What is MEAN Stack

MEAN stack refers to a collection of technologies that are JavaScript based used in developing web apps. MEAN is an acronym of MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS as well as Node.js. From a client to server to database, MEAN is a full stack Java.

UNDERSTANDING THE FOUR COMPONENTS OF MEAN

Node.js is a server side Java execution environment. A platform made on V* JavaScript runtime of Google Chrome. It helps build extremely scalable and concurrent apps faster. ExpressJS is a lightweight framework that’s used for building web apps in Node. It gives various robust features to create single and multi-page web application. It is inspired by Sinatra, a popular Ruby framework. MongoDB is schema-less NoSQL database system. It saves data in binary JSON format, which makes for easier passing of data between a client and a server. AngularJS is a framework of Java that’s developed by Google. It provides several awesome features such as a two-way data binding. It is a complete solution for fast and awesome front end development.

BENEFITS OF USING MEAN STACK

1. JavaScript. One uses the most popular language in the world, which makes it a good platform to use.
2. Performance. NodeJS is fast and AngularJS is way faster compared to a traditional client-server app.
3. One language for the development journey. When writing an app in PHP in a server, the MySL query used is SQL and JavaScript in the client side. Consider just focusing in one language. While there’s no.js suffix in mongoDB, they use the format BSON, a binary-encoded JSON version that stand for JavaScript Object Notation.
4. Support from community and industry leader. MongoDB is a leading NoSQL database provider. The two biggest cloud providers, such as AWS and Azure already support Node.js, Google supports AngularJS.
5. Success story. Not only startup, but big players are also moving to Node.js. For instance, Walmart and PayPal are some of the big players that use MEAN stack.

SEVEN FEATURES OF MEAN STACK

1. Cost-Effective. It’s beneficial for big-scale organizations to work with MEAN stack, as they do not have to hire various specialists for working on one project. MEAN stack introduced a new career profile, that’s full-stack Java developer. Moreover, it’s convenient to have various JavaScript developers in team from the collaboration and team management viewpoint owing to the same backgrounds.

1. JavaScript all along. The main reason to prefer MEAN stack over others is due to the use a common language for client-side and server-side. As all these technologies are written in Java, the web development process will become neat. Node.js is a platform which brought the implementation of Java on server-side. Using JavaScript on the front-end, Angular.js, it gets easier to reuse code from back-end to front-end.
2. Mongo DB Importance. MongoDB is a prudent option for database system when it comes to managing big tables with many data. Unlike any other database, adding a field to MongoDB is simpler because it does not have to update the whole table. Furthermore, it’s a NoSQL and a document model database, which is very flexible for use in different apps. In MongoDB, documents resemble objects in an object-oriented programming language. A big document can be queried on any field as well as data access is simplified through lowering the use for joins.
3. Node.js. Is a runtime environment for JavaScript. It functions more than a traditional web server. With MEAN stack, the web server included in the app and deployment is a lot easier. Additionally, Node.js runs on Windows, LINUX and OS X as well, bringing operating system independence. Node.js utilizes web sockets for allowing sending data to client with no need for a client to request it. That is why, it’s an ideal choice for the development of web apps in real-time, such as chatting applications.
4. JSON or JavaSCript object notation. MEAN stack uses JSON as format for data-interchange on all layers. Thus, there’s no need for using librar5ies to convert data during server-side and client-side interaction. JSON furthermore enables working with external APIs easily.
5. AngularJS. It’s a front-end Java development framework to develop single-page apps. It enables a clean manner of adding interactive functionalities and AJAX-driven rich components on a client-side. Because there is Node.js providing a server-side solution, there’s implementation of Java on the both client and server side, making programming apps very effective.
6. Open-Source and Free. All the technologies present in MEAN stack are open-source and free in nature. Thus, a developer is benefitted by any version upgrades and developments in the way of contributions made through a wide community of developers.

MEAN stack provides a modern approach to web development. Moreover, it makes use of the power of modern single-page apps that do not require completely refreshing a web page for each server request like most traditional applications do.

Ritesh Mehta is the Sales Director at TatvaSoft Australia, a Software & mobile app development company. For Over 15 years, he has been professionally active in financial management, software development.