You might wonder how to choose between the MERN and MEAN tech stacks. Both have gained popularity over the years, and while only a letter apart, they're pretty different! That's why we'll discuss the critical differences between them so you can decide which is right for you. Let's read on to unfold their secrets!
What is the MERN Stack?
MERN Stack is an acronym for MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js. It combines these tools to build and create web and mobile apps from scratch. This stack controls from databases and server side to API routing and building.
How does the MERN Stack Work?
MERN Stack's operational process involves a 3-tier architecture method to work. This structure covers the front-end, back-end, and support from a database. In this case, React is in charge of managing and displaying the front-end part. MongoDB creates and contains support from the back end, and JSON controls the database. All these parts permit users to develop web and mobile apps to tier and operate interfaces.
What are the MERN Stack Elements?
MERN comprises four key features that allow for building feature-rich web applications.
MongoDB in MERN Stack
MongoDB is a robust open-source, cross-platform NoSQL database. It makes it easy to store, query and manipulate data. Mongo also enables scalable applications with high availability.
Express in MERN Stack
Express' framework helps developers build robust APIs, websites, and web apps. It also provides an easy-to-use routing layer to organize code into modules.
React in MERN Stack
React enables building user interfaces with reusable modular components. It allows developers to update views in response to data changes quickly. At the same time, it optimizes performance when working with large datasets.
Node.js in MERN Stack
Node.JS enables users to write server-side code in the same language as their front-end code. It's excellent for creating real-time applications like chat systems or streaming services.
What are the Pros and Cons of the MERN Stack?
MERN Stack is a fantastic tool that makes a developer's life easier. Yet, like all things, it also has its cons and pros user may encounter when using it.
Pros of the MERN Stack
● Full-Stack Development. It aids developers in using JavaScript as a primary tool. Thus, it simplifies the process when building apps from scratch.
● Single Languages. It uses the same programming languages for the Front-End and Back-End. Then, simultaneously sharing code and third-party libraries is possible.
● Great Support. It counts on an extensive community that supports each other. Since it comprises popular tools, its users are more prominent than others. This feature generates that its community becomes more active.
● Improved Performance. MERN Stack uses tools like the virtual DOM to improve operations. Therefore, it provides faster development and intuitive user interfaces.
Cons of the MERN Stack
● Database Support. Since MongoDB is a NoSQL database, it cannot support some features. For example, it can fail when supporting actions like transactions.
● Challenging To Learn. Learning can take time as it comprises many tools. Many beginners find it a complex journey because of its particular technologies. Still, with practice, they can manage it well.
● Increased Complexity. Working with the MERN stack can be challenging, especially when developing big applications, as it combines four different technologies.
Why Use the MERN Stack?
Is it MERN Stack that important for developers? Yes, it has become a helpful tool that enables minimal coding when developing. It explains why more developers use it to create apps more effectively. They can now make single-page web applications faster and easier. With it, they also can organize structures and code hierarchically.
What is the MEAN Stack?
MEAN Stack comprises MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node. It enables developers to work with end-to-end frameworks to build apps from the ground up. It's also an open-source Stack for creating web apps and building APIs.
How does the MEAN Stack Work?
MEAN stack's operational process combines excellent techs. MongoDB works as the NoSQL database to store data as documents. Express is a reliable framework for developing apps and APIs. AngularJS creates the app's environment, while Node.JS provides development speed and scalability.
What are the MEAN Stack Elements?
MEAN also has some crucial features that position it as a popular stack.
MongoDB in MEAN Stack
MongoDB is a document-oriented, open-source NoSQL database used for high-volume data storage. It uses JSON-like documents with dynamic schemas.
MySQL in MEAN Stack
MySQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS). It uses Structured Query Language (SQL) to manage data. It is the most popular RDBMS used in web apps as it provides features like scalability and backups.
Cassandra in MEAN Stack
Apache Cassandra is a NoSQL database with high scalability and fault tolerance. It's a choice for apps that need to store large amounts of data.
Redis in MEAN Stack
Redis is an open-source in-memory data structure store used for real-time analytics. It supports many data types, such as strings, hashes, lists, or sets. It's highly performant when compared to other databases.
What are the Pros and Cons of the MEAN Stack?
As a result of its popularity, MEAN Stack cannot escape from having pros and cons when people use it. Most of the time, these interactions allow users to choose it over other methods.
Pros of the MEAN Stack
● Cost-Effective. The MEAN stack is incredibly cost-effective when it comes to development. Unlike other stacks, it uses open-source tools that save from expensive licenses.
● Full-Stack JS Solution. With the MEAN stack, developers are working with full-stack JavaScript solutions. This condition permits them to eliminate complexity and simplify the development process.
● Fast Cycles. The MEAN stack helps developers create applications in a concise amount of time. It enables them for quick iteration and deployment cycles.
Cons of the MEAN Stack
● Lack of Support for WebSockets. The MEAN stack does not support WebSockets, creating a lack of communication between the client and server, a highly needed feature across platforms.
● Limited Database Support. MongoDB is the only database supported by the MEAN stack. This limitation can be an obstacle if devs require new features or use other databases.
● Security Issues. MEAN Stack does not provide any special security features. That's why developers must take extra precautions when building applications. For example, they must enable authentication and authorization manually. This con can add a layer of complexity to development.
Why Use the MEAN Stack?
The MEAN Stack is an efficient way to create web apps. Based on this idea, we should ask ourselves why using it. The reason to do so is that it offers various benefits to making vital tasks an easy journey for new developers. Another reason to use it is that it aids developers to use the same language. It lets you set the front-end and back-end together and save time and money. Additionally, we should consider it since it streamlines development processes.
MERN vs. MEAN Stack Differences
Once you consider MEAN and MERN's goals, choosing between them might be difficult. However, it's simple. The following aspects can help you to do so.
1. UI Specifications
React's component architecture makes it possible to create sophisticated and intuitive interfaces. The MERN stack suits more than MEAN if you want complex yet user-friendly interfaces. This part explains why MERN provides a better user experience than MEAN. It implies how its UI rendering has recently gained more popularity.
2. Upkeep and Adjustments
The MERN stack is simpler to update and maintain, particularly on the front end. Due to this, it's ideal for releasing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Still, while you develop a more sophisticated application, it produces a different approach.
3. Project Schedule
The plug-and-play integration of third-party tools is in Angular to increase productivity. Further, React provides development teams with a wide range of additional libraries. These technologies are more difficult to integrate and operate, which might delay development time.
Conclusion
MERN and MEAN are popular among full-stack developers for building web apps. Both offer many features that make them suitable for different types of projects. They also differ in scalability, performance, and security features, so it's crucial to consider specific requirements before choosing one. So, what will your next stack be?
