MEAN Vs. MERN Stack: A Detailed Comparison Guide -2024?

Over the past ten years, the app development world has transformed dramatically! Think of each website like a coin with two sides. On one side, you have the front end — the snazzy look and feel we interact with. Conversely, the backend works behind the scenes, handling all the data and making everything click.

To build these sites, developers use a “technology stack” — essentially, their toolbox of frameworks and tools to create excellent software.

For those diving into web development, these toolboxes have heaps of choices. The MEAN stack and the MERN stack are significant players in the game. Both are like cousins, speaking the same language — JavaScript- and having much in common. Yet, subtle differences could tilt the scales one way or the other for your project.

So, let’s dive deep and explore the MEAN and MERN stacks, helping you figure out your perfect match!

MEAN Vs. MERN: Introduction To MEAN

MEAN stack is a powerful combination of technologies that have emerged as a favorite for building efficient and scalable web applications. Comprising MongoDB, Express.js, Angular.js, and Node.js, this full-stack JavaScript suite offers developers an end-to-end toolkit for crafting both the front-end and back-end of web projects.

The MEAN stack simplifies and accelerates the development journey by streamlining the development process using a single language across all layers.

Let’s break down this acronym, MEAN, to see what tools are inside.

• M = MongoDB- Think of it as a creative way to store data, ditching the old rigid ways.
• E = Express.js- It’s like the support system, helping to run Node.js projects.
• A = Angular.js- It spices up the basic HTML into dynamic web apps.
• N = Node.js- It’s the magic behind the curtain, handling tasks on the back end, far from our view.

MEAN Stack Architecture

The MEAN framework is crafted to simplify creating web applications using JavaScript and managing JSON seamlessly.

MEAN Stack Core Features

The below features make the MEAN stack a powerful choice for modern web application development.

• Single Language Development- The entire stack uses JavaScript, from front-end to back-end, ensuring a streamlined development process and making it easier for developers to shift between client and server-side tasks.
• Scalability- With Node.js at its core, the MEAN stack is designed to handle large numbers of simultaneous connections with high throughput, making it highly scalable for growing applications.
• Flexible Data Storage- MongoDB, a NoSQL database, allows for flexible data representation using JSON-like documents, enabling the data to change and scale over time.
• Comprehensive Web Development Framework- Angular.js provides a robust front-end framework, facilitating the development of rich and interactive single-page web applications.
• Efficient Data Handling- Express.js, working with Node.js, offers efficient data handling and routing mechanisms for web requests, ensuring smooth data flow between the front end and the database.
• Open Source Nature- All components of the MEAN stack are open source, meaning developers benefit from a vast community of contributors for updates, improvements, and troubleshooting.

MEAN Stack Advantages

Below are the advantages of choosing MEAN Stack.

• Uniformity and Consistency- Since the entire stack uses JavaScript, there’s a consistent language and data format (JSON) from the front to the back end, making development smoother.
• Cost-effective- Developers skilled in JavaScript can work across the entire stack, reducing the need for specialized front-end and back-end developers.
• High Performance- Node.js provides non-blocking, event-driven architecture, ideal for scalable and high-performance applications.
• Flexible Data Model- MongoDB’s NoSQL nature allows for a flexible schema, making it easier to accommodate changing data structures.
• Community Support- Each component of the MEAN stack has a strong community, ensuring regular updates, plugins, and solutions to common problems.
• End-to-End Solution- The stack covers everything from the database (MongoDB) to the server (Express and Node) to the front end (Angular), providing a comprehensive solution for web development.

MEAN Stack Disadvantages

Despite several benefits, MEAN stack has its cons that you must consider.

• Learning Curve- There can be a steep learning curve for developers new to JavaScript or asynchronous programming, especially with Angular’s complex structure.
• Overhead- While flexibility is a strength of MongoDB, it can sometimes introduce overhead in situations where a relational database might be more efficient.
• Younger Ecosystem- Compared to more established stacks, the MEAN stack is relatively younger. This means fewer third-party tools and libraries might be available for specialized needs.
• Angular Complexity- Angular.js, while powerful, can be perceived as over-complicated for simple applications. Some developers prefer alternatives like React or Vue.js.
• Performance Nuances- Node.js might not always be the best choice for CPU-intensive operations.
• NoSQL Limitations- MongoDB is great for many use cases but might not be ideal for applications requiring complex transactions with multiple or JOIN operations.

Applications Built Using MEAN Stack

Apart from the above apps, our MEAN stack developers have created brilliant apps using MEAN development.

• Classic Specs

Classic Spec is an online optical store managed and operated by our client based in the US. Our client began to offer a custom eyewear development service in 2010. They partnered with OnGraph to implement an e-commerce website for their optical business to generate more online business opportunities.

MEAN Vs. MERN: Introduction To MERN

The MERN stack is a cohesive fusion of four powerful technologies that have taken the world of web development by storm. Standing for MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js, this full-stack JavaScript suite equips developers with the tools they need to build dynamic and scalable web applications from the ground up.

Unlike traditional web development approaches that involve multiple languages, the MERN stack’s all-JavaScript environment ensures a smoother, more integrated development experience.

• React.js, as the front-end library in this ensemble, offers a component-based architecture, enabling rich user interfaces that are both responsive and efficient.
• From the server-side magic of Node.js and Express.js to the flexible data modeling of MongoDB, the MERN stack embodies a modern approach to web application design.

MERN Stack Architecture

MERN Stack Core Features

These core features ensure that the MERN stack is versatile, modern, and developer-friendly, catering to a wide range of web application needs.

• All-JavaScript Development- MERN offers a unified JavaScript development experience. Developers can write code in a single language from the database to the front end, enhancing code reusability and streamlining the development process.
• Component-Based Architecture- React.js provides a component-based approach. This facilitates a modular and maintainable codebase and enables hot-reloading, which means any changes can be immediately seen without a full page refresh.
• Flexible Data Structure- MongoDB, a NoSQL database, offers a flexible JSON-like document model. This flexibility makes it easier to evolve the data structure of applications over time.
• Efficient Server Handling- Express.js and Node.js provide an efficient mechanism for building web servers and APIs. This allows for easy data routing, middleware configurations, and integration with the database.
• High Scalability- Node.js’s non-blocking I/O model and MongoDB’s horizontal scaling capabilities mean that applications built on the MERN stack can efficiently handle large volumes of traffic and data.

MERN Stack Advantages

Below are the advantages of choosing MERN Stack.

• Community Support- The MERN stack benefits from a vibrant community and an extensive network of experienced developers. This collective know-how aids in navigating challenges and troubleshooting effectively.
• Built-in Testing- Equipped with robust integrated testing tools, MERN ensures apps are thoroughly vetted before launch, offering quality assurance without the extra cost.
• React’s Efficiency- React provides a comprehensive toolkit for end-to-end app development, from initial design to deployment.
• MVC Design- Leveraging the Model View Controller (MVC) architecture, MERN guarantees a streamlined development process.
• Full-Stack Proficiency- MERN adeptly manages both front-end and back-end development, providing a holistic approach to app creation.
• Versatility- MERN is remarkably adaptable and capable of producing code for browsers and servers, catering to web and mobile app development needs.

MERN Stack Disadvantages

Despite several benefits, the MERN stack has its cons.

• Learning Curve- While JavaScript is the primary language, mastering the nuances of each technology, especially React’s component lifecycle and state management, can pose challenges for beginners.
• Lacking Comprehensive Documentation- The framework’s documentation isn’t as thorough as hoped, posing challenges for newcomers trying to grasp and utilize the MEAN Stack.
• Browser Limitations- The framework may not align well with older versions of Internet Explorer, leading to potential compatibility concerns in certain situations.
• Rapid Changes- Given the rapid evolution of JavaScript frameworks and libraries, developers may find it challenging to keep up with frequent updates, especially in React.

Applications Built Using MERN Stack

Below is a list of renowned applications crafted with the MERN stack. The table provides a detailed breakdown, highlighting each app’s category and use case.

Now that we have a complete understanding of MEAN and MERN stack. Let’s see where the actual difference lies.

MEAN Vs. MERN: Detailed Comparison

1. Popularity

Based on the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2022, React ranks as the second most popular web tech, with 44.31% of professional developers using it, while Angular leads with a 23.06% usage rate among experts.

Data from Stack Share indicates that over 11K companies and around 126K developers consistently use React. In comparison, Angular’s user base comprises more than 7K companies and about 47K developers.

These figures underscore the prominence of both technologies in today’s market. If you’re looking to embark on a software development project, a wealth of skilled developers are available for both platforms to help you get started.

2. Learning Curve

MEAN Stack (Angular): Angular, as part of the MEAN stack, is a comprehensive framework with a wide range of built-in features, making it somewhat intricate for novices. While it provides in-depth documentation, the frequent updates can be a hurdle for beginners. The vast array of learning resources, stemming from its long history, requires careful navigation to ensure the material is current and relevant.

MERN Stack (React): On the other hand, React, integral to the MERN stack, offers a more streamlined experience. Its focus on building user interfaces through a component-based approach is often easier for beginners to digest. The robust React community has well-organized documentation and many beginner-friendly resources, making the learning journey more accessible for many.

Winner: MERN

While both Angular and React have unique challenges, many beginners find the learning curve for React (MERN) gentler than Angular (MEAN) due to React’s focused nature and more precise documentation. However, individual experiences may vary based on prior knowledge and learning preferences.

3. Third-party Libraries

MEAN Stack (Angular): Angular, central to the MEAN stack, boasts a rich ecosystem replete with third-party libraries. The Angular team and the broader community have built numerous modules to extend the framework’s capabilities. The Angular CLI and tools like Angular Material offer added functionalities right out of the box. While this vast ecosystem can be a boon, it might sometimes lead to analysis paralysis as developers sift through various libraries to find the most fitting one.

MERN Stack (React): React, representing the MERN stack, is designed to be unopinionated, allowing developers much flexibility. This has led to an explosion of third-party libraries, like Redux for state management or Material-UI for interface design. React’s community-driven model has encouraged the proliferation of diverse solutions to common problems, providing developers with multiple choices tailored to their specific needs.

Winner: MERN

While both stacks offer a rich set of third-party libraries, the MERN stack, with React’s flexible nature and rapid community-driven library development, takes a slight edge in terms of adaptability and the variety of third-party solutions available.

4. Performance

MEAN Stack (Angular): the front-end piece of the MEAN stack is engineered for performance. It employs real-time two-way data binding, reducing the need for manual intervention to update the DOM. Moreover, Angular’s Ahead-of-Time (AOT) compilation compiles the application during the build process, optimizing the load time and performance of the app. The integrated change detection mechanism ensures that only the necessary components are updated, enhancing runtime efficiency.

MERN Stack (React): React, representing the front-end of the MERN stack, utilizes a virtual DOM, which efficiently determines component changes and updates only the affected parts of the actual DOM. This selective rendering boosts app performance, especially in situations with frequent UI updates. React’s component-based structure also means that components can be isolated and rerendered without impacting the entire page, further optimizing performance.

Winner: MERN

Angular and React are designed with performance in mind, each employing distinct mechanisms to optimize runtime efficiency. While Angular offers comprehensive tools like AOT compilation and automatic two-way data binding, React’s virtual DOM and component isolation provide a performance edge in dynamic applications with frequent UI changes. Given these strengths, React in the MERN stack has a slight advantage regarding raw performance adaptability.

5. MVC Architecture

MEAN Stack (Angular): The MEAN stack, with Angular at its front-end core, is inherently designed around the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture. Angular’s framework distinguishes between the model, view, and controller layers, facilitating a structured approach to application development. This separation of concerns ensures modular and maintainable code, allowing developers to work on individual components of an application without affecting others. The built-in features of Angular support and streamline the implementation of the MVC pattern, making it intuitive for developers to follow.

MERN Stack (React): The MERN stack, which leverages React for its front end, does not adhere strictly to the MVC architecture like Angular. React primarily focuses on the view layer, offering flexibility in handling the model and controller aspects. While this gives developers more freedom to define their application architecture, it can also demand additional libraries or tools (like Redux for state management) to effectively implement an MVC or similar pattern.

Winner: MEAN

If a strict MVC architecture is the benchmark, the MEAN stack with Angular emerges due to its inherent design around this pattern, providing developers with a more structured and out-of-the-box MVC framework. On the other hand, the MERN stack offers more flexibility but may require additional configuration to achieve a similar structured approach.

6. Data Flow

MEAN Stack (Angular): In the MEAN stack, Angular’s two-way data binding stands out as its distinctive data flow feature. This ensures that the model and view are always synchronized; when data in the model changes, the view reflects it, and vice versa. While this offers real-time responsiveness, it can sometimes add complexity, especially in large applications where tracking data changes becomes intricate. However, the dependency injection of Angular ensures that components remain decoupled and reusable, optimizing the flow of data and services throughout the application.

MERN Stack (React): With React at its forefront, the MERN stack employs a unidirectional data flow. This means that data has a single flow direction, ensuring better control and predictability within the application. React components are designed to receive data as props and emit data through callbacks, making tracing and debugging data flow easier. To manage application-wide state and facilitate complex data operations, developers often pair React with tools like Redux, further enhancing the clarity and directionality of data flow.

Winner: MERN

Regarding data flow, the MERN stack with React’s unidirectional approach offers more explicit traceability and predictability than the two-way data binding in the MEAN stack’s Angular. The structured and singular direction of data in MERN gives developers a more manageable and debug-friendly environment, giving it the edge in this comparison.

7. Security

MEAN Stack (Angular): Angular, integral to the MEAN stack, offers robust built-in security features. It combats common vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting through automatic sanitization and provides tools to guard against cross-site request forgery attacks.

MERN Stack (React): React, core to the MERN stack, ensures security by escaping content to prevent cross-site scripting attacks. However, additional libraries or configurations might be necessary for comprehensive security, especially server-side with Express.js.

Winner: MEAN

Given its extensive built-in security mechanisms, the MEAN stack with Angular emerges slightly ahead. Yet, the overall security in either stack is contingent on correct implementation by developers.

8. Faster Development for Small Applications

MEAN Stack (Angular): While Angular in the MEAN stack offers a structured environment with tools like its CLI for quick scaffolding, its comprehensive feature set can sometimes introduce overhead, especially for smaller applications.

MERN Stack (React): central to the MERN stack, React emphasizes simplicity and component modularity. Its lightweight nature, paired with Express.js, streamlines the development process, particularly for smaller apps.

Winner: MERN

With its agile React framework for the swift development of compact applications, the MERN stack holds a distinct advantage over the MEAN stack’s more extensive Angular toolkit.

9. Error Handling

MEAN Stack- Error handling within the MEAN stack is influenced by the individual components: MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js. MongoDB errors typically relate to database operations and are conveyed through its callback’s error parameter. Express.js, serving as the back-end framework, utilizes middleware for error interception and handling. Node.js, the underlying runtime, primarily employs the “error-first” callback pattern to manage asynchronous operations. AngularJS, the front-end facet, uses the $exceptionHandler service to capture unhandled exceptions, providing mechanisms to gracefully inform the user or log issues. However, achieving uniform error handling can demand meticulous orchestration across these components.

MERN Stack- Within the MERN architecture, error handling draws from MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js. The back-end components, MongoDB, Express.js, and Node.js, essentially share the error-handling approach with the MEAN stack. The differentiation lies with React on the front end. React employs “Error Boundaries”, a mechanism that captures errors in the component tree, preventing them from crashing the entire application. This offers an isolated and elegant way to manage UI errors, providing fallback UI options or logging errors for further diagnosis. React’s localized error-handling approach tends to provide a smoother user experience during unexpected UI issues.

Winner: MERN

While both stacks present comprehensive error-handling capabilities, the granularity and localization of error management in MERN, thanks to React’s Error Boundaries, often offers a slight edge in maintaining a resilient user interface.

10. Maintenance and modifications

MEAN Stack- Within the MEAN framework (MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, Node.js), maintenance and modifications can be complex. AngularJS, with its comprehensive structure and multiple version updates, can require extensive refactoring for version transitions or feature integrations. Its two-way data binding, while useful, can complicate troubleshooting, as data changes reverberate across the application.

MERN Stack- Contrastingly, the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) capitalizes on React’s modularity for easier maintenance. React’s component-based design enhances reusability, and its focused nature as a UI library simplifies updates. Error boundaries in React localize issues, ensuring isolated failures, and the component structure promotes a more scalable and maintainable codebase.

Winner: MERN

In terms of maintenance and modifications, the MERN stack’s modular approach with React often provides a more manageable and streamlined experience compared to MEAN’s AngularJS framework.

11. CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) Operations

MEAN Stack- In the MEAN stack, comprising MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js, CRUD operations benefit from an integrated JavaScript flow. MongoDB handles data with straightforward methods like insert(), find(), update(), and remove(). Express.js manages the backend API requests associated with these operations. AngularJS, on the front end, employs its built-in $http and $resource services to interact with the backend, and its two-way data binding ensures real-time UI updates upon data changes.

MERN Stack- The MERN stack, integrating MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js, employs a similar backend CRUD approach with MongoDB and Express.js. The differentiation lies in React’s front-end handling. React relies on its state mechanism for data updates, and for server interactions, developers often turn to third-party libraries like Axios or use the native Fetch API. This grants flexibility, but might necessitate extra configurations or libraries compared to AngularJS’s direct services.

Winner: MERN

In terms of CRUD operations, MEAN provides a more cohesive setup via AngularJS’s services, while MERN offers flexibility, albeit with potential additional setup on the front end.

12. Testing

MEAN Stack- In the MEAN composition, which includes MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js, testing is facilitated by built-in and closely coupled tools. AngularJS stands out with native support for tools like Jasmine for unit tests and Protractor for end-to-end scenarios. The backend, anchored by Express.js, can be tested using tools such as Mocha or Chai, and Node.js further supports a range of testing libraries available in its npm ecosystem.

MERN Stack- The MERN stack, blending MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js, emphasizes modularity in testing. React components are readily testable using Jest paired with utilities like React Testing Library or Enzyme. The backend remains consistent in its testing approach with tools like Mocha or Chai for Express.js. React’s component-based and virtual DOM features allow for focused and isolated testing, often simplifying the debugging process.

Winner: MERN

While both stacks present reliable testing avenues, the MERN stack, with React’s modular and test-friendly nature, often streamlines the testing workflow for developers.

13. Debugging

MEAN Stack- In the MEAN framework, encompassing MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js, debugging involves a set of interconnected tools and practices. Express.js framework can be debugged using Node.js’s native debugger or other external tools like node-inspect and debug. Debugging MongoDB-related issues often involves direct query inspections or utilities like mongodump and mongorestore. Despite these tools, navigating the bidirectional data-binding of AngularJS can sometimes introduce complexities when tracing data-related issues.

MERN Stack- In the MERN configuration, integrating MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js, debugging practices lean towards modular inspection. React boasts of the “React DevTools” extension, a powerful instrument for inspecting component hierarchies, states, and props directly within browsers. The backend, with Express.js and Node.js, utilizes similar debugging strategies as in the MEAN stack. When it comes to MongoDB, the debugging approaches remain consistent across both stacks. A distinguishing factor with React is its unidirectional data flow, which often simplifies the process of tracking state changes and data propagation, making debugging more straightforward compared to two-way data bindings.

Winner: MERN

In terms of debugging, while both stacks offer effective tools, the MERN stack, especially with React’s unidirectional data flow, often provides a clearer path to identify and rectify issues, streamlining the debugging experience.

14. Abstraction

MEAN Stack- The MEAN stack, which integrates MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js, offers a cohesive layer of abstraction. AngularJS stands out by encapsulating intricate web functionalities, such as two-way data binding, dependency injection, and routing, simplifying frontend development. Express.js provides streamlined server setup and handling in Node.js, while MongoDB abstracts complex relational database tasks. Together, they create a seamless development environment, abstracting both frontend and backend complexities.

MERN Stack- The MERN configuration, comprising MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js, presents a modular abstraction approach. React emphasizes component-based abstraction, encapsulating UI elements as independent units, enhancing reusability. Its virtual DOM optimizes rendering by abstracting direct DOM manipulations. On the backend, Express.js and MongoDB maintain consistent abstraction levels. MERN’s strength lies in its balance, granting developers a blend of high-level simplicity and granular control.

In abstraction comparison, MEAN offers an integrated layer, primarily shaped by AngularJS, while MERN provides a more component-focused and adaptable abstraction, with React at its core.

15. UI Rendering

MEAN Stack- Within the MEAN ensemble — MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js — the UI rendering is primarily driven by AngularJS. AngularJS employs a two-way data binding mechanism, allowing automatic synchronization between the model and the view. This means that any changes in the model data are immediately reflected in the view and vice versa. While this provides a dynamic user experience, it can sometimes lead to performance bottlenecks, especially in complex applications with numerous watchers and bindings. AngularJS’s digest cycle, responsible for tracking changes and updating the view, can be resource-intensive in such scenarios.

MERN Stack- In the MERN architecture, which marries MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js, UI rendering is orchestrated by React. React uses a virtual DOM, an abstract representation of the actual DOM. When a component’s state changes, React creates a new virtual DOM and compares it to the previous version using a “diffing” algorithm. Only the actual changes, or “diffs,” are then updated in the real DOM. This selective and optimized rendering approach often results in a more efficient and smoother user interface, especially in applications with frequent UI updates.

Winner: MERN

Comparing the two based on UI rendering, while AngularJS in the MEAN stack offers real-time bi-directional updates, React in the MERN stack ensures performance optimization through its virtual DOM and diffing mechanism, often leading to a more efficient rendering process.

MEAN Vs. MERN: Head-to-Head Comparison

MEAN vs. MERN: Which One Will You Choose in 2024?

This article delves into two prominent full-stack technologies, examining their features, notable applications, and tech offerings. The right tech stack can significantly streamline your app development journey.

For larger projects with an emphasis on performance, the MEAN stack is a solid choice. Conversely, the MERN stack offers flexibility, catering to small and expansive web applications based on your needs.

If you’re uncertain about the best fit for your project, seeking advice from seasoned web developers is wise. As a top-tier web app development company, our team is primed to guide you towards the most suitable tech stack aligned with your future aspirations.

For further insights or to discuss your project specifics, reach out for a demo. We’re here to architect a holistic web solution tailored to your business objectives.

Check out our portfolio page to learn how we have helped clients build advanced MEAN apps.