Home > Application development and design

TIP

Comparing MERN vs. MEAN stacks for web app development

While MERN and MEAN stacks share many common elements, their respective use of React and Angular is a defining factor in choosing one
or the other.

By Twain Taylor Published: 07 Dec 2023

Choosing the right technology stack is a pivotal step in planning a web development project, and the choice between using a MERN or
MEAN stack to support those efforts is a common -- and critical -- part of that phase. Both stacks make use of MongoDB, Express and
Node.js as core functional elements, but software teams need to understand how their respective employment of React and Angular affect
their suitability for certain types of development scenarios.

MERN vs. MEAN: The common elements

The names MERN and MEAN are acronyms that refer to the major elements that make up
each stack. MERN stands for MongoDB, Express.js, React and Node.js, while MEAN
stands for MongoDB, Express.js, Angular and Node.js. Let's examine the three major
elements these two stacks share.

MongoDB
MERN and MEAN use MongoDB, a NoSQL database renowned for its flexible schema and
high scalability. MongoDB adeptly handles JSON and similar document formats, making it a
go-to for application projects that require rapid development cycles and flexible data
modeling structures. It's particularly useful when dealing with cloud applications that need to scale on demand.

Express.js
Express.js is another common element between MERN and MEAN stacks. This lightweight Node.js-based web application framework
contains a comprehensive feature set and handles back-end tasks such as server provisioning, request routing and API management.
Express.js is highly configurable and has advanced mechanisms for parsing incoming request bodies, cross-origin resource sharing
(CORS) and automated logging. These features make Express.js versatile for single- and multi-page application development.

Node.js
Node.js is a runtime environment for JavaScript built on Chrome's V8 engine. It's an event-driven and non-blocking runtime environment,
which makes it a viable option for data-intensive network applications that need high scalability and real-time capabilities. Node.js grants
developers access to JavaScript command-line tools and server-side script execution, allowing applications to generate dynamic web
content before delivery to a user's display.

React or Angular?
MERN and MEAN's respective association with the React library and Angular framework endow each stack with its own set of specific
development benefits. MERN makes heavy use of React, a front-end JavaScript library for component-based UI builds. MEAN uses
Angular, a TypeScript-based web application framework, to provide structural consistency for large-scale applications.

React (MERN)

Reusability. React's component-based architecture readily facilitates code reusability, making it a good choice for smaller application
projects.

Updates and rendering. The virtual Document Object Model (DOM) found in the React library ensures efficient updates and rendering,
making it suitable for dynamic and interactive web applications.

Community support. React boasts a large, active developer community that provides a wealth of resources and third-party tools
designed to speed up the development process.

User experience. React's unidirectional data flow enables a more dynamic and interactive user experience, which can be a significant
advantage for small, consumer-facing applications.

Angular (MEAN)

Structured approach. Angular provides features like two-way data binding and dependency injection, making it a better option for
complex enterprise-level applications.

Enterprise preference. Angular's comprehensive tool set and strong backing from Google make it a strong framework for large-scale
web application development projects.

Learning curve. Angular's feature-rich environment could present a steep learning curve for novice developers, which might pose
limitations for teams new to the framework.

Community support. While not as extensive as React's, Angular's community is still active and offers a range of support for common
development challenges.

The contrast between React and Angular often leads developers who place a premium on flexibility and fast innovation to lean toward the
MERN stack. Conversely, MEAN typically finds favor among development teams that require structure for large-scale applications.

MERN vs. MEAN: Practical considerations

Unfortunately, no "one-size-fits-all" answer regarding MERN vs. MEAN stacks exists. Making the right choice requires a deep understanding
of a project's technical and business objectives and a clear assessment of the development team's strengths. However, some basic
considerations can still lead a team in the right direction.

MERN: Flexibility and innovation

Rapid development. MERN's component-based approach makes it easy for development teams using this stack to create reusable
code, assemble prototypes quickly and continually iterate on existing application designs.

Dynamic applications. React's virtual DOM enhances rendering speed, making MERN suitable for highly interactive and dynamic
applications.

Use cases. MERN is ideal for small- to medium-sized application development projects, e-commerce platforms, or other cases where
rapid development and user experience are paramount.

MEAN: Structure and resilience

Two-way data binding. Angular's data binding capabilities help developers using MEAN simplify development and provide consistency
across large-scale application systems.

Scalability. Features like lazy loading and modular development help MEAN support the scalability and long-term growth often required
in enterprise-level development projects.
 Use cases. MEAN is often the preferred choice for large-scale enterprise applications, financial systems, CRM platforms and other
development projects where structure, security and resilience are a priority.

Going hybrid
Despite their differences, development teams also have the option to adopt a hybrid approach that combines the elements of MERN and
MEAN. For instance, a project might use React's component-based design for front-end development while using Angular for back-end
process control.

In addition to the hybrid approach, the front-end library Vue.js adds another dimension to the MERN vs. MEAN conversation. The MEVN
(MongoDB, Express.js, Vue.js and Node.js) stack combines Vue's simplicity and performance and provides a potential option for
development teams seeking a balance between React's flexibility and Angular's structure.

m Dig Deeper on Application development and design

LAMP stack vs. MEAN stack: Which is right for How the back-ends-for-front-ends pattern works
you?

By: Chris Tozzi By: Raghu Karan Adapala

web application development OpenJS Foundation: Node.js 21 arrives

By: Cameron Hashemi-Pour By: Adrian Bridgwater

-ADS BY GOOGLE

Free ChatGPT Extension

ChatGPT Browser Plugin as your AI assistant on any page

Sider Open

Latest TechTarget Software Quality

resources

SOFTWARE QUALITY
A 2 Speed vs. quality in software testing: Can you
have both?
 Testing can slow development and quick releases can come at the price of quality.
CLOUD COMPUTING Teams should not have to choose. Learn to ...
9 App
g
2
Architecture
JAVA
User mode vs. kernel mode: OSes explained
Kernel mode exists to keep user applications from disrupting critical system
functions. Learn how each state works and what can ...

About Us Contributors Guides

Editorial Ethics Policy Reprints Opinions

Meet The Editors Answers Photo Stories

Contact Us Definitions Quizzes

Advertisers E-Products Tips

Partner with Us Events Tutorials

Media Kit Features Videos

Corporate Site

All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2019 - 2024, TechTarget

Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information