MERN Stack vs. Other Stacks: A Comparative Analysis
Tags: mern, devops, webdev
Published: 2023-12-25 07:33:55

Imagine you're a fearless warrior in the digital realm. Your weapon? Code, your armour? A robust tech stack. But with so many stacks out there, which one do you choose? 

Today, we'll dive into the epic clash of MERN vs. other popular stacks. This adventure is a quest through the digital realms, where each stack represents a different kingdom with its unique strengths and weaknesses. In this realm, MERN, MEAN, MEVN, LAMP, Django, Ruby on Rails, Python Flask, Spring Boot are some of the mighty rulers. Our protagonist, a budding developer, must choose the right kingdom to embark on a successful quest. MERN, MEAN, LAMP, Django kingdoms will be the prime focus today which will be explored with **_our hero, our Hablu_**.

**The MERN Kingdom:**
Hablu, equipped with a map, starts the journey in the MERN Kingdom. MERN stands for MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js. Picture MongoDB as a castle to store data, Express.js as the gatekeeper controlling access, React as the architect crafting the user interface, and Node.js as the messenger managing communication.

The MERN Kingdom is known for its flexibility and efficiency. Developers can use JavaScript throughout, making it a seamless experience. Hablu marvels at the quick development cycles and the ability to share code between the server and client.

**The MEAN Kingdom:**
In a neighbouring kingdom, MEAN reigns supreme. Comprising MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js, MEAN offers an alternative adventure. Hablu discovers Angular, a powerful front-end framework, leading the charge alongside the other MEAN components.

While MEAN has a strong following, Hablu notices a steeper learning curve with Angular compared to React. The MEAN Kingdom is robust and powerful, but it may not be the best starting point for a novice.

**The LAMP Empire:**
Venturing further, Hablu arrives at the LAMP Empire, ruled by Linux, Apache, MySQL, and PHP/Python/Perl. In this kingdom, Linux is the foundation, Apache is the gatekeeper, MySQL is the data architect, and PHP/Python/Perl is the scribe crafting dynamic content.

The LAMP Empire has a rich history, but Hablu senses a bit of rigidity. Upgrading components may be challenging, and the separation of concerns isn't as clear as in the MERN Kingdom. However, the LAMP Empire remains a stalwart choice for certain quests.

**The Django Dominion:**
Our journey takes a turn towards the Django Dominion, a kingdom governed by Python, Django, and its loyal subjects. Python, the language of wizards, works seamlessly with Django, the framework orchestrating the realm.

Django offers a high level of abstraction, making it beginner-friendly. However, Hablu notes that the learning curve might be steeper for those new to Python. The Django Dominion shines in the land of content-centric applications, providing a solid foundation for our hero's exploration.

**The Decision-Making Dilemma - Who Wins?**
Each stack has its own strengths and weaknesses, the perfect fit depends on your project and your coding prowess.

As Hablu reflects on the adventures in each kingdom, a pivotal decision looms. The MERN Kingdom offers a JavaScript-centric experience, MEAN provides a powerful combination with Angular, LAMP stands as a stalwart in web development history, and Django boasts simplicity with Python.

In the end, Hablu chooses the MERN Kingdom for its beginner-friendly nature, rapid development cycles, and the ubiquity of JavaScript. The quest for knowledge and mastery begins as Hablu dives into the MERN stack, ready to conquer the challenges that lie ahead.

Ultimately, the best stack is the one that empowers you to build amazing things. Remember, it's not about the tools, it's about the craftsman. So, pick your weapon, hone your skills, and conquer the digital realm! This is just the beginning of your coding adventure! Keep exploring, keep learning, and keep building. The exciting world of tech awaits!

**Bonus - The Ultimate Analogy:** 
Imagine you're building a house. 

- MERN is like a prefabricated kit, fast and efficient, but with less customization. 
- LAMP is like traditional brick-and-mortar, sturdy and reliable, but slower to build. 
- MEAN is like a modular design system, offering flexibility but requiring more planning. 

Choose the tools that best suit your architectural vision!

**How to Choose the Right Stack?**
Before choosing your stack, consider these questions:

1. What are your project requirements?
2. Do you want agility?
3. Do you want to exceed project requirements to get a better audience?
4. Is your team/company knowledgeable and expert in this field?
5. Is your development team scalable and flexible?
6. What is the final cost of development?

In 2024 based on the answers to the above questions, the most probable options are Full-Stack vs MEAN Stack vs MERN Stack.

**FAQs**

**_Q-1: Are MERN stacks enough for a full-stack developer?_**
The MERN stack allows developers to put their skills in a full-stack web development setting. In a nutshell, users receive all they require to build fully scalable apps directly in the stack, which includes the most recent front-end web development technologies and tools.

**_Q-2: Is the MEAN stack better than MERN stack?_**
The ideal stack to use depends entirely on your project needs. MERN is more suited for single-page applications and CRUD operations. MEAN, on the other hand, works best for large applications.

**_Q-3: Which stack is in demand, MEAN or MERN?_**
Both stacks are in demand, but the MERN stack boasts more popularity than its counterpart since it’s easier to learn.

**_Q-4: What is the basic salary of a MERN/ MEAN/ others Stack developer?_**
Look, it varies upon country and company structure, culture. But the most important thing is also about your comfort. At first choose your preferred stack, Then when you are skilled in that stack, a handsome salary will choose you, not you have to run away after a handsome salary!

**Resources to follow for getting detailed ideas:**

- https://radixweb.com/blog/full-stack-vs-mean-stack-vs-mern-stack-development
- https://www.bigscal.com/blogs/full-stack-technology/full-stack-vs-mean-stack-vs-mern-stack-development/
- https://euphoriagenx.com/mean-vs-mern-stack-development-a-detailed-comparative-analysis/
- https://cleancommit.io/blog/mean-vs-mern-the-ultimate-comparison-2022/
- https://www.irjet.net/archives/V10/i12/IRJET-V10I1258.pdf
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/comprehensive-comparison-between-mern-stack-mean-syed-sarmad-moeen