Benefits Of MEAN Stack Development

What does MEAN Mean?

MEAN stack is an open-source JavaScript software stack. MEAN is an acronym for the JavaScript-based technologies used in MEAN stack development. M is for MongoDB, E is for Express JS, A is for Angular JS, and N is for Node.js. These four powerhouse technologies come together to create a fullstack javascript framework used to simply and quickly develop web applications.

Some find the MEAN stack to be worth its weight in gold, as its applications can be written in one language for both client side and server side environments. Others however suggest that this particular grouping of technologies is no more effective than any other pithy acronyms created by devs such as, RACE (React AWS Co ElasticSearch) or, my personal favorite, JERK (jQuery Erlang Redis Kafka). In any case, it’s highly important to analyze which technologies will be best for YOUR product, not just what’s trendy. If this particular conglomeration [MEAN] makes sense for what you’re developing, then by all means (ha ha), read on.
With JavaScript as the common denominator for the four technologies in the MEAN stack, it’s significant features can be blanketed across any code. Switching between client and server code becomes easier with the MEAN stack as JavaScript is used in both the browser and on the server. InfoWorld gives its opinion on the efficiency provided by the MEAN stack, “MongoDB offers a more flexible, accommodating layer for storing data. Node.js provides a better nexus for running your server, while Express.js helps standardize how you build your websites. On the client, AngularJS provides a clean way of adding interactive functions and AJAX-driven rich components.” Another key benefit of this technology is that MEAN is platform independent and plays nicely with both Linux and Windows operating systems.

A Neat Web Development Process

Arguably the greatest benefit of working with the MEAN stack is that all code is written in JavaScript, thus companies mitigate the need to hire different specialists to work on a single project. The Node.js aspect of MEAN stack web apps utilize web sockets to allow data to be sent to the client without the client side needing to request it. Obviously, this makes it an exemplary option for real-time web apps. By utilizing SPAs (single-page applications), web pages need not be refreshed for each server request, unlike most traditional web apps. Finally, each technology in the MEAN stack is free and open-source. The broad community of MEAN developers (MEANies), contributes to new developments and version upgrades of the software.

The Top 5 Coolest MEAN Stack Web Apps

Hers is a compilation of apps built using MEAN stack technology. From the Fandango owned social movie site to a location intelligence platform, there is no shortage of innovative apps built with the MEAN stack. Check out these apps, you may find yourself downloading more than one!

Make Your App a Lean, MEAN, Fighting Machine

The term MEAN stack was coined by MongoDB developer and tech world influencer, Valeri Karpov. If you’re sold on the benefits of developing with the MEAN stack, take Karpov’s online course to learn everything you’d ever want to know about developing MEAN stack apps here. You can also become a member of the original LinkedIn group of MEANies.

Want a full rundown on Outsourcing vs Hiring In-house?

We’ve got an E-book for that! Ch ch ch ch che check it out!