.

A Tech Stack is a collection of frameworks, programming languages, and technologies. This blog would help you compare the two tech stacks MEAN and MERN Stack

Let us first understand each of these tech stacks.

About MEAN Tech Stack

It is an open-source (free) JavaScript-based tech stack that allows you to build competitive web apps. This stack comprises of :

• M – MongoDB
• E – Express.js
• A - Angular
• N- Node.js.

It is a comprehensive web development framework that enables developers to build web & mobile apps.

What Are The Advantages of MEAN Stack?

Facilitates Easy Shift Between Client & Server

If you are planning to build a website, MEAN makes it a fast and simple process. The reason is that client and server-side coding can be done using JavaScript. With Node.js the developers can deploy different apps on the server itself without the need for deploying them first on the stand-alone server.

Quite Flexible

After you have built an app, you can test the functionality of the app faster on a cloud platform using the MEAN stack.

This stack allows developers to build, launch and test apps on the cloud. This helps you add a field if required anytime.

MongoDB works well with the cloud and has features that include cluster support and automated replication.

Enables Isomorphic Coding

The code can be moved from between frameworks with the help of MEAN Stack. Hence, the stack proves to be one of the user-friendly tools for web development. It means MEAN facilitates isomorphic coding wherein the developers can get the maximum outcome in a shorter span.

MEAN Utilizes JSON

Well, MEAN utilizes JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) and is associated closely with AngularJS and NodeJS. Also, MongoDB helps users to store files in JSON format.

Open-Source Tech Stack With Cloud Support

This stack is free to use. It means the developers can utilize public libraries and repositories while working on a project. It directly cuts down the development costs.

About MERN Tech Stack

It is a web development framework having the following components :

• M - MongoDB
• E – Express.js
• R - ReactJs
• N- NodeJS

This stack helps developers to build both web and mobile apps. MERN and MEAN have similarities with 3 components in common.

What Are The Advantages of MEAN Stack?

• Includes end-to-end web development process (frontend to backend) with JS
• The stack is based on JavaScript so developers can master only JavaScript and JSON
• Backs MVC architecture
• Comes with a wide range of built-in testing tools
• Blend of premium technologies like React, -MongoDB, Express.js, and Node.js
• It is free to use

A Detailed Comparison Between MEAN Stack Versus MERN Stack

Let us look at the difference between MEAN stack and MERN stack web development :

Learning Curve

MEAN Stack

If you are a beginner, it would take a little longer to master the MEAN stack. This is because it is a pre-configured framework.

MERN Stack

This stack is comparatively easy to learn. It includes ReactJS which comes with structured documentation which helps the developers to extract required information without any hassles.

3rd Party Libraries

MEAN Stack

Mean stack consists of HTTP requests along with backend connections features by default. This means you can use the libraries even with no or less knowledge of programming languages.

MERN Stack

This stack is still emerging and does not comprise many libraries to meet the project development needs. React also needs added settings to support 3rd party libraries.

Performance

MEAN Stack

Talking about performance, it is tricky to choose the right tech stacks. When you go with MEAN stack app development,it offers better performance as compared to the MERN tech stack.

MERN Stack

This stack utilizes virtual DOM in place of native DOM which results in increased rendering time. Also, everything needs to be configured individually.

Data Flow

MEAN Stack

The user interface and model in the MEAN stack can be changed according to your preferences. This is because the MEAN stack has bi-directional data flow.

MERN Stack

If you are handling large-scale projects, unidirectional data binding associated with is quite useful. To develop flexible web apps to match your needs, you can seek help from a MERN stack developer too.

Security

MEAN Stack

When it comes to security, the MEAN stack offers higher security as compared to the MERN stack.

Well, the MEAN stack is based on Angular and Node.js frameworks and these frameworks are backed by JWT - JSON Web Token. So, this technology protects the data against unauthorized access by encrypting sensitive data.

MERN Stack

MERN stack offers different authentication methods for security, but these methods do not work against CSRF threats.

MVC Architecture

MEAN Stack

In case you are willing to go with MEAN stack for large-scale projects, opt for Angular technology. The reason being the MEAN stack has an intermediate layer-free user interface. Hence, enterprise-grade architecture can benefit from this tech stack.

MERN Stack

Well, MERN is solely based on JSX for writing and adding HTML code to React. the small to large-scale projects can benefit from this stack.

Testing

This is one of the crucial aspects to consider for the website design and development project.

Angular is easier to test than React. It needs only one tool Jasmine to perform testing. On the other hand, React need a set of different tools for testing.

Mobile App development

MEAN

MEAN enables an Ionic framework for mobile app development which helps you create hybrid mobile apps. In turn, it helps you manage the development costs easily as a single codebase is used for Android and iOS. When it comes to hybrid apps, MEAN may not offer a native app experience at all times.

MERN

As MERN makes use of React, it offers an amazing native app experience which is an advantage for improving user experience.

Now if you wish to offer a native experience for the app users, MERN would be the right option to go with.

Code management

MEAN

Again, MEAN based on Angular offers the developers the advantage of working with a well-structured framework. It helps the developers to upgrade and manage the code post-launch without any hassles.

MERN

On the other hand, React involves considerable time and effort to upgrade and manage code due to the involvement of 3rd party libraries.

Conclusion

After learning about the differences between the two tech stacks MEAN and MERN, we get to know that both are dependable frameworks for fast front-end development.

The main difference between these two stacks is the way they are organized. Also, the MEAN stack is ideal for large-scale apps whereas MERN can be the ideal option for small applications.

Choosing between MERN or MEAN stack solely depends on your project requirements. To build apps using any of these two stacks you need an expert full-stack developer to work on your project. Before you hire a team of full-stack developers, make sure you know custom app development coststo plan your budget accordingly.

X-Byte Enterprise Solutions a reliable mobile app development company can help you get an app built on MEAN or MERN stack as per your requirements. We are equipped with a dedicated team of full-stack developers to understand your requirements and leverage from MERN or MEAN stack for your project. Get in touch with us to share your requirements and get a free quote from our end.