What is MEAN Stack Developer? 13 Interesting Facts To Know

In the rapidly evolving world of web development, MEAN Stack Developers have emerged as essential professionals. They possess expertise in a unique stack of technologies that power modern web applications. In this blog post, we’ll explore what is MEAN Stack Developer and further dive deep into the components that make up the MEAN stack, and understand the vital roles these components play in the development of web applications.

Overview of the MEAN Stack Components

The MEAN Stack is an acronym comprising four core technologies, each playing a pivotal role in web application development:

1. MongoDB: Serving as the ‘M’ in MEAN, MongoDB is a NoSQL database that excels in its flexibility and scalability. It’s the go-to choice for storing and managing data in web applications, particularly those with high data volumes.
2. Express.js: Representing the ‘E’ in MEAN, Express.js is a minimal and flexible Node.js web application framework. It simplifies server-side development by providing tools for routing, middleware, and request handling, making it a linchpin for web applications.
3. Angular: The ‘A’ in MEAN, Angular is a dynamic and powerful front-end framework. It’s designed to create interactive, user-friendly interfaces and provides an array of tools for client-side development, including templating, data binding, and dependency injection.
4. Node.js: Completing the MEAN stack, Node.js is a server-side runtime environment. It enables developers to utilize JavaScript for both client and server applications, maintaining a consistent language throughout the entire stack. Its non-blocking I/O and event-driven architecture are particularly valuable in handling high concurrency and scalability.

What is MEAN STACK Developer?

A Mean stack developer is a web developer who has expertise in using a collection of JavaScript-based technologies, including MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js, to create dynamic web applications.

This technology stack has gained immense popularity in recent years because it enables developers to build robust and scalable web applications with a single language across the entire application.

A Mean stack developer has the skills to work on both the client and server sides of web development, making them highly sought after in the tech industry. They are proficient in working with databases, APIs, and various front-end technologies to create web applications that are responsive, interactive, and efficient.

Mean stack developers have a deep understanding of JavaScript, which is the foundation of the entire stack, and they use this knowledge to build full-stack applications that deliver an exceptional user experience.

If you’re looking to build modern and innovative web applications, a Mean Stack developer is the professional you need to turn your vision into reality. They possess the expertise, knowledge, and experience required to build cutting-edge web applications that can take your business to new heights.

The Advantages of MEAN Stack Development

Full-stack Capabilities

One of the prime advantages of being a MEAN Stack Developer is the ability to work on both the front-end and back-end of an application. This holistic approach allows developers to understand the entire development cycle, resulting in more efficient and comprehensive solutions.

Consistency in JavaScript

The MEAN stack’s exclusive reliance on JavaScript offers a significant advantage. It allows developers to use the same language for both the client and server sides of an application, reducing the cognitive load of learning multiple languages and promoting code reuse.

Scalability and Flexibility

MongoDB’s NoSQL nature and Node.js’s non-blocking I/O provide the stack with a high degree of scalability. This makes it particularly well-suited for applications that must handle unpredictable workloads or growth in user numbers. The flexible nature of MongoDB also simplifies adapting to changing data requirements.

Open-source Nature

All the technologies in the MEAN stack are open-source, meaning they are freely available and well-supported by a global community of developers. This not only keeps development costs in check but also ensures access to a vast repository of libraries and solutions.

Thriving Community

The MEAN stack enjoys a vibrant and supportive community of developers and enthusiasts. This community provides valuable resources, from online tutorials and documentation to a wealth of open-source tools and frameworks that can accelerate development.

What is MEAN Stack Developer’s responsibility?

What is MEAN Stack Developer? It is typically a set of multiple responsibilities to build robust web applications:

• Backend Development with Node.js and Express.js: This involves creating the server-side logic, defining routes, and managing API endpoints. Developers use Node.js for server-side scripting and Express.js for creating a structured backend architecture.
• Database Management with MongoDB: MEAN Stack Developers are responsible for designing and maintaining the database. This includes storing and retrieving data efficiently, often using MongoDB’s powerful querying and aggregation capabilities.
• Frontend Development using Angular: Building the user interface is a crucial aspect of web development, and Angular plays a central role here. Developers use Angular to design responsive and feature-rich interfaces, incorporating elements like forms, components, and data-binding.
• Integration of the Various Components: Ensuring seamless communication between the frontend and backend is essential. Developers use their expertise in Node.js and Express.js to link the server-side logic with the frontend interface created with Angular. This integration enables dynamic web applications that interact with a database.
• Testing and Debugging: Identifying and rectifying issues is an integral part of the development process. MEAN Stack Developers are responsible for testing their applications, diagnosing problems, and debugging code to maintain a high-quality user experience.

Key Skills and Technologies

To excel as a MEAN Stack Developer, you need to possess a diverse skill set and knowledge base:

• Proficiency in JavaScript: JavaScript is the foundation of the MEAN stack, and a strong command of the language is a prerequisite. This includes understanding modern JavaScript features and best practices.
• Knowledge of RESTful API Design: Building and maintaining APIs that adhere to REST (Representational State Transfer) principles is crucial. This knowledge allows for effective communication between the front-end and back-end of applications.
• Version Control with Git: Managing code changes and collaborating with team members is simplified through version control with Git. Proficiency with Git tools and workflows is a valuable skill.
• Understanding of Web Security: Web applications are prime targets for security threats. MEAN Stack Developers should be well-versed in best practices for securing web applications, including data validation, authentication, and encryption.
• Familiarity with NoSQL Databases: MongoDB, as a NoSQL database, differs from traditional relational databases. Developers need to understand NoSQL concepts like document-based storage and JSON data structures.
• Experience with Cloud Platforms: Many modern applications are hosted on cloud platforms like AWS (Amazon Web Services) or Azure (Microsoft’s cloud service). Familiarity with these platforms is beneficial for deployment and scaling applications.

Real-world Applications

The MEAN stack has been employed to build a diverse array of websites and web applications across various industries. Its flexibility and scalability make it an attractive choice for startups, established enterprises, and everything in between. Here are a few examples:

• E-commerce Platforms: Online marketplaces leverage the MEAN stack for their dynamic interfaces and robust databases, enabling users to browse and purchase products seamlessly.
• Social Media Applications: Social networks, which require real-time interactions and scalability, often choose the MEAN stack for their development.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): CMS platforms benefit from the MEAN stack’s flexibility, allowing content creators to manage and distribute digital content with ease.
• Data Analytics and Visualization Tools: Applications that process and visualize data, such as dashboards and analytics platforms, find the MEAN stack well-suited to their needs.

Web applications built using MEAN Stack technology

Here are some examples of web applications built using MEAN Stack technology:

1. LinkedIn: LinkedIn, the popular professional networking platform, is built using MEAN Stack technology. The website is designed to handle a large amount of data and users, making MEAN Stack an ideal choice for building the platform.

2. PayPal: PayPal, the popular online payment system, is another example of a web application built using MEAN Stack technology. The platform handles millions of transactions every day, making scalability and performance crucial factors for the system.

3. Trello: Trello, the popular project management tool, is also built using MEAN Stack technology. The application is designed to be flexible and easy to use, making it ideal for small and large teams alike.

4. Uber: Uber, the popular ride-sharing platform, uses MEAN Stack technology to power its backend systems. The platform handles a massive amount of data and user requests every day, making performance and scalability critical factors.

How does MEAN Stack compare to other web development stacks?

MEAN Stack is only one of several web development stacks that developers may use. How does it match up against some of the other well-known web development stacks? It eventually can become a part of Full Stack Development combinations. Let’s have a look:

MEAN Stack vs. LAMP Stack

LAMP Stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) is another popular web development stack. MEAN Stack is preferred over LAMP Stack for building dynamic web applications that require real-time interactions.

MEAN Stack vs. MERN Stack

MERN Stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js) is another popular web development stack that is similar to MEAN Stack. MERN Stack is preferred over MEAN Stack for building dynamic single-page applications.

MEAN Stack vs. Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails is another popular web development framework that is preferred over MEAN Stack for building web applications that require rapid development and prototyping.

Getting Started as a MEAN Stack Developer

For those looking to embark on the journey of becoming a MEAN Stack Developer, here’s a roadmap to help you get started:

Learning Resources and Courses: Numerous online courses, tutorials, and documentation are available for each MEAN stack component. Consider enrolling in courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or edX.

Building a Portfolio: To demonstrate your skills and gain practical experience, start by working on personal or open-source projects. This will help you create a portfolio that showcases your abilities to potential employers.

Job Prospects and Demand: The demand for MEAN Stack Developers remains strong, with opportunities available in a variety of industries. Keep an eye on job listings, both on dedicated job boards and on company websites. Networking through platforms like LinkedIn can also yield job opportunities.

Benefits of using MEAN Stack technology

There are many benefits of using MEAN Stack technology for web application development. Here are some of the most significant benefits:

• Easy to learn: MEAN Stack technology is relatively easy to learn compared to other web development stacks. This is because all four technologies use JavaScript, which is a popular and easy-to-learn programming language.

• Scalability: MEAN Stack technology is highly scalable and can handle a large number of users without compromising the performance of the web application.

• Flexibility: MEAN Stack technology is highly flexible and can be used to develop a wide range of web applications, from small-scale applications to large-scale enterprise-level applications.

• Open source: All four technologies in MEAN Stack are open source, which means that developers can use them for free and modify them according to their needs.

• Faster development: With MEAN Stack technology, developers can develop web applications faster, as they do not need to switch between different programming languages or technologies.

• Cloud Compatibility: MEAN Stack applications are easy to deploy on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

Challenges and Future Trends

Common Challenges: MEAN Stack Developers often encounter challenges related to asynchronous programming, data consistency, security, and keeping up with the rapid pace of technology advancements. Staying updated with best practices and industry trends is crucial to overcome these challenges.

Emerging Trends: The field of web development is constantly evolving. Keep an eye on emerging trends, such as serverless architecture, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), and the increased adoption of microservices. Understanding these trends can give you a competitive edge as a MEAN Stack Developer.

Mean Stack Developer Salary in India

The typical yearly income for a MEAN Stack Developer in India falls in the range of approximately Rs. 5.3 – 6.4 Lakh Per Annum (LPA). Entry-level professionals with 0-2 years of experience can anticipate a starting salary of around Rs. 3.7 – 5 LPA.

Company	Experience Level	Salary
TCS	0-5 Yrs	₹4.6 L
LTIMindtree	0-6 Yrs	₹6.2 L
GVenture Technologies	0-2 Yrs	₹3.4 L
AdGlobal360	1-7 Yrs	₹5.9 L

Additional Resources

To further explore the MEAN stack and web development, consider these additional resources:

• MDN Web Docs: A comprehensive resource for learning web development technologies.
• Node.js Official Documentation: Dive deep into Node.js with the official documentation.
• Express.js Official Documentation: Find in-depth information on Express.js and its capabilities.
• Angular Documentation: Explore Angular’s documentation for a complete guide to using the framework.
• MongoDB Documentation: Get acquainted with MongoDB through its official documentation.
• GitHub: A repository of open-source projects, including numerous MEAN stack-related repositories.
• Stack Overflow: A valuable resource for finding answers to common development questions and issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, what is MEAN STACK Developer? Mean Stack represents a dynamic and rewarding field in web development. By mastering MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js, developers can create versatile and powerful web applications.

The MEAN Stack’s flexibility, consistency in JavaScript, and thriving community make it a valuable skill set in the world of web development. Whether you’re just starting your journey or are an experienced developer, the MEAN stack offers exciting opportunities and a chance to contribute to the ever-growing world of web applications.