The technique or method used to create a website is called web development. The database, server-side, and client-side are the three main components of a website. All ends of an application are implemented independently using distinct technologies, yet they work together to deliver an application as a whole. Technologies that construct a web application from start to finish are MEAN and MERN.
Web application development commonly uses the MERN and MEAN stacks. The main difference is that the User Interface (UI) of the MERN stack uses React JS, while the front-end structure of the MEAN stack uses Angular. On the one hand, enterprise-level design is better off using MEAN. However, when applications are more modest, the MERN is chosen.
In this article, we will find the major differences between MERN vs MEAN Stack, pointing out their advantages and disadvantages. We will also provide guidance on selecting the best stack for your project based on a number of variables.
What is MERN Stack?
Similar to the MEAN stack, the MERN stack is a JavaScript-based technological stack for creating full-stack online applications. The word “MERN” describes the set of technologies utilized in this stack, which consists of Node.js, Express.js, React.js, and MongoDB.
React is used in the front end and Node.js and Express.js are used in the back end of a MERN stack application. The application uses MongoDB to store its data.
One minor distinction between MEAN and MERN is that MERN Stack is a popular replacement for MEAN Stack, where React.js is used instead of Angular.js.
What is MEAN Stack?
A JavaScript-based framework for creating hybrid mobile and web applications is called MEAN stack, and it is available for free. Because it is built on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, the framework is a great option for developing applications more quickly. Additionally, it gives developers access to a wide range of plugins and other tools that facilitate a productive development process. The four primary parts of the MEAN stack are MongoDB, Express JS, Angular JS, and Node JS.
MERN vs MEAN Stack
To assist you in understanding the key distinctions between MEAN and MERN stacks, we have put up a few crucial comparison points.
Learning curve
- MEAN Stack- Since the MEAN stack is pre-configured, it would take a lot of time to master if you are new to the app development industry. It takes a lot of work to become proficient with MEAN development.
- MERN Stack- The MERN stack is simpler to understand than the MEAN stack. React js is a component of this framework that provides web developers with organized documentation that makes it easy for them to locate the information they need.
Performance
- MEAN Stack- The MERN stack is not as effective as the MEAN stack. Due to the preconfigured framework’s superior performance over the MERN stack.
- MERN Stack- The MERN technology stack increases rendering time by using virtual DOM instead of native DOM.
Data Flow
- MEAN Stack- Data flow in MEAN is bidirectional. You can modify this framework’s user interface to suit your needs.
- MERN Stack- Unidirectional data flow is useful when handling large-scale initiatives. A MERN stack developer can assist in the creation of adaptable online or mobile applications.
Security
- MEAN Stack- MEAN outperforms MERN in terms of security since it provides a stronger defense against potential threats. Additionally, rather than being on the server end, the session data stays on the client side.
- MERN Stack- Although MERN has a number of security-related authentication techniques, these techniques are ineffective against cross-site scripting (CSRF) attacks.
Factors to Consider MERN or MEAN Stack
As an organization, choosing the appropriate tech stack for your online application is essential. Still, the decision is based on a number of variables, such as:
- Development cost- When selecting a tech stack, one important consideration for businesses is the development cost. Compared to MERN, which utilizes React, MEAN stack, which employs Angular, is a little more expensive. Since Angular is a comprehensive framework, learning and using it will take more time and money.
- Project requirement- The ideal stack for the job depends on the requirements of the project. Because MERN makes use of Socket.io, which facilitates real-time communication, it’s the best choice if you’re developing a real-time application. On the other hand, MEAN might be a better option if you’re developing a more conventional online application.
- Flexibility & Scalability- Enterprises need to take scalability and flexibility very seriously, especially when developing systems that need to grow. The MERN stack is more adaptable than the MEAN stack, yet both are scalable. The flexible Node.js framework, which is used by MERN stack, can manage a variety of activities, including client-side and server-side rendering.
- Developer expertise- Another crucial element that businesses need to take into account is the experience of the developers working on the project. In case your developers possess knowledge of Angular, MEAN could be a more suitable option. In a similar vein, MERN might work better if your engineers know how to use React.
- New practices- Finally, while choosing a tech stack, businesses need to take new procedures into account. The MERN stack is a relatively new technology that has grown in favor recently. It’s always changing, and new frameworks and libraries are appearing. The MEAN stack, on the other hand, has a stable ecosystem and is more established.
Conclusion
The comparative analysis of the MERN and MEAN stacks reveals distinct benefits for each stack. MEAN stack offers a larger community and a more advanced set of technologies, even if MERN stack technology has become more and more popular due to its ease of use and accessibility.
The main architectural difference between the two stacks is that MERN stacks’ technology makes it more appropriate for applications that require a bigger scale of development, while MEAN stacks’ technology is more suited for applications that require a smaller size.
Lastly, the flexibility, scalability, and strong third-party support of both the MERN and MEAN stacks make them ideal for creating large-scale online applications.
