As the web develops rapidly, choosing an effective technology stack has become ever more vital to standing out among competitors. There are an array of choices out there; choose one that provides comprehensive solutions and helps your web app stand out.
Modern web development frameworks have revolutionized the industry, offering powerful tools that go far beyond HTML and CSS alone. It enables developers to craft captivating user experiences on the web – pushing beyond their limits as you go! However, with so much to consider – from coding to server configuration – web development can quickly become a time consuming and daunting task.
Fortunately, there are leading web development frameworks available that effectively address these complexities. Among them, the MEAN stack stands out as a popular choice among developers due to its exceptional features and impeccable performance. It seamlessly combines technologies to offer cloud supportability, scalability, and an excellent user experience.
In this article, we will explore the factors that make the MEAN stack the best web development framework. But before we delve into its advantages, let’s understand the individual components of the MEAN stack and their significance.
So take the plunge! And start exploring the exciting world of MEAN stack web development where all your web development dreams could become real!
Hire dedicated full stack developers who offer a blend of skills and competitive rates.
What is MEAN Stack Development?
MEAN stack development is the usage of four open-source technologies to construct online applications: MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js. Each MEAN stack component serves a specific purpose and works in concert to provide a full-stack JavaScript development environment that combines a set of frameworks, a runtime environment, a server, and a database. This powerful mix enables developers to create rich and dynamic websites and mobile apps.
Statista poll results reveal that JavaScript and its frameworks are widely utilized by web developers globally, with 65.36% reporting using it in their web application projects. MEAN stack takes full advantage of JavaScript’s attributes to offer comprehensive web development solutions.
In addition to development, MEAN stack offers support for writing inclusive test cases using frameworks like MochaJS, JasmineJS, and KarmaJS. This allows developers to effectively manage the software application by utilizing the testing capabilities of the stack.
MEAN stands out as an effective JavaScript-based technology stack for web application development, and although variations such as MERN, and MEVN, exist; MEAN remains by far the most commonly utilized and preferred JavaScript stack for this task.
Using the MEAN stack, developers can take use of each component’s unique features and capabilities to construct strong and scalable online applications. Because of its versatility and large ecosystem of tools and libraries, it remains a popular market choice.
How does MEAN stack architecture work?
The MEAN stack architecture follows a layered working approach, consisting of several phases that outline how it operates. Let’s delve into the MEAN stack architecture process and the steps involved:
Phase 1: Client-Side Request
The client-side is where the AngularJS application is installed and where users access it to execute various functions and make requests. Users interact with the application through the user interface, initiating requests for specific actions.
Phase 2: Request Parsing in Node.js
As soon as a user makes a request, their computer receives an environment for running JavaScript which contains Node.js as server-side software. Node.js parses an incoming request and extracts information necessary for further processing.
Phase 3: Express.js Server Layer
Express.js is a server-side framework that is used in Node.js environments as the server layer. Express receives requests parsed from Node and manages activities like routing and middleware to fulfill them. It scans the query, performs any necessary validations, and prepares to retrieve data from the database.
Phase 4: Database Retrieval in MongoDB
With the query information in hand, Express.js connects to MongoDB, the chosen NoSQL database in the MEAN stack. It sends the database request to MongoDB, which efficiently fetches the required data based on the query. MongoDB acts as the data storage and retrieval layer, providing quick access to the requested information.
Phase 5: Data Flow and Response
The Retrieved data flows back through each stage in reverse: MongoDB sends it back through Express.js as the intermediate layer. Express.js then passes this data onto Node.js for distribution back to an AngularJS client-side application that then presents it back as an outcome to users by either providing information requested or performing functionality required by them.
The MEAN stack seamlessly integrates AngularJS for client-side UI, Node.js and Express.js for server runtime, and MongoDB for data storage, enabling efficient development of full-stack JavaScript web apps.
Let’s create something amazing together – connect with our skilled full-stack developers.
The Key Contributions of Each Component in the MEAN Stack
Understanding the individual contributions of each component in the MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js) stack is crucial for comprehending the advantages it offers in web app development. Each component has its own significance and contributes to the overall efficiency and functionality of the stack. Let’s explore into the specific contributions of each MEAN stack component:
1. MongoDB
The database for the MEAN stack is MongoDB, which is a vital component. It offers a flexible and scalable NoSQL database solution, providing efficient data storage and retrieval. Using both structured and unstructured data interchangeably is made possible by MongoDB’s capacity to store data in a JSON-like format called BSON. This flexibility enables developers to adapt the data model as the application requirements evolve, ensuring a dynamic and agile development process.
Given its scalable nature, MongoDB can handle increasing data volumes and user traffic. As applications grow, MongoDB accommodates its expanding needs by providing high-performance data management capabilities. Its scalability ensures that MEAN stack applications can handle large amounts of data without compromising performance. This scalability is particularly advantageous for applications with dynamic and growing user bases.
In MEAN stack applications, MongoDB serves as the foundation for data management, giving developers the tools they need to create dependable and scalable solutions.
2. Express.js
Express.js, a lightweight backend framework in the MEAN stack, partners with Node.js to construct RESTful APIs, efficiently transferring MongoDB data to users. It excels in managing intricate server-side JS requests, ensuring secure and rapid app development. Express.js avoids variable overwrites, enabling secure backend API programming for faster app creation. It suits single/multi-page web and hybrid mobile apps.
As a vital MEAN stack element, Express.js simplifies server-side development with middleware. It handles routing, HTTP requests/responses, and integrates middleware for customizations like authentication, error handling, and logging, enhancing apps based on unique needs.
3. Angular:
AngularJS, a user-friendly front-end framework favored by web developers, gains reliability from being developed by Google. With a modular structure and MVC architecture, it fosters dynamic and scalable web apps. Its HTML template utilization aids building, testing, and data binding, while supporting code elimination.
Notably, it’s also adept for mobile app development via Apache Cordova. In the MEAN stack, AngularJS is pivotal for crafting seamless website front-ends. Its data binding syncs data and UI efficiently, simplifying development. Angular excels in managing user interactions, routing, and responsive single-page apps, boasting modular code and rapid rendering.
4. Node.js
Node.js serves as the foundational runtime environment within the MEAN stack, seamlessly interacting with all components to ensure high-performance data-driven applications. Operating on Google Chrome’s V8 engine, it embraces an open-source ecosystem with npm. Its runtime capability enables the development of dynamic, scalable web apps, including web servers, networking tools, and data streams.
Node.js collaborates efficiently with Express.js for low-level and resource-intensive requests. Its event-driven, non-blocking I/O model ensures effective handling of concurrent requests, perfect for real-time applications. The extensive npm library empowers developers to enrich their apps swiftly. With lightweight design and rapid I/O handling, Node.js excels in API and microservice development, cementing the MEAN stack’s power in crafting robust, high-performance web applications.
Begin your journey towards a successful project by hiring our cost-effective full-stack developers.
Benefits of Choosing the MEAN Stack for Modern Web App Development
Now, let’s examine several key reasons why the MEAN stack is taking the lead over other web development stacks:
1. High Scalability
Scalability is crucial for businesses, particularly those experiencing rapid growth or expecting a high influx of users. The MEAN stack’s architecture and technologies provide the necessary foundation to handle increased demands and ensure that your web application remains performant and responsive, even as your user base expands.
Node.js’ event-driven architecture ensures high responsiveness by handling numerous concurrent connections without blocking other processes, ideal for maintaining application performance under heavy traffic.
MongoDB is a NoSQL database used in the MEAN stack, offers excellent scalability. It supports horizontal scaling, which means that you can easily distribute the database across multiple servers or shards to handle increased data storage and processing needs. This distributed approach allows for seamless scaling as your user base and data volume grow.
2. High-end Security
Within the MEAN stack, a collection of potent JavaScript frameworks empowers the construction of secure, feature-rich, and scalable applications.
Particularly, Node.js, often dubbed the backbone, employs a single-threaded model that facilitates effective scaling. This mechanism permits simultaneous data access for numerous users.
Furthermore, the MEAN stack facilitates the creation of websites with native containers, enhancing performance and offering platform-specific experiences.
3. Entirely JavaScript-based Stack
The MEAN stack offers a significant advantage as it is an entire JavaScript framework, benefiting developers on both the client and server sides of web application development. With the MEAN stack, developers can seamlessly deploy web apps on a server without the need for a separate standalone server. This streamlined deployment process simplifies and expedites the deployment of web applications.
Moreover, the MEAN stack is compatible with multiple operating systems, including both Windows and Linux. This cross-platform compatibility enhances the versatility and usability of the stack, allowing developers to work with their preferred operating system while leveraging the power of JavaScript.
JavaScript, being the core language of the MEAN stack, ensures an optimal user experience and facilitates efficient data management. It enables developers to create interactive and responsive user interfaces, enhancing the overall user experience. Additionally, JavaScript’s capabilities in data recovery contribute to faster and more efficient data retrieval and processing within the MEAN stack.
4. Flexibility and Efficiency
MEAN Stack, a flexible JavaScript framework, adeptly handles projects of all sizes, transcending developmental complexities. Developers seamlessly navigate between server and client-side tasks, aided by the unified JavaScript codebase. This eradicates common web app development obstacles, promoting efficiency.
The stack’s streamlined approach enables easy data sharing and integration by adding fields. With an experienced team and efficient coordination, MEAN Stack projects become more manageable, benefiting from collective expertise, robust communication, and enhanced productivity.
5. Easy Implementation with Massive Repositories and Infinite Models
The MEAN stack comprises leading JavaScript frameworks and an extensive library, offering developers the opportunity to create feature-rich applications by harnessing its resources.
Particularly, Node.js within the MEAN stack stands out with its expansive library known as NPM (Node Package Manager), housing various JavaScript modules.
These modules expedite Node.js development by providing pre-built solutions, tools, and functionalities, streamlining complex tasks and enhancing efficiency.
6. Cost-effective Solution
MEAN stack’s cost-effectiveness stands out as a key reason for its popularity among both clients and developers. Acting as a full-stack solution, clients avoid the need to seek different developers.
Its rise has sparked interest among aspiring developers, while businesses capitalize on its prowess for high-performance web apps. It fosters efficient teamwork, assigning projects to JavaScript developers who collaborate seamlessly.
The stack encourages code sharing and reusability among developers.
7. JSON for Efficient Data Interchange
JSON (Java Server Pages, or JSP for short) is an increasingly popular format used for data exchange that provides a lightweight yet standard way of organizing and transmitting files.
The MEAN Stack utilizes JSON for seamless communication between client-side and server-side components, ensuring efficient data interchange. JSON’s simplicity and readability promote collaboration among developers.
By leveraging JSON for data interchange, the MEAN Stack enables smooth integration and interoperability between different parts of the application. JSON’s compatibility with various programming languages and support in modern web browsers enhances its versatility. This allows developers to exchange data consistently and efficiently, regardless of technologies or platforms involved.
8. Effective MVP & Prototyping
Prototyping is essential for testing app features and user responses, with MVPs playing a key role. The MEAN stack offers a systematic approach for creating user-friendly prototypes and MVPs, facilitating effective testing and refinement of app ideas.
Its tools enable quick development and iteration of MVP features, ensuring faster time-to-market and validation of core functionalities through user feedback.
9. Code Reusability
MEAN stack’s AngularJS and Node.js promote code reusability, aiding rapid request handling. This efficiency stems from Node.js’ non-blocking I/O. By sharing code across components, the stack accelerates feature implementation.
Its modular design encourages reusable code creation, enhancing development speed and maintainability. Updates are easily reflected throughout the app, ensuring efficient development and maintenance.
10. Interactive User Interface
The MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js) Stack is built on a Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, which empowers developers to create visually appealing and user-centric user interfaces for web applications.
With the MVC architecture, MEAN stack developers can effectively separate the concerns of data manipulation (Model), UI rendering (View), and application logic (Controller). This modular structure allows for better organization and maintainability of the codebase, resulting in cleaner and more intuitive user interfaces.
11. Cloud-friendly Architecture
The MEAN stack provides access to a wide range of open-source libraries and packages, accessible through cloud repositories, allowing developers to enhance productivity by utilizing pre-built components.
MongoDB, as the database component, seamlessly integrates with cloud environments, enabling effective cloud management and effortless data storage and management in cloud-based applications.
The MEAN stack’s compatibility with cloud environments leads to cost savings by utilizing cloud repositories and infrastructure, reducing expenses on hardware, maintenance, and infrastructure setup.
12. Isomorphism
With the quick change tech landscape with microservices and frequent updates, the MEAN stack’s isomorphic code structure is invaluable. It enables seamless code transfer across frameworks, ensuring compatibility.
This benefits developers exploring new tech and businesses aligning apps with trends. Isomorphism, or universal JavaScript, is a MEAN stack strength. It shares code between client and server, boosting rendering and performance.
His approach eliminates code duplication, accelerating initial page rendering, enhancing SEO, and providing a seamless user experience. MEAN’s isomorphism empowers dynamic, interactive web apps that smoothly function across server and client realms.
13. Powerful Open-source Community
The entire MEAN stack consists of open-source components, fostering a vibrant community committed to enhancing it through creativity and logic. This community provides plugins as boilerplate codes, enabling developers to craft engaging and functional app UIs effortlessly.
This approach results in a diverse global pool of skilled developers, capable of fulfilling dynamic and evolving requirements. The MEAN stack’s open-source nature promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and inventive solutions.
This extensive open-source community encompasses worldwide developers, enthusiasts, and organizations, collectively contributing through libraries, frameworks, and resources, enriching the stack’s development landscape. Access to shared knowledge facilitates troubleshooting and staying current, while collaboration fuels better practices and top-tier applications.
14.Suitable for Real-time and Interactive App Development
MEAN stack’s MVC architecture empowers developers to craft appealing, user-centric UIs for native-like web apps. Node.js enables unified coding, reducing time and effort. Code reuse and language consistency streamline development.
Node.js enhances SEO, boosting discoverability. MEAN’s MVC structure simplifies visually-rich, interactive app creation by separating concerns, leading to user-friendly interfaces and improved user experiences.
Start building your dream project with our skilled full-stack developers today!
What Types of Web Applications Can Be Created Using the MEAN Stack?
The MEAN stack, comprising prominent JavaScript frameworks, provides a comprehensive solution for web app development, encompassing testing and seamless deployment on cloud platforms.
Its robust user management and scalability make it a prime choice, especially for cloud-native applications. Notably, the MEAN stack is favored for crafting Single Page Applications (SPAs) with AngularJS and real-time apps using Node.js.
Furthermore, this stack excels in building various custom web applications, enabling developers to create tailored solutions effectively.
- Social networking applications
- E-commerce platforms
- Video Streaming Applications
- Content management systems (CMS)
- Online marketplaces
- Business intelligence dashboards
- Collaboration and project management tools
- Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
- Learning management systems (LMS)
- Booking and reservation platforms
- Location-Based Applications
- Data visualization and analytics tools
- Online forums and community platforms
- Job portals and recruitment platforms
- Health and fitness tracking applications
In simple terms, the MEAN stack accommodates the creation of an array of web applications, leveraging its JavaScript foundation. The choice of its utilization depends on project intricacy and scalability requirements, aligning with developers’ preferences and project specifics.
Top 5 Example of Apps Built With MEAN Stack
The MEAN stack like MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js has grown popularity among developers for its ability to create advanced web applications.
Several notable applications have been developed using the MEAN stack, showcasing its versatility and capabilities. These applications span different industries and demonstrate the stack’s effectiveness in various use cases.
Here is some examples of apps built with the MEAN stack technology.
1. PayPal
PayPal’s widely popular online payment system leverages MEAN stack technologies including Angular for its frontend, Node.js for server side operations, Express.js as routing/middleware software and MongoDB as its data repository.
2. SoundCloud
SoundCloud’s popular music streaming platform utilizes the MEAN stack. This includes using Angular for its front end interface, Node.js for server operations, Express.js to route requests efficiently across servers and store information securely as well as MongoDB as data storage.
3. Trello
Project leaders rely on efficient tools like Trello, an Atlassian product, to streamline project management and guide developers effectively. Trello’s success is underpinned by Node.js, which provides event-driven, non-blocking server capabilities crucial for its Kanban-style approach and prototyping.
4. Walmart
As one of the world’s largest retail corporations, Walmart leverages the MEAN stack for inventory management and supply chain applications, including tracking products, stock levels and logistics processes efficiently.
5. BuzzFeed
BuzzFeed, an innovative digital media company, uses MEAN stack as its content management and publishing platform to deliver dynamic and engaging content to its global audience. BuzzFeed relies on MEAN stack’s capabilities for content delivery in order to manage and deliver an array of dynamic articles from across its international presence.
Ready to hire full stack developers?
Our team of skilled full-stack developers is eager to bring your vision to life.
Conclusion
If you are looking to develop a dynamic and highly visited web application, the MEAN stack is the perfect choice for your next project. With its ability to build both single-page and complex applications, the MEAN stack has been utilized by popular digital platforms to power their mission-critical apps.
As a leading software development company Syndell, we have a dedicated team of full-stack developers with expertise in MEAN stack development. If you’re ready to bring your unique ideas to life, don’t hesitate to contact us. As a trusted full stack development company, we can provide you with top-notch services and help you leverage the power of the MEAN stack. Hire full-stack developers for MEAN stack development and let us turn your vision into a reality.
Contact us now and share your requirements to get started on your MEAN stack web development journey with Syndell.
FAQs
These Web Development components employ a wide range of web-based tools and approaches. Full Stack Developers work on both the frontend and the backend, as well as additional APIs, whereas MEAN Stack only uses frameworks like MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS, and NodeJS.
Yes, MEAN stack development enables the creation of dependable, open-source solutions for small- to medium-sized applications. Large-scale application development is not appropriate for MEAN. Due to the increasing user demand, there are greater chances of data loss in MongoDB.
The front-end framework they utilize, with MEAN using Angular and MERN using React Js for UI development, is the main difference between them. For enterprise-level architecture, MEAN is frequently chosen, although the MERN stack is popular for smaller applications.
Yes, the MEAN Stack allows for integration with other technologies and frameworks as needed. For example, you can incorporate additional libraries or frameworks within the Angular frontend or use additional Node.js modules for specific functionalities. The MEAN Stack’s flexibility enables developers to extend its capabilities and integrate with other tools seamlessly.
The cost of using the MEAN stack for your web application can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, the number of features, design requirements, and the hourly rates of development services. To get an accurate cost estimate, it is recommended to discuss your specific project requirements with a development company or hire a MEAN stack developer. They will consider the scope of the project, development hours, additional services, and any customizations needed to provide a precise cost estimate.