Cracking Basics – An Ultimate Mean Stack Guide for a Developer

MEAN stack has taken the developing world by storm! This inspire us to fall a light on basics of Mean Stack Guide that helps a developer to understand the base of MEAN stack.

A myriad of bespoke features, benefits and an easy installing process is exactly what you need to be the master of MEAN stack development.

So, if you are a novice in this field, then this is the right place for you to start your journey in the sphere of MEAN stack development services.

Without further ado, take a look at what’s in store for you on this blog!
An ultimate MEAN stack Guide to Start with!

What is Mean Stack?

Mean stack refers to web development technology based on a JavaScript framework which includes MongoDB, ExpressJS, AngularJS & NodeJS. Mean is an acronym of these four developing technologies.

MongoDB

It is a cross-platform database which utilizes a model of document-oriented data in MEAN stack development and is one of the multifarious types of databases which arose under NoSQL banner in mid-2000s. In relational databases, instead of applying rows and tables, MongoDB is constructed on the architecture of documents as well as collections.

Several reasons why it is used:

  • Data stored in JSON style
  • High availability and replication
  • Rich queries
  • Index on attributes
  • Fast updates
  • Auto-sharding
  • MongoDB’s professional assistance
mongoDB

People usually hire MEAN stack developers for their exceptional skills in MongoDB.

ExpressJS

This framework is a flexible and minimal Node.js application which offers you resilient features for your web and mobile apps. Express.js, as well as Node.js, renders JavaScript with innovative functionality on the back-end. It allows developers in building software keeping JavaScript on the server side. It is Node.js’ common server framework.

This combination opens up possibilities for JavaScript to construct an entire site. Professional MEAN stack developers can create apps on the server-side with Node.js, and then publish these Node.js applications as websites with ExpressJS.

ExpressJS

AngularJS

Using MEAN stack development services, dynamic web apps can be built using a structural framework called AngularJS. It offers you HTML as the template language and allows you to extend HTML’s syntax for expressing components of your applications succinctly.

This framework’s dependency injection along with data binding, abolishes a large portion of code which you would have required to write otherwise. Moreover, everything takes place within the browser that makes it the ultimate partner with all server technologies.

Angular Js

NodeJS

Node.js refers to the cross-platform, runtime environment which executes along with the server-side JavaScript code. While for scripting on client-side, JavaScript is used; Node.js lets programmers deploy JavaScript for scripting on the server side as well. It results in constructing dynamic web application before a web page is sent to the browser of a user.

Thus, Node.js displays a paradigm “everywhere JavaScript.” It unifies the development of web apps around one programming language instead of using different languages for client as well as server side scripts.

NodeJS

Okay, that’s the overview of unique features each of this technologies have.

But do you know why to use these technologies in a Stack?

To understand it from this MEAN stack Guide, let’s start with its best features…

MEAN stack Best Features

Some specific feature you should be aware of prior to harnessing MEAN stack development for your next project are as follows.

Completely Based on JavaScript

The standard reason for you to prefer MEAN stack over its substitutes is due to its “single language multiple implementation” policy. Since everything is coded in JavaScript; your MEAN stack development process becomes neat.

In respect to this, Node.js makes it possible for JavaScript to be implemented on server-side. Moreover, AngularJS uses JavaScript on front-end developing process, which allows you reusability of code, thereby making your development platform independent.

JSON

MEAN stack development primarily utilizes JSON for interchanging data on all layers. This means you can be independent of using libraries for data conversion during server-client side interactions. Hence, it works for exterior application programming interfaces (API) without much hassle.

Free & Open Source

Each technology which is used by professional MEAN stack developers is always free as well as open source. It allows you several benefits;

The best feature. Isnt’it?

Get your hands on any upgrade or development contributed by its extensive community of programmers.

Dependency Injection

Courtesy to dependency injection, components receive their personalized dependencies instead of inter-component coding requirements.

The process makes these components maintainable, testable and reusable and is a form of an extensive technique of control inversion. This feature is essential due to the following benefits:

  • It allows clients to be flexible which aids a developer to configure them easily.
  • This can be applied to externalizing configuration details of a system which allows a framework to reconfigure without any need for recompilation.
  • The pattern does not induce a behavioral alteration of previous codes and thus can be applied as refactoring to legacy coding.
  • Boiler plate code reduction in ‘application objects’ as ‘provider components’ handle setting up or initializing dependencies.
  • It allows independent or concurrent development.
Dependency Injection

Two Way Data Binding

Data binding in MEAN stack development is the integration between view and model in AngularJS.

When there is a change in data of a model, the view reflects it.

However, when a data in ‘View layer’ transforms, the model gets updated.

This is an automatic process that makes sure Model and View are updates continually.

2-Way Data Binding - AngularJs

Compatible with Cloud & Third Party

React does not work with Document Object Model (DOM) because it is the wholesome logic of JavaScript. AngularJS in MEAN stack would have done better, if not Typescript that requires type definitions for every library. However, libraries based on DOM have alternatives in ReactJS.

If your project needs cloud compatibility within an app, MongoDB is an ideal option.

Having MongoDB cloud offers easy development and maintaining efficacies; thereby wading off the need of MongoDB in your work and allows MEAN stack development to save disk space.

Cloud Compatibility

Supports MVC Pattern

MVC (Model-View-Controller) refers to the architectural pattern which is utilized for building UI (User Interface) where an application is divided into three distinct interconnected parts. This approach allows separating internal information in ways it is accepted and presented to users. MVC pattern decouples such major components which allow parallel MEAN stack development as well as reusing codes efficiently.

Scalability

Angular is easy to scale because of the powerful command line interface in comparison to React.

How to Get Started with MEAN stack?

If you are a novice in the MEAN stack development field, then you should know exactly how to get started. Following a series of pointers below in this MEAN Stack guide, you will accumulate the info about how to install MEAN stack on your computer or laptop.

The first thing to ponder on while opting for MEAN stack development services is LAMP stack; fluency in JavaScript is your only necessity here. One language rules it all when it comes to MEAN stack development.

Installing MongoDB

Below you will get the information of installing MongoDB in detail on your Windows, Linux and Mac OS X platform.

Have a look!

Windows Platform

Before the beginning MEAN stack developing process, installing MongoDB is required. You need to download the correct archive version for your system.

Unpack file from the archive and transfer the downloaded file to C:\mongodb. It creates a default folder for storing its files. On Windows system default space is C:\data\db, hence, to create a new folder you should go to C:\ using command prompt and execute a short line C:\>mkdir data\db

After these you get two options:

Install mongoDB

  • Manual Running:

Run MongoDB binary code by executing a line in command prompt; C:\>mongodb\bin\mongod.exe This will start service of MongoDB on 27017 default port, and if you follow all the specifications correctly, then should see console output.

  • Running as Windows Service:

This happens to be a favourable solution for professional MEAN stack developers as you don’t need to start manually MongoDB service every time you require rebooting your laptop or desktop, rather Windows start is automatically after it finishes rebooting. To execute, make a log file first with the command – C:\>mkdir C:\mongodb\log

Mac OS X and Linux Platform

Same as the Windows version you need to download the version suitable for your computer and then move the file to another location you want before the start of MEAN stack developing process. The location /data/dbis default, on Mac OS X and Linux machines. Create a new folder using a tool through a command line:
S mkdir –p /data/db

However, you need to do it with sudo command due to denied or error in permission. The flag (-p),makes parent folder so in above command line both db and data folders were created.

$ sudo apt-key adv --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 --recv EA312927

Since default storing space is not present in your home folder, you need to be sure about setting right permissions for this directory by executing the command:

$ sudochown –R #USER /data/db.

Installing NodeJS

The three platforms need different installing procedure for MEAN stack development.

See below for details!

Windows and Mac OS X

Installing Node.js is easy for Windows and Mac OS X. All you need for Windows is the .msi file and for Mac OS X .pkg file and simply follow the step by step instructions after running the installer.

NodeJs Install

Linux Platform

When using a Linux system for MEAN stack development services, you need to download .tar.gz file from the official downloads page which is compatible with your desktop. Now extract files from the archive and start installing it using following commands:

$ tar –zxf node-v0.10.32.tar.gz

$ cd node-v0.10.32

$ ./configure && make &&sudo make install

After this, you will have a successful installation of Node.js

Installing ExpressJS

To install ExpressJS all you need to do is execute:
Install Bower and open
$ npm install express

NPM is a package manager of Node.js which is a registry for public packs when opting for MEAN stack development services.

When starting a project, you should create a package.json file using a shortcut

$ npminit

Install expressJS
Here, you will be asked some questions about the application which will create the required file. When installing a new package, you can save it automatically as dependency package.json file using – save flag.

$ npm install express –save

Installing AngularJs

Before using MEAN stack development services, to install all you need is to open a project where you will use AngularJs.

Note: Install as well as configure it after the downloading process is completed.

Install Bower and open the embedded terminal. Type “bower install angular” at command prompt for installing a package in the current project. After following all this procedure mentioned in this Mean stack guide, you are ready to use MEAN stack development services for your application.

Benefits of Using MEAN stack for Application Development

Several benefits of using MEAN stack development for applications due to following reasons:

Benefits of Using MEAN stack for Application Development

Easy Notification Receiving

Using MEAN stack development services allows you to build an app which helps in developing the ideal application for mobile. If people can open a website from their phones, receiving notifications becomes easy for the clients.

Interactive as well as Fun

Building an app, using this framework is an ideal option as it helps in making user experience fun and interactive. Moreover, availability of mobile applications reduces effort which transpires in an exponential demand of professional Mean stack developers.

Apps Work Fast

MEAN stack development allows you to build an app which performs fast. Mobile apps retrieve data swiftly as data is stored locally on phones. Moreover, you can use this framework to get hybrid apps with a native element which allows it to be fluid and fast.

More Traffic through Mobile Application

Google has stated that, people nowadays use phones for surfing the internet than laptops or other devices. So, it is essential for professional Mean stack developers like.

Better Personalization

You can use the framework to get the best personalized app using MEAN stack development services. These features and properties aid in building a reliable cross-platform app with ideal UI when using the React Native framework.

This is the quick summary of benefits in this MEAN stack Guide. But we had already detailed it in our previous blog.

Due to such reasons, people opt to hire MEAN stack developers for an ideal outcome of a project.

Benefits of Using MEAN stack for Web Development

The below points throws light on why using MEAN stack development is the preferable option for you. Read along!

Benefits Of Using MEAN Stack For Web Development

Usability and Speed –

Node.js architecture is non-blocking and makes it ultra-fast while AngularJS offers testability, maintenance and re usability.

Easy to Learn –

MEAN stack developing process is easy and flexible for you to grasp and understand the concept and also implementing it during development.

Usage of Single Language –

JavaScript is the only language one needs to know to when working with MEAN stack.

Open Source Platform –

It is an open source platform which means the stack is often updated.

Isomorphic Coding –

MEAN stack allows transfer in between frameworks. MEAN stack development needs codes written in a specific framework and want to transfer it to another one; then you can do it easily. They function in the same way too. This is the reason you should use MEAN stack development services for your future projects rather than other applications.

Massive Library –

Node.js offers you multiple variant modules of JavaScript from its enormous library. Such modules are the reason which makes it easy for you to build web applications with this framework.

Quality UI –

If you use MEAN stack development then the top-notch user interface is guaranteed because it supports MVC (Model View Controller) architecture.

Flexible Structure –

MongoDB provides professional MEAN stack developers with a flexible document structure JSON for all data representation. This is great if you are working on large projects.

Cloud Compatible –

MongoDB’s primary aim was to easily host web applications onto the cloud. Hence, MEAN stack developing process is an ideal choice for you to construct applications which need functions of cloud within it. It also eases maintaining and testing performance.

Cost Effective –

Using MEAN stack developing process is cost-friendly due to the need of using just one language.

Process of MEAN stack Web Application Development

As a developer, you should follow a few processes to get the ultimate results from MEAN stack development. Before starting a project using MEAN stack development services, you should go through these.

Process Of MEAN Stack Web Application Development

Feasibility

In this step, you need to pinpoint the requirements to complete the project fluidly using MEAN stack development. Once this step is successful, you need to move on to the next step of gathering all the required items.

Required Framework/Software

You like professional MEAN stack developers need to gather the entire four frameworks MongoDB, ExpressJS, NodeJS,andAngularJS. These will help you build the type of web as well as mobile application.

Developing an App

The primary aim you have behind gathering all the required framework is to develop a customized application which is bug-free. Using MEAN stack development makes it easy to complete the work in less time.

Testing and Debugging

Like professional Full stack developers, you need to test the application for errors post completion. MEAN offers various ways for you to test it before final delivery.

Delivery and Maintenance

After testing and making it free of bugs, you can deliver it to the client and also maintain it at regular interval for smooth functioning using MEAN stack development services.

Mean Stack development allows so many options that you will not need anything else to build web or mobile applications.

That’s all for this article…

We are pretty much sure that you had earned something valuable from this ultimate MEAN stack guide. If you did stuck at some point, then you can ask us for help…We are happy to help you.
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    Ronak Patel

    Ronak Patel, the CEO of Aglowid IT Solutions, is a NASSCOM member and a published writer in top tech publications like DZone and Hacker Noon. With a background as a full-stack developer, he brings a wealth of technical expertise. Ronak's marketing acumen complements his technical skills, ensuring the delivery of innovative IT solutions that excel in the market.

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