What is MEAN Stack, What MEAN Stack is NOT, Why Choose MEAN Stack Development and How to Hire MEAN Stack Developers

Introduction

When a business undertakes a development initiative, it may become mired in confusion. There are many options for development strategies, and these options should be weighed carefully. The suitability of a development platform, a language or an environment must be determined by the needs of the organization. If you make the wrong choice, you can lose time, money and customer and user confidence.

These factors include:

• Existing infrastructure, hardware, software, network and user capabilities
• Budget and time constraints
• Return on Investment (ROI) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) goals
• Ability to meet user requirements
• Developer, partner and team availability
• Developer skills and experience
• Specific device or integration issues

In order to ensure that your project goals and objectives are met, and that you build a sustainable foundation for the future use and growth of your software product, web application, or other solution, you must choose the right development environment, AND the right development team.

If your business is considering MEAN stack development as a development option, or if you plan web development using MEAN stack, this article will help you navigate the issues, understand the suitability of this option for your particular project, and determine how to assess MEAN stack development companies to choose the right partner.

Since this article will serve as an introduction to MEAN stack and the various considerations involved in making the MEAN Stack development decision, let’s start with the basics.

What is MEAN Stack Development

Before we define MEAN Stack, let’s talk about what it is NOT

• MEAN Stack development is NOT Full Stack Development. Full Stack software developers utilize a full suite of tools and components, including HTML, CSS, PHP, ASP, Node-js, Python, JavaScript, Vue, and Angular JS. They also leverage databases, including SQLite, MongoDB and MySQL, as well as front-end HTML, Bootstrap, XML, iQuery, JavaScript, CSS, GraphQL, etc., and back-end frameworks like Node-js, Java, C, PHP, Firebase, etc. By choosing from and working with a myriad of tools and techniques, they build a custom stack to leverage in the development environment. What is a full stack developer? A full stack developer must have experience with all of these tools. The full stack approach allows the enterprise to customize but requires a) Full stack application developers with skills in all relevant tools and techniques, b) the time and budget to complete a more complex development project, and c) a roadmap and process to ensure appropriate and timely upgrades and bug fixes.
• MEAN Stack development is NOT MERN Stack Development. MERN Stack is comprised of MongoDB, Express JS, React JS and Node JS. These technologies are combined to accommodate front-end and back-end web development. MongoDB provides the database foundation, Express JS is a JavaScript framework for the server, React JS is a JavaScript library to build the user interface, and Node JS is a JavaScript runt=time environment to execute the code. MERN is open-source and supports mobile applications.

Now that we understand what MEAN stack is NOT, let’s look at the MEAN stack development environment. What is MEAN Stack?

MEAN Stack Development is comprised of four components: Mongo DB as a database, Express JS as a JavaScript framework for the server, Angular for the User Interface, and Node JS as a JavaScript run time environment. The MEAN Stack framework includes these four components which provide a foundation to support the comprehensive nature of this software development approach. Using MEAN stack application development tools, developers can create simple, intuitive, open source solutions that are easy to maintain and upgrade.

Here is a detailed explanation of the four components of MEAN Stack Development:

• Mongo DB is a NoSQL, scalable, flexible database. MongoDB is a distributed, document based database suitable for most general purposes. It is designed for modern application development and for the Cloud. It allows the business to filter and sort by fields, even those that are nested within a document. Mongo DB provides support for aggregation and geo-based, text and graph searches.
• Express JS enables large scale web and mobile applications using micro services architecture. Express is a flexible Node.JS web application framework with support for web applications and mobile applications. It is open source and easily accessible. It has a library of numerous plugins and acts as the back-end of MEAN Stack, working in concert with the Mongo DB and a JavaScript front-end library or framework.
• Angular JS is a rich, popular framework with powerful tools for cross-platform application development. The Angular JS open-source front-end web framework leverages JavaScript development and is used as the front-end for the MEAN stack or other programming languages and frameworks. It simplifies development and testing using client-side Model View Controller (MVC) and Model View ViewModel (MVVM) architectures.
• Node JS streamlines server-side scripting for fast, scalable processing. Node.js is open-source. This cross-platform, back-end runtime environment executes JavaScript outside a web browser environment, providing the opportunity to run JavaScript everywhere. Node.js is designed to build scalable network applications.

MEAN Stack architecture design and MEAN Stack application development brings together the four components of the environment to support server and client-side environment and includes a web application presentation layer.

MEAN Stack can produce best-in-class, high-performing, and scalable web and mobile applications. It provides good productivity and helps to manage and render code. Developers and clients like the MEAN stack approach because it is scalable, and it uses JavaScript to create a full-stack approach to development using a single language, so the code is consistent and reusable. Because it is open-source, MEAN enjoys a large community of developer support and is continuously updated and maintained.

Because MEAN Stack checks all the boxes for cross-platform database management, hybrid mobile application development and web application development, server framework and management and support for front-end and back-end, the business can count on rapid development and a resulting solution that will meet requirements and be easy and cost-effective to maintain and support. What is a MEAN Stack developer? A MEAN Stack developer has experience using all four components of the MEAN Stack and, ideally, has worked on numerous MEAN Stack projects, utilizing libraries, tools and techniques to achieve success.

That is a brief version of MEAN Stack explained! Now that you understand the differences among MEAN Stack, MERN Stack and Full Stack development, let’s look at how to use MEAN Stack in your enterprise. There are many ways to leverage MEAN stack for enterprise business or consumer web applications, apps and development projects.

MEAN Stack Examples:

• Mobile Apps for Business
• Consumer Apps
• Media and Information Distribution
• Audio and Video Applications
• Streaming and Entertainment
• Enterprise Applications and Portals
• High-Performance Apps for Desktops, Tablets, Smart Phones and Smart Watches

Because MEAN Stack incorporates and integrates four major components, it can be used to rapidly develop and implement solutions for all manner of projects.

• Social Media – An enterprise could develop a structured format or form for a platform like Pinterest to capture and illustrate information about workout routines, weekly recipes, etc. The enterprise can also provide social media aggregation across platforms and customize a user view.
• User Access – MEAN Stack allows for security authorization and user log-in, enabling the organization to control multilayer access.
• Subscription and Account Management – Organizations like PayPal, Netflix and Uber use MEAN Stack to manage registered users.

To illustrate the popularity and reach of the MEAN Stack development environment, we have included some statistics:

• It is estimated that nearly 35% of tech start-ups use MEAN stack for development because it supports a rapid development environment and is cost-effective.
• MEAN Stack development reduces development time by approximately 50%, thereby improving time-to-market and competitive advantage.
• It is estimated that nearly 70% of professional developers are currently using MEAN Stack for projects, and recruitment and job listings for those with MEAN Stack development skills have increased by nearly 200% in a matter of a few years.

Why Choose MEAN Stack Development For Your Project

There are many reasons to choose MEAN Stack development. For the purposes of this article, we have listed a few of the primary reasons.

Benefits to the Enterprise:

• Uniformity – Using MEAN stack application development tools, software developers can establish a solid foundation with uniform language across the entire stack, ensuring ease of code maintenance and seamless operation. Because MEAN Stack includes a dependable set of components, integrated for simple development, there is stability and dependability of the development environment. Developers know what components, tools and techniques were used, and upgrades and bug fixes are easier. There is none of the chaos created by a myriad of poorly documented project components or techniques.
• Low Cost – The Mean Stack leverages JavaScript which is a free, open-source toolkit. This lowers the cost of development and because there are so many developers skilled in JavaScript, this choice ensures that the business can easily find developer partners with the skills to complete the project. The MEAN stack requires a small footprint and decreases overhead. Upgrades are efficient and roll-out is simple. When an enterprise establishes a development budget, it is easy to understand the cost of resources, the time to complete the project and the plan for upgrades and customer support.
• Flexibility – Mean Stack provides support for the business to create simple, intuitive, open source solutions that are easy to maintain and upgrade and are rich and robust enough to satisfy complex hybrid mobile application needs and Cloud solutions. MEAN stack supports rapid application development and will help the organization to achieve its goals quickly and provide support for future needs. The MEAN Stack environment provides a foundation AND flexibility so that developers can support new requirements and enterprise growth.

Here we provide more detail on the benefits of the MEAN Stack environment as they relate to the development team, so your business can answer the question: Why Choose MEAN Stack Development

Benefits to Developers

• Uniform Language – Both the Client and the Server side of MEAN Stack leverage JavaScript, so developers can work with a single language across the stack. This is an efficient, optimal approach, that ensures swift, concise completion of code and projects.
• Dependable Development Schedule – Using MEAN Stack development makes it easy to establish and stay on a schedule, so there are no surprises or issues involving integration, performance, etc. Because the development team does not have to select, customize or integrate the development environment, it can create appropriate expectations for completion and finish the project on time.
• Rapid Development – MEAN Stack provides a foundation for rapid development and for reuse of code components, thereby making the development team more productive. Rapid development serves the team and the enterprise by completing products or apps on time and addressing the need for upgrades, new features and product or app growth with a rapid application development foundation that allows the development team to optimize their time and resource allocation.
• Swift Roll-Out – leveraging Node.js, the MEAN programmer can directly deploy the application. The Node.js architecture and Angular.js open-source JavaScript framework provide support for simple maintenance, testing and reusability.
• MEAN Developer Support – MEAN Stack has a large, active developer community with plenty of libraries, frameworks and resources to support developers when questions arise, or a developer wishes to understand best practices or acquire libraries to support projects. This development community actively supports other developers and shares information to empower developers, solve problems and leverage creativity.
• Seamless Web Applications – Node.js allows developers to build real-time apps with bidirectional client/server communication. Dependable real-time applications ensure that developers can create and implement value-added tools for customers, partners, stakeholders and business users.
• Performance and Scalability – The components of MEAN Stack provide support for distributed databases and concurrent connections. Developers look for dependable, high-performance, scalable tools and environs that will support the growth of data volume, a growing user base, and new features and functionality.

How to Hire MEAN Stack Developers

If your business is considering MEAN Stack as a development environment, or If you have already decided on MEAN Stack, and wish to ensure that you are using the best resources for your project, there are numerous issues and considerations to include in your IT partner review.

While some businesses may wish to consider tackling a MEAN Stack project using in-house resources, there are numerous issues with this approach.

• New Projects Take IT Resources Away From Routine and Critical Tasks
• IT Team Skills May Include SOME of the MEAN Stack Skills – But Not All
• The IT Team Probably Does Not Have a History or Portfolio of MEAN Stack Projects
• Time Constraints Will Overload IT (Defining Requirements, Goals and Roadmaps for a MEAN Stack Project Requires Meeting with Customers, Users, Managers, etc.)
• Internal IT Teams May Not Be Familiar With the MEAN Stack Developer Community to Leverage Resources, Libraries, etc.

While it may seem less expensive to take on a MEAN Stack project in-house, engaging an expert team will ensure that the project is done without a lot of rework, and that all resources and capabilities are in place to achieve success. In the end, the cost and time required to complete a project using professional MEAN Stack developers is much more likely to meet enterprise requirements and produce outcomes that satisfy end users, customers, suppliers, partners and stakeholders.

Here, we have included some of the factors you should consider to illustrate how to hire MEAN Stack Developers .

First, let’s look at the general list of skills and experience your IT partner should possess.

• MEAN Stack Web App Development
• MEAN Stack Mobile App Development
• MEAN Stack API Development and Integration
• MEAN Stack CMS Development Solutions
• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Development
• MEAN Stack Integration

Other related, applicable skills include:

• Application Design and Development
• Software Reengineering
• Custom Application Development
• User Experience Design
• Application Maintenance And Support
• Software Product Upgrades and Migration
• Application Upgrades and Migration
• Application Integration
• Application Interface Usability and User Experience (Ux) Improvement
• Expert Software Application Developers
• 24/7 SLA Driven Application User Support and Technical Support
• Application Testing and Bug Fixing
• Dedicated Offshore and Onsite Software Application Development Resources
• ISO 9001-2015 quality certification

There are some specific skills your IT partner and MEAN Stack Development Team should have, as well. It is important to consider this specific skill set to be sure that the IT partner team can address all of your requirements and accurately and effectively work with the MEAN Stack development environment to accomplish your goals.

Here is a brief list of MEAN Stack developer skills and MEAN Stack partner services and experience:

MEAN Stack Development Guide

• Soft and Interactive Skills to Accommodate Client and Executive Meetings
• Working with Client IT Team and Users as Appropriate to Achieve Goals
• Gathering Project Requirements
• Comprehensive Knowledge of MEAN Components
• Building Application Integration Platforms (APIs)
• Establishing Optimal Database Structures and Data Models, and Server-Side Logic
• Angular JS Front-End Components, e.g. UI router, filters, forms, etc.
• Connecting Front-End UI to Back-End Data Repository
• Writing Modules
• Establishing and Re-Using Libraries
• Comprehensive Testing Across All Relevant Devices and Browsers
• Creating and Executing a Deployment Plan
• Providing Detailed Code Documentation
• Ensuring Ongoing User and Code Maintenance and Support
• Creating Roadmaps for Upgrades
• Performing Bug Fixes and Upgrades
• Providing Appropriate Skills, Experience and Availability At Every Stage of the Project
• Offering Additional Services, e.g., Build Your Software Team (as appropriate) to Support Ongoing Requirements

In summary, when reviewing the references, capabilities and services of MEAN Stack Developers and IT partners, the enterprise must ensure that the prospective partner and its team is capable of overseeing the full development lifecycle.

In addition to the list above, it is important to note that the IT Partner should also have a robust partnership program, and detailed Service Level Agreements (SLA) to define the project. This is true of any technology project, but we mention it here to identify the issues related to hiring individual or independent MEAN Stack developers who may not have resources, programs or methodologies behind them and may therefore be incapable of providing comprehensive support for your project.

If you wish to obtain a detailed list of experience, skills, support and resources to achieve a seamless outcome, explore: ‘Offshore Outsourcing Company White Paper On How to Select an Offshore Development Partner,’ ‘The Cost vs. Value Equation for Offshore Software and Technology Projects,’ and ‘Top 3 Considerations for In-House Software Product Development vs. Expert Assistance Decision.’

In this article, we have summarized the MEAN Stack development environment and approach, including an explanation of MEAN Stack, what it is and is not, why your enterprise might choose MEAN Stack development for a project, and how to hire MEAN Stack developers.

Get In Touch With Us!

Find out if MEAN Stack Application Development is right for you, and Build Your Software Team with dedicated resources. Discover the benefits and components of mobile application development technology, and the hybrid mobile app development environment, with these complementary articles: ‘Mobile App Development is Important to Business, So Are Mobile App Programmers,’ ‘What Are The Pros And Cons of Flutter Programming?,’ and ‘What is MEAN Stack, What MEAN Stack is NOT, Why Choose MEAN Stack Development and How to Hire MEAN Stack Developers,’ ‘What is Low-Code, No-Code Development? How Can It Support My Business Application and Software Product Development Needs?,’ ‘Creatio Low-Code and No-Code Development: What is the Creatio LCNC Platform and When and How  Can My Business Use Creatio?’