Full Stack vs MEAN Stack: Choose the Better Tech Stack For Your Project

Web developers who are well-versed in handling front-end and back-end activities of the website are called full-stack developers. However, these full-stack developers use different programming languages and tools to manage the website's web design, interface, and back-end functionality to provide visitors with a smooth experience. But the question is how full-stack is related to MEAN stack. 

Mean stack is one of the JavaScript stacks used by full-stack developers to create websites and web applications. Mean stack is the framework that supports programs written in JavaScript for server-side and client-side execution handling.

In this article, we will discuss full stack vs mean stack and the reasons to become a full stack developer and mean stack developer. Take Full Stack development training to increase your knowledge and credibility.

Full Stack vs Mean Stack 

Full-stack development can use a robust server-side programming language, while the MEAN stack uses only the Javascript framework. Furthermore, there is only one database for MEAN stack development, and that is MongoDB. Meanwhile, full-stack development operates on databases like MySQL, SQL, etc. Check the differences between Full stack and Mean stack below:

Full Stack vs MEAN Stack: Development Language 

Developing language means expressing verbally and orally the individual's needs and wants and using both auditory and oral abilities to communicate those needs and wants. JavaScript or TypeScript will be the main development language used in the MEAN stack as you develop your application. Fortunately, with Full Stack, you can use any server-side programming language you want, such as PHP or Python.

Full Stack vs MEAN Stack: Database Support 

Database support means what sort of database is being supported by full stack and MEAN stack. Full stack and MEAN stack support a variety of databases, and you should know what type of database they support. To achieve MEAN stack's functionality, MongoDB is used as a database. With Full Stack, you can manage databases using MySQL, MongoDB, and SQLite3, which are all open-source databases. 

Full Stack vs MEAN Stack: Technology Stack 

A technology stack refers to the technology used by an organization to run and build applications and projects, either as a whole or as a combination of different technologies. As a part of the MEAN stack, Node.js, Express, AngularJS, and MongoDB are used. In a Full Stack application, PHP, MySQL, MariaDB, or PostgreSQL databases are used, and front-end frameworks like Zend Framework and Laravel are for front-end development. 

Full Stack vs MEAN Stack: Mobile Support 

Mobile support refers to the ability of an application or software to be used on a mobile phone or device. Ionic Framework is one of the mobile development frameworks that are compatible with the MEAN stack. Two platforms supported by Full Stack: PhoneGap/Cordova and Appcelerator Titanium. 

Full Stack vs MEAN Stack: Server-side Templating 

When server-side templating is employed, the content is rendered from the backend (the server), i.e., from HTML code generated on the server. As a server-side templating language, MEAN stack makes use of Handlebars. The Full Stack platform supports PHP, Twig, or Jade as server-side templating languages. 

Full Stack vs MEAN Stack: Performance 

Speed and focus are the two main characteristics of performance in the full stack and MEAN stack. As you can see, one of them is faster to build than the other, in addition to its focus on the specific use cases for which it was designed. Since MEAN stack is more focused on specific use cases, it can be built faster than Full Stack. Due to the lack of focus on its specific use case, full stack takes longer to build than MEAN stack. 

Full Stack vs MEAN Stack: Open-source 

Open source is the term used to describe a set of programs whose source code can be seen, modified, and enhanced by any individual and anyone who desires to do so. A key feature of the MEAN stack is that it is Open Source. Stacks that run on a full stack are not open source. 

How are Full Stack and MEAN Stack Similar? 

MEAN and Full Stack are very similar in their use of JavaScript, MongoDB, Express, Angular, and Node.js. This is because they are both full-stack frameworks and therefore include everything you need to build a web application from front to back. 

However, MEAN stack focuses more on the front end, whereas Full Stack focuses more on the back end. MEAN stands for MongoDB (database), Express (server-side JavaScript framework), AngularJS (front-end framework), and Node.js (back-end framework). 

Full Stack is an umbrella term that describes web application frameworks consisting of all an application's layers: front end, middle tier (database), and back end (server). 

Pros of Full Stack Development

Let us consider some advantages of pursuing Full Stack Development as a career:

1. A full stack developer has complete knowledge of the building of the website, which means that they can single-handedly handle both the back-end and the front-end developments. 
2. Full Stack development is cost-effective since such a developer can take care of the entire web development process. Thus, their demand is strikingly high today. 
3. A Full Stack developer with profound knowledge of web technologies can easily communicate with other team members and keep them on the same page. Thus, a full stack developer has immense potential to lead a team of developers. 
4. This career option comes with "creative flexibility", exercising more control over the project under development. The reason is that full stack developers work at both ends, know the ins and outs, and can suggest improvements. 
5. If a problem arises, a full stack developer can come up with a perfect solution, thanks to their versatile experience and knowledge in the field. 

Cons of Full Stack Development

Like most medicines have side effects, full stack development also has disadvantages:  

1. Too much knowledge is good, but not when companies seek specialized experience. When either front-end or back-end operations are required, a full stack developer might not be the preferred choice due to their higher stipends. 
2. Handing A to Z of web development is undeniably daunting. Only IT enthusiasts with an undying passion for web development can enjoy the process and hectic life inside out. 
3. It can be tiresome for the web developer to keep up with new trends across different technologies, stacks, projects, etc. They already have so much on their plate. 

Pros of MEAN Stack Development 

The following are the main benefits of MEAN stack development: 

1. The MEAN stack uses a single language, Javascript, making the execution simpler and free. 
2. It uses very less memory footprint or overhead, essentially the main memory used by the program. 
3. MEAN stack development is flexible, making it easy to add improvements and new features even after development.  
4. It also allows you to deploy web applications immediately on the servers.

Cons of MEAN Stack Development

The downside of MEAN stack development is as follows: 

1. MEAN stack development is not advised for large-scale applications. Thus, if you're a MEAN stack developer, you might miss some golden opportunities.  
2. One of the major problems of the MEAN stack is the inability to trace back old data after the web development.  
3. No specific JavaScript coding guidelines can be used for MEAN stack web development.  
4. Since it cannot go back to old traces, all the old records can be lost, making it difficult to track changes and find the cause of loopholes. 

Learn more about the differences between Full Stack and MERN Stack 

Regarding MERN Stack vs Full Stack development, the former's productivity is low compared to the latter. Another difference between a MERN and a full stack is that MERN requires additional libraries for third-party support, while a full stack comes with jQuery, LESS, etc. 

To get started with either, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals through a basic Web Development course. 

The demand for highly skilled MEAN stack developers is rising, and the average salary a MEAN stack developer earns is around INR 4-6 lakhs per annum. However, comparing MEAN vs MERN Stack salaries, we find that the latter's average is around INR 4.2 lakhs per annum.

Conclusion

Both full stack developers and MEAN stack developers are highly sought after when it comes to computer programming. Essentially, both of these stacks are full stack developments and are highly in demand from companies worldwide. You can enroll for Full Stack Development Online Course to get deeply acquainted with both stacks.

Maze through the requirements of both fields, understand their advantages and disadvantages and compare salaries and scope to make a sound decision. 

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