Which is Better? Full-Stack Developer or Mean Stack Developer?

Software developers all over the world have been using modern tools to build apps that are scalable, efficient and robust. However, with advancements in technology, there is a growing creed of developers who make use of stack to build the software’s front end as well as back end. Before we dig deeper into what is stack and how a developer uses it, let us understand the basic concepts.

What is a Full Stack Developer?

A full stack developer uses several elements to build a software. Starting from the frontend and moving on to the backend and then the database, each part is built by one person. The developer uses a combination of various technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, MySQL etc for creating different modules that interact with each other. A typical software development model involves collaboration between various members of a team, each one of them working on a different technology. However, a full stack developer has hands-on experience with ALL the technologies that are used in a particular software development. 

The obvious advantage with it is that a full stack developer can do all the tasks within a shorter fame of time. That means cost savings for the client as well. With ever-growing competition and aggressive development timelines set by product owners, it is imperative to bring full stack developers into the picture. Besides, it is also advantageous for digital agencies because they do not need to hire multiple resources and take up a heavy cost burden of salaries, infrastructure, etc for a long period of time. A full stack developer can be easily deployed on any project and so does not have to be put on bench.

What is a Mean Stack Developer?

A modified version of full stack is known as MEAN stack. It uses a collection of Java-based technologies and is an acronym for MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS, and Node.js. These technologies and frameworks are used by a full stack developer to design and develop apps. In other words, MEAN is a set of best-in-class technologies that are used together for optimum results. 

A MEAN full stack developer can develop a basic website or a complex, multi-user application that involves integration of several modules. In fact, most of the responsive web pages are directly backed by these four technologies. It is also considered as the fastest-growing framework that supports open-source web development. A MEAN full stack developer can access a list of tools and technologies from the online forums, which can help him develop apps better and faster. 

Here is a brief overview of the technologies that are used:

• MoboDB is used by full stack developers to create back-end parts of the application and store data in the form of JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) documents.
• Express.js is a tool that allows running back-end web application framework over the Node.js layer.
• Angular 2 is a framework that is used by full stack developers to build the front end of an application. Angular utilizes JavaScript to run the code, which allows the user interface to be dynamic.
• Node.js is a runtime environment of JavaScript and is used to implement the back-end parts of JavaScript code

What are the Benefits?

• MEAN full stack development revolves around the idea of using a single JavaScript language for front end as well as back end development. So, if the full stack developer is expert in Java, it would be easier for him to complete the development. Besides, it will be easier for him to switch between various parts of the app.
• A MEAN full stack developer can do isomorphic coding, which means that he can transfer code from one framework to the other and utilize it for multiple projects.
• MEAN stack allows easy and convenient cloud integration by the full stack developer. As soon as the app gets developed, it can be tested on the cloud. By utilizing MongoDB, the developers can make changes quickly and easily.
• JSON or JavaScript Object Notation is compatible with NodeJS and AngularJS. In addition to the above, MongoDB is a relational database that allows full stack developers to save their documents in the form of JSON.
• Node.js is faster and ascendable due to its architecture of non-blocking. Also, Angular.js is one of the frameworks of JavaScript, which offers easy testability, maintenance and a wide range of online libraries.

Conclusion

When you discuss your requirements with an experienced full stack developer of Optimal Virtual Employee, you can get a detailed project analysis and feedback that will enable you to make the best decision. You must focus on the set of features that your application needs, rather than technologies that will be used. Both of the above approaches have their own set of advantages and a careful calibration of those is necessary for optimum outcome.