Full-Stack vs MEAN Stack vs MERN Stack Development: Which One Choose and When?

Software development is an evolving landscape, and your development strategies must adapt to the shifting needs and mindsets. Technology stacks can help developers stay at the helm of development by offering them support in creating scalable and robust applications.

Developers constantly face integration issues and performance inconsistency that lower the app’s engagement and increase the bounce rate. You must invest in the right stack to reduce these inconsistencies and improve the app’s outcome.

Full-stack, MEAN and MERN stack offer the developer a set of tools and frameworks that can accelerate high-quality development while minimizing the issues. They offer a more unified development environment that induces productivity and seamlessness, thus accelerating time to market.

However, the most crucial part of the developer’s journey is choosing the right developer stack. This article will look at these three stacks in detail and help you understand which stack helps and when.

Overview of Stacks

Feature	Full Stack	MEAN Stack	MERN Stack
The Tech Stack	Variable-LAMP, Django, Ruby on Rails	MongoDB, ExpressJs, Angular, NodeJs	MongoDB, ExpressJs, React, NodeJs
Programming Language	JavaScript, Python etc. (Depends on the need)	JavaScript across the stack	JavaScript across the stack
Performance	Largely depends on the technology chosen	High due to NodeJs	High due to NodeJs
Scalability	Right tech choices can end in high scalability	Designed for horizontal scaling	Designed for horizontal scaling
DOM Manipulation	Depends on the frontend technology	Two-way data binding and virtual DOM with Angular	One-way data binding and virtual DOM with React
Learning Curve	Steep as the technology is variable	Moderate. It can be complex owing to Angular	Moderate. It can be low owing to the React

 

A Detailed Overview of the Individual Stacks

We will look at the hiring considerations, key features and advantages of each of these stacks in detail.

#1. Full Stack

Full stack development, as the name suggests, includes both front and backend development. The developer is proficient with all technologies needed to create the front end, manage the back end and build the database.

They are also versatile and can handle everything from server management to project testing.

The Hiring Considerations for Full Stack

You must consider the market demand for the particular technologies, skills required for the particular project and overall budget while hiring full-stack developers.

1. They must be proficient with multiple frontend and backend technologies. They should also be aware of SQL and NoSQL databases.
2. There is a high demand for full-stack developers as they are versatile and possess several skills. This has also led to an extensive talent pool comprising full-stack developers.
3. You may need to spend more on full-stack developers as they require comprehensive skills and proficiency. However, you can hire a single resource for all the jobs, which can save some money.

The Key Features of Full Stack Developers

1. Detailed Skills of Full stack developers are proficient with diverse frontend and backend technologies. This allows them to easily build apps from scratch.
2. They are versatile, as they can manage several facets of a project. They can handle user interface development, server handling and database development.
3. You can choose the technologies that can easily customize the application for you. So, you will tailor the stack to suit your needs.
4. You can streamline the development by reducing communication overheads with this stack. It reduces the need for multiple roles, which in turn impacts the process efficiency.

Pros and Cons of Full Stack Development

Pros	Cons
Can easily handle both frontend and backend tasks.	The steep learning curve as you need to gain proficiency in multiple languages.
Cost-efficient as you don’t need to hire multiple people for different jobs	Integrating diverse technologies can become complex.
Extensive resources and documentation are available.	When a single person handles multiple aspects of app development, it can burn them out.
Easy to tailor the entire stack to support your customization needs.

 

#2. MEAN Stack

MEAN is a renowned JS-based stack that uses top-notch scripts to create dynamic and robust web applications. It comprises MongoDB for the database, ExpressJS and Angular for frontend NodeJs for the superfast backend development.

You can build a more streamlined and consistent development process using this stack. As it comprises frontend and backend technologies, it is used for client and server-side scripting.

The Hiring Considerations for MEAN Stack

As the technologies are clearly expressed in this stack, you are well aware of the skills and experts you need to build a web application.

1. You need developers proficient with JavaScript to manage this stack. They should have a specific understanding and experience with MongoDB, ExpressJs, Angular and Node.Js. If they are familiar with RESTful API, it is an added advantage.
2. You will notice that there is a promising demand for MEAN stack developers in the market owing to their increasing popularity.
3. It is considered cost-effective as most of the technologies are backed by JavaScript. While the developer’s rates may be high, the stack is highly cost-efficient.

The Key Features of MEAN Stack Developers

1. The entire stack has been built using JavaScript technology, which makes way for consistency and reduces context-switching.
2. With Angular, you can build single-page applications (SPAs), which can enhance the user experience without refreshing the entire page.
3. The data handling is efficient for large volumes with MongoDB, which ensures flexibility and scalability of data storage.
4. The use of NodeJs assures high-speed, event-driven architecture that is core to performance.

Pros and Cons MEAN Stack Development

Pros	Cons
JavaScript is used throughout the stack, which reduces the learning curve.	The learning curve goes steep owing to the presence of Angular in the stack.
NodeJs ensures you can build high-performing applications.	The stack comprises specific technologies, which makes it rigid. You must use specific technologies only.
It is designed for horizontal scaling and can be used to grow user bases.	You might face integration challenges, which need careful coordination of stack elements.
It works with a strong and active community, thus ensuring easy availability of resources.

 

#3. MERN Stack

Yet another popular stack comprising JavaScript technologies, MERN assures dynamic and capable web applications for your business. It comprises the same technologies as the MEAN stack, except this stack uses React instead of Angular.

Owing to the presence of frontend and backend technologies, this stack offers a cohesive development environment that delivers high-performing apps.

The Hiring Considerations for MERN

As in the case of MEAN stack, MERN too requires an understanding of specific skills and developer availability.

1. You need to find developers proficient with MongoDB, ExpressJs, React and NodeJs. They should have experience handling dynamic interface development using React.
2. There is a high demand for MERN stack developers. You should ideally look for people with experience in REACT. As the stack promises a modernized development approach, more companies are considering it.
3. It is a cost-effective stack that also promises high-speed releases with excellent capabilities. The dedicated development team model can help you find developers at competitive rates for the MERN stack.

The Key Features of MERN Stack Developers

1. There is consistency throughout the stack that reduces context switching due to the presence of JavaScript.
2. React is a great way to ensure component-based architecture, which can help build interactive and responsive interfaces.
3. Using NodeJs inherent event-driven architecture and non-blocking capabilities, you can build high-performing applications.

Pros and Cons of MERN Stack Development

Pros	Cons
A unified language is used throughout the stack, which means you need to find someone with JS expertise.	The React ecosystem is fast evolving, which makes it difficult for developers to keep up with the pace.
You can create high-performing apps with this tech stack.	You may face integration challenges while working around the stack components.
Using React, you can build interactive and responsive interfaces.	You rely on a single language for developing the application, which can become a limitation.
Designed for horizontal scaling, it makes way for growing data volume and user base.

 

Detailed Comparison: Full Stack vs MEAN vs MERN

We have taken a look at the individual stacks and understood their pros and cons. Let’s compare each of these stacks across a variety of factors to understand which is best for your upcoming project.

#1. Performance

Full Stack

The performance in full-stack development depends on the technologies and frameworks you use to build the application. If you use a combination of well-optimized front and backend technologies, you can achieve the performance goals.

However, you may find it complex to manage and optimize the app’s performance using the full stack tools. If you wish to accomplish scalable solutions, you might need to design properly while using the stack elements.

MEAN Stack

As NodeJs comprises a non-blocking and event-driven architecture, you can expect high-performing solutions. The efficient frontend performance can help you build robust large applications.

You can also use the combination of NodeJs and MongoDB to build flexible and scalable databases.

MERN Stack

Akin to MEAN, the MERN stack also assures a high-performing backend with NodeJs. You can create a high-performing frontend with Virtual DOM and the efficient rendering capabilities of React. MERN also delivers a scalable database with the presence of MongoDB in the stack.

The Verdict

MEAN and MERN stacks can offer high-performing and scalable applications. MERN can offer an edge in frontend performance with React’s rendering and Virtual DOM.

On the other hand, you may need to invest more time and effort into optimizing and integrating the diverse technologies with the full stack. If you have specific performance needs with the MEAN and MERN stack.

#2. Scalability

Full Stack

Using full-stack development, you can ensure scalable applications. However, this will depend on the technologies and architecture you have chosen. In this case, scalability also depends on the design and optimization of the front and backend layers.

using the flexibility of full stack, you can build custom solutions. It also ensures easy scaling of complex applications.

MEAN Stack

This stack helps with scalability largely because of the presence of MongoDB, a NoSQL database that can handle large data volumes. The combination of Express and Angular also manages proper backend scaling with an optimized front end. NodeJs in the stack can handle multiple connections simultaneously, making it easier for you to scale the project.

MERN Stack

In this stack, the combination of React with MongoDB, Express and NodeJs makes scaling faster and easier. React provides a component-based architecture that is fit for scalability. NdeJs can support high concurrency in this case, which ensures efficient scaling.

The Verdict

You can choose full stack as it offers maximum flexibility and customization options for scaling the web app. MEAN is best if you want a more structured backend while MERN is good for scalable and dynamic backend.

#3. Learning Curve and Ease of Use

Full Stack

You must learn the frontend and backend technologies, such as HTML, CSS, Ruby, Python, etc. to master the art of full stack development. The learning curve is steep as you need to learn multiple technologies.

When you are mastering all the frontend and backend technologies, things can get complex. You must try to identify the top frameworks and libraries that can make your job easier.

MEAN Stack

MEAN comprises of standard JS technologies, which means you need to understand JavaScript. The only thing that can increase the learning curve in this case would be Angular.

MEAN is relatively easier to use as it includes all the open-end and easy technologies. You might face issues with Angular.

MERN Stack

This is by far the easiest stack with the lowest learning curve. They are all popular JS technologies that boast a low learning curve.

If you have a developer proficient with React on your team, you have a usable and user-friendly tech stack on your hands.

The Verdict

MEAN is a standardized stack with Angular and MERN is a flexible stack with React. MEAN and MERN enjoy a low learning curve. While full stack is versatile, it may be challenging when compared to MEAN and MERN.

#4. Community Support

Full Stack

As full stack works with a range of technologies, you will find support from a wide range of resources and communities. This support helps you use multiple frameworks, languages and databases.

You can also rely on online communities and resources, such as GitHub and StackOverflow to learn about the frameworks and technologies.

MEAN Stack

MEAN stack enjoys a strong community backing. There is an active community for MongoDB with all the documentation and support resources. ExpressJs also enjoys a robust community with the desired tutorials and plugins.

Angular and NodeJs have some of the largest communities and online resources. That’s why working with MEAN enjoys solid support.

MERN Stack

The solid support and resources available in MongoDB and ExpressJs make up for the community and resource requirements. moreover, React is a growing community with extensive documentation and third-party libraries. Lastly, NodeJs has the biggest community and ecosystem.

The Verdict

The choice between MEAN and MERN will depend on the technology that best fits your project. You can go with full stack if you want to support your project with broader technologies and specialized solutions.

#5. Cost and Availability of Developers

Full Stack

The hourly rates for full-stack developers is anywhere between $50 and $100. It depends on the expertise and location of the developers. You must look for developers proficient with in-demand technologies, such as NodeJs, React and RoR.

As the full-stack is versatile, it offers high availability and a broad talent pool. It also means you experience a competitive market for frontend and backend developers.

MEAN Stack

The hourly rates for MEAN stack developers is slightly lower than full stack. They charge anywhere between $40 and $80. It depends on the experience and geographical location of the stack developers.

You must look for developers proficient with Angular and NodeJs. As the two technologies are popular, you may find an active and extensive talent pool for MEAN stack. You must look for NodeJs skills when hiring.

MERN Stack

The hourly rates for MERN stack developers ranges from $45 to $90. The development team you plan to hire must be proficient with React technology. The cost of hiring depends on the experience, location and project expertise.

The core technology for this stack is React and you need professionals who are proficient with this stack. The availability is high as it is a popular technology

#6. Flexibility and Customization

Full Stack

Full stack extends maximum flexibility owing to the numerous technologies within. You will notice that the developers can use the best tools and frameworks with this stack.

Moreover, owing to the flexibility, it also encourages customization. You can choose technologies that help you tailor the app to your needs.

MEAN Stack

MEAN is moderately flexible. Owing to the presence of Angular for the front end and MongoDB for the database, you may face limitations while customizing the solution.

MEAN stack extends customization abilities. However, the influence of Angular, ExpressJs and MongoDB may limit the extent of flexibility and customization.

MERN Stack

MERN stack is flexible and ensures that developers can use their tools and libraries for state management and routing. It also ensures maximum customization owing to React’s component-based architecture and MongoDB’s flexibility.

The Verdict

The MERN stack is more flexible when compared to the MEAN stack. However, if you want limitless customization options, you should go with full-stack development.

#7. Project Size and Complexity

Full Stack

Full stack can be used for projects across sizes and types. You can use them for small and large-scale applications with basic and complex requirements.

You can handle highly complex applications needing extensive customizations and integrations using comprehensive technologies.

MEAN Stack

MEAN is useful for medium to large-scale projects. You can use it for apps that require a structured framework and scalable backend.

It can handle medium to high complexity. TypeScript can ensure managing highly complex applications.

MERN Stack

This stack is useful for small to large-scale applications. They benefit by the flexibility and component-based architecture extended by React. You can note that this stack can manage highly complex requirements.

The Verdict

If you are planning dedicated hiring for medium or large-scale projects, you can go with MEAN and MERN stacks. However, if you want to manage versatile projects, you should opt for a dedicated team with full-stack expertise.

Use Cases and Best-Fit Hiring

We will discuss the best-fit scenarios and use cases when you can hire the dedicated developers for the particular stack.

Full Stack Development

#1. Use Case

You can hire dedicated developers with full-stack proficiency when you plan to build enterprise applications. This would require diverse technologies and extensive customization possibilities.

You can also use this hiring approach when you are building apps for a startup. It can also prove to be good for custom app solutions.

#2. Best-fit Hiring

You need someone with a broader skill set, such as HTML, CSS and Python. Both front and backend technologies. You also need a dedicated team that can adapt to the different tools and frameworks.

MEAN Stack Development

#1. Use Case

You can use the stack to build single-page applications. it is also ideal for dynamic and interactive SPAs. As it uses NodeJs, you can leverage the event-driven architecture to create real-time applications.

It is also a great way to build an eCommerce application that needs a scalable backend and dynamic frontend.

#2. Best-fit Hiring

You need dedicated developers who are proficient with JavaScript technologies, especially MongoDB, ExpressJS Angular and NodeJs. You must look for developers familiar with Angular and NodeJs for the best results.

MERN Stack Development

#1. Use Case

You must choose dedicated developers well-versed in the MERN stack to build dynamic and high-performing applications. They should be able to use React to create incredible interfaces.

You can also use PWAs to build efficient frontend performance and offline capabilities. You can also leverage the stack to build social media platforms.

#2. Best-fit Hiring

You must look for a dedicated team with React expertise. This will help build component-based interface development. Your team should be proficient with NodeJs and ExpressJs.

How to Hire a Dedicated Developer for Stack Development?

It is crucial to discuss the top factors to hire a dedicated developer for stack development. In this section, we will also look at what to look for in each stack development.

#1. The Skillsets Needed

It is crucial to understand the skillsets you need for both frontend and backend technologies for each stack. This will help you make the right hire.

You might want to decide the stack you plan to go with before choosing the skills. For instance, full-stack development needs a dedicated team that is proficient with frontend and backend technologies. Moreover, they should have an understanding of SQL and NoSQL as well.

If you are planning the MEAN stack, you must find people who are proficient with MongoDB, ExpressJS and NodeJs as well as Angular. On the other hand, when you want to use the MERN stack, you need someone proficient with React.

#2. Market Demand for The Stack Developer

When you are hiring a dedicated team for stack development, you might want to consider the market demand and availability for the developers.

There is a high demand and availability for full-stack developers. However, you may face issues if you are looking for particular technologies.

MEAN and MERN stacks are popular for stack development. You might find a dedicated team that is fully aware of the technologies used in this stack.

#3. Budget Considerations

When you are planning stack development, you must consider the budget before committing. You can go with full stack development as that involves a single resource that can efficiently manage everything. It can help you lower the cost of development.

MEAN and MERN stacks require specialists in specific technologies. You may notice a slight increase in the developer’s cost. However, the overall cost of development is still less. You can hire MEAN stack developers if you have limited considerations with technologies.

You might want to consider the technologies and the total cost of hiring resources before proceeding with the stack development hiring.

#4. Project Timelines

The timeline and scalability needs are equally important when you are planning the hire for the dedicated development team. Full-stack developers manage both frontend and backend. They would need to ensure proper communication and coordination processes for the best outcomes.

MEAN stack is best if you want to go with rapid development. Using NodeJs and MongoDB, you can even scale your apps to fit your needs. MERN is also good if you are tight on budget and timelines.

Depending on the timelines and efforts needed, you can select the dedicated development team.

Cost Comparison of the Stacks

Full Stack

The hourly rates range from $50 to $100 for dedicated full stack developers. The average hourly rate is $75. It depends on the living costs, geographical location and project complexity.

As full-stack developer come with a broad skillset, they prove to be more expensive compared to the other two stacks. Moreover, they can manage complex tasks while catering to backend and frontend work.

MEAN Stack

The hourly rates for MEAN stack developers range from $40 to $80. You may pay slightly more if your developer is proficient with Angular and NodeJs. These skills can add to the budget.

The average hourly rate is about $60. Owing to the unified JavaScript environment offered by the stack, you will notice reduced cost and complexity while handling this stack. It is a popular developer choice.

MERN Stack

It is more expensive compared to MEAN stack, as this stack depends on the React proficiency. The hourly rates are anywhere between $45 and $90. The MERN stack developer will ensure a more efficient backend processing and dynamic UI development.

Conclusion

In the debate between FULL STACK vs MEAN vs MERN development, you need to consider the technologies and how they can help app development.

Full Stack has a dedicated team of versatile developers proficient with all the technologies. They can cost a little more than the MEAN and MERN stack, where the technologies are limited. However, full stack guarantees limitless customization opportunities.

Using MEAN and MERN stack, you can build efficient and consistent applications. however, you may face limitations when customizing the solution.

Each of these stacks can offer the performance that you wish for the business application. Your choice should depend on project requirements, budget and scalability considerations. You might also want to consider market demand and availability of the developers.

Expert App Devs has a solid team that specializes in all three stack development. Our team is proficient with multiple technologies and has unleashed diverse apps for specific needs.

If you want to build a web application, connect with our team and get started.