MEAN stack helps developers create web pages and
applications by implementing JavaScript technologies. MEAN stack technologies ensure that an application entirely relies on JavaScript from the customer to
the end database. Therefore, any MEAN stack developer needs to possess adequate knowledge about
JavaScript.

Around 47% of internet users expect
any web page to load within two seconds. The ability of the MEAN stack comes into play for optimizing
website speed. This article further elucidates the components and benefits of the developmental
tool. 

The Components of MEAN Stack

MEAN is an acronym for MEAN Stack Technologies– MongoDB,
ExpressJS, AngularJS, and NodeJS. Let’s acquire adequate details about each component of the MEAN stack
framework.

MongoDB

The open-source database program is document-oriented. Data gets
stored within MongoDB as JSON-like documents. It uses dynamic structures or schemas and
hierarchical nesting support of objects within an object. 

  • It allows the
    development of a set of applications using a single application (JavaScript). 
  • Written in C++,
    MongoDB uses a cross-platform database to operate efficiently.
  • The
    documentation-based nature makes it a NoSQL database.
  • MongoDB is
    appropriate for users who need to manage an extensive set of tables amidst millions of
    data.

The ease of using MongoDB makes it more attractive to users.
Additionally, another advantage of MongoDB is that users don’t have to update the entire
table.

ExpressJS

It is another efficient open-source NodeJS framework offering architecture
and support for web applications. ExpressJS serves as the framework for all web applications in
Node.

  • It was inspired by the popular Ruby framework Sinatra. 
  • Users find ExpressJS to be flexible and lightweight.
  • Due to its lightweight nature, it can use templates from the Pug engine-supported technology.

The primary purpose of ExpressJS is to create multi-page web applications capable of running on a hybrid model. 

AngularJS

AngularJS supports the development of complex applications for client
benefits. Google developed the open-source JavaScript framework.

  • AngularJS helps make
    personalized web pages. It introduces MVC blocks in applications based on browsers.
  • It makes the testing part
    of the application development process more manageable. 
  • HTML is the most preferred
    template language for AngularJS.
  • HTML syntax features are
    often leveraged to describe the extended components of an application. The extended features
    include data binding, code elimination, dependency injection, and more.

The primary difference between the MEAN stack and the MERN stack can
be noted here. MEAN stack uses AngularJS to build front-end applications. But the MERN stack
uses ReactJS for building user interfaces.

NodeJS

NodeJS is for the server-side of applications. It helps render applications
with the help of JavaScript. 

  • Developers use NodeJS to
    create applications that run on extensive real-time data-intensive systems. 
  • NodeJS can run
    simultaneously on multiple distributed devices like Windows, OS, and Linux. 

The non-blocking system can be attributed to the lightweight nature
of NodeJS. The I/O event-driven model of NodeJS is quite popular.

MEAN Stack Architecture

The steps involved in the MEAN stack framework are as follows:

Step 1

In MEAN development, the
front-end framework is AngularJS. It sends the client request and displays results once the request gets
processed. Once a client makes a request, AngularJS starts processing it.

Step 2

NodeJS tackles the request sent by AngularJS. The next step begins right
after AngularJS has processed the request. The step involves NodeJS resolving the request.

Step 3

ExpressJS starts building APIs for web applications. It forwards the initial
request to the database for obtaining results. Depending on the type of request, ExpressJS makes
connections to MongoDB. It will either call or set the data.

Step 4

MongoDB serves as the database for the entire system. It stores all the data
and retrieves them whenever necessary. Once MongoDB serves its purpose, the work gets passed to the
ExpressJS before getting forwarded to NodeJS.

Step 5

In the end, AngularJS receives the result from NodeJS and displays it. The
entire MEAN stack architecture comprises results produced by MongoDB and displayed by AngularJS.

Advantages of the MEAN Stack

The MEAN Stack Technologies can deliver modern features in web application development. For instance, traditional web applications often require refreshing the web page. But MEAN stack uses single-page applications to reduce the need for refreshing web pages. Keep reading the further advantages of the MEAN stack model.

Fast Turnaround

The MEAN stack model is associated with a faster turnaround time. The tool has the necessary systems to create the perfect application or website. Even complex applications can be built within a short span. MEAN stack also eliminates the need for extra groundwork. Organizing an application becomes easier while using the MEAN stack. 

Reduced Cost

The MEAN stack components are all free and open-source. Therefore, it is cost-effective and lucrative even for companies with a strict budget.

Cloud Compatibility

A MEAN stack application is usually based on the cloud network. It helps in building fast and robust solutions with end-to-end encryption. Hence, the developing, testing, and deploying phases become easier due to the cloud compatibility of the MEAN stack.  

High-Quality User Interface

The MEAN stack model facilitates a high-quality user interface. Using a uniform language from the beginning to the end. The MEAN stack also has a low memory overhead. 

Hassle-Free Swapping Between Client and Server

Developers using the MEAN stack can immediately deploy web applications on a server. The need to deploy to a standalone server can be avoided using the MEAN stack.

Maximum Flexibility

MEAN stack supports maximum flexibility during the website or web application development process. Correspondingly, it is fast and simple to add any new aspect during the development or post-development process.

Smooth and Continuous Operations

NodeJS handles all the requests on the MEAN model. It guarantees seamless functionality and deployment of applications. 

Final Thoughts

The MEAN stack framework is quite comprehensive. When used correctly, it can be highly scalable and flexible. It can help with the development of cutting-edge websites and applications. Moreover, even though the technology is in its nascent stage, several companies are leveraging it.