MEAN vs. MERN Stack: Which One Is Best for Scalable Web Applications?

Choosing the right tech stack defines the success of your projects. Tech stacks are the combinations of tools, frameworks, libraries, and programming languages developers leverage to develop software and web apps.  

Developers use many combinations; however, the decisions are based on the web server, database, and front-end framework. 

The most commonly used tech stacks today are MEAN and MERN. They are the best choices for most developers for building efficient, reliable, and scalable web applications. 

While they have a lot in common, knowing the key differences enables you to make the ideal choice for your business. 

In this blog, we have discussed all that you need to know about MEAN and MERN stacks for web development and which one is the best for your requirements. 

Ready? Let’s begin. 

What Is MEAN Stack?

MEAN is a popular web development technology consisting of MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js. It leverages JavaScript throughout the application stack and streamlines the development of full-stack web applications. 

What Is MERN Stack?

MERN is one of the most popular web app development technologies supporting full-stack web application​ development and allows customers to interact with the servers seamlessly. It encompasses four components, including –

• MongoDB
• Express.js
• React.js
• Node.js

Common Features of MEAN and MERN Stack

Some of the common features of MEAN and MERN stack include – 

• Lightweight framework

MEAN and MERN leverage Express as the web framework. Express supports several programming languages and offers extensive app-building tools to enhance performance. 

• JavaScript runtime environment

Node.js eliminates the requirement for separate front-end and back-end languages. It simplifies the development process and fosters code consistency. 

• Reliable document database

MongoDB’s flexible data modeling and indexing capabilities make MEAN and MERN the ideal choice for high-performing application development requiring frequent data updates. 

• Open source

All the MEAN and MERN stack components are open-source technologies that streamline development and reduce the cost of new web app development. 

• Community support

The MEAN and MERN stack embraces a large, well-established community where developers can reach out for resources and support to manage difficulties and challenges in the web development process​. 

Advantages of MEAN Stack

• Flexibility: It offers various developer-friendly frameworks and tools at every stack layer. 
• Consistent data: MongoDB, Angular, and Node.js use JSON to store data. This eliminates the need to reformat data every time it moves between the database and the user interface. 
• Customizable: MEAN stack provides maximum flexibility for customization through Angular’s modular architecture and library support. 
• Scalability: MEAN stack allows developers to build scalable and modern applications with Angular and MongoDB.  
• Open source: The open source nature allows MEAN developers to develop apps with community support and eliminate upfront licensing costs. 

Disadvantages of MEAN Stack

• Security issues: Data security is a primary concern with the MEAN stack. For example, some of the features of MongoDB have recently shown certain security vulnerabilities, raising a major concern. However, this can be mitigated with the help of professional developers. 
• Compatibility concerns: Although MongoDB, Express, Node.js, and Angular are all open-source technologies, there is no guarantee that they will be compatible with each other. 
• Limited offline support: Express and MongoDB are server-side technologies requiring a reliable internet connection. 
• Steep learning curve: Each component of the MEAN stack has a steep learning curve and hence requires a professional MEAN stack development agency​ to integrate them. 

Advantages of MERN Stack

• Low cost: JavaScript in the MERN stack allows companies to hire MERN stack development companies​ experienced in JavaScript rather than multiple languages. 
• Simplified full-stack development: MERN stack offers extensive package support and libraries, allowing developers to build web apps in less time. 
• Ease of use: MERN ensures ease of use, allowing developers to build scalable web applications​ without roadblocks.  
• Open source: Open source frameworks allow developers to build robust applications at low cost with no upfront licensing and community support. 

Disadvantages of MERN Stack

• Scalability issues: MERN may face problems with scalability and struggle to handle the increase in workload or users. Most software development professional​s use the MERN stack to build dynamic single-page applications. 
• Documentation: Since the open source technologies of MERN are constantly updated, online documentation systems often find it difficult to keep up. 
• Learning curve: MERN stack requires extensive knowledge of multiple technologies, including MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js, and JavaScript. Learning them all requires time and resources and, hence, requires the help of full-stack development companies for building high-performing applications. 

Conclusion: MEAN Vs. MERN Stack: Which One is Best for You?

The major difference between MEAN and MERN is that the former uses Angular, and the latter uses React as the front-end web development framework​. 

Angular and React are two common frameworks that have differences in their architecture. 

Angular

Angular follows the model-view-controller (MVC) pattern and provides a more structured set and built-in features. It has a large and complex API, making the learning curve steep. Furthermore, it boasts a mature and large community support, ensuring a seamless and faster development process. 

React 

React is a JavaScript framework that supports component-based and flexible development. It has a simpler API, making it easier for developers familiar with JavaScript to build apps using React. Furthermore, React uses a document object model (DOM), allowing developers to update and render only changed components. This ensures better performance and fast and dynamic web development with a faster-growing community. 

When choosing the right stack, consider the above key differences. Also, keep a note of the stack’s scalability, security measures, skill requirements, and expenses to make the development process seamless. 

Whether MEAN or MERN is better entirely depends on your project requirements, skill set, and chosen technology ecosystem. You can seek professional support from a scalable web applications development firm in the USA if you are still confused between the two.