{"id":27170,"date":"2016-07-25T23:01:42","date_gmt":"2016-07-25T15:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/?p=27170"},"modified":"2019-08-26T22:54:35","modified_gmt":"2019-08-26T14:54:35","slug":"mean-vs-lamp-stacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hongkiat.com\/blog\/mean-vs-lamp-stacks\/","title":{"rendered":"MEAN vs. LAMP Stack: Pros and Cons"},"content":{"rendered":"

Web stacks<\/strong> have evolved over decades with advancements in technology and backend languages. Two of the most popular web stacks currently are LAMP<\/a> and MEAN<\/a>. They rely on two different technologies for backend languages, databases, and server environments. The \"stack\" term refers to technologies that stack on top of each other in order to create a web server environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In this article, I\u2019d like to clarify these two web stacks by looking at their technology choices, both pros and cons. Where does each stack excel? And what types of projects would benefit the most from either option? If you\u2019re new to web technologies or just want to learn about these two stacks, then this guide has everything you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\tRead Also:<\/strong>\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t\tGetting Started with Full-Stack Web Development<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Traditional LAMP Development<\/h2>\n

Most developers should know about the traditional LAMP stack because it\u2019s been around since the early web. LAMP<\/strong> stands for Linux, Apache, MySQL<\/strong> and PHP<\/strong>. Each of these are individual software packs that are combined to form a versatile server solution.<\/p>\n

The biggest reason to stick with LAMP is security and widespread support<\/strong>. It has been around for decades, and it\u2019s a proven method of hosting websites.<\/p>\n

All the backend tech like PHP and MySQL are well known, and supported by every major hosting provider<\/strong>. If you work on a LAMP stack you can basically host anywhere. Additionally, you get access to the most popular CMS engines<\/strong>. WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla all run on PHP\/MySQL.<\/p>\n

\"Lamp<\/figure>\n

There are customizable options<\/strong> within the LAMP architecture such as LEMP<\/a> replacing Apache with nginx<\/a>. You could also run a variant on a Windows server as a WAMP<\/a> stack.<\/p>\n

However all the core software \u2013 including Apache, MySQL, and PHP \u2013 were open-sourced<\/strong>, and made primarily for Linux. This is why Linux makes the most sense for a server environment, and that\u2019s why LAMP has stood the test of time for modern web development.<\/p>\n

Most developers go this route because it\u2019s the simplest way of getting a website online<\/strong>. You\u2019ll find lots of support on forums that cover everything you need to configure and troubleshoot a LAMP environment. For instance, you can check out this ServerFault question<\/a> for more info.<\/p>\n

JavaScript Backend with MEAN<\/h2>\n

Node.js<\/a> is the newest technology for developers determined to run scalable applications built with JavaScript. Node powers the MEAN stack<\/a><\/strong>, and offers a primary advantage: everything runs on a single language<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

MEAN<\/strong> stands for MongoDB<\/a>, Express.js<\/a>, Angular<\/a><\/strong>, and of course Node.js<\/strong>. This acronym places no requirement for a server operating system or server software. A MEAN stack can run on any OS<\/strong>, and Node even comes with its own server<\/a> to handle JS on the backend.<\/p>\n

\"Mean.io\"<\/a><\/figure>\n

You\u2019ll find lots of documentation and support on the MeanJS website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Although this stack has gained lots of attention, it still has nowhere near the amount of stable support as a traditional LAMP stack.<\/p>\n

So why would anyone go with MEAN? Because it\u2019s ultimately faster<\/strong> and easier to scale<\/strong>. MongoDB<\/a> is a NoSQL database<\/strong> which optimizes queries. The use of fullstack JavaScript also improves development because one language applies for all frontend and backend work.<\/p>\n

Plus many other JS frameworks are hitting the market as stable solutions. For example, MEAN can be switched over to a MEEN stack<\/strong> replacing Angular with Ember<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Ember.js\"<\/a><\/figure>\n

Programmers will love the MEAN stack because it separates code for maintainability and growth<\/strong>. This makes it easier to organize your JavaScript web apps so they run in a natural environment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a lot to learn on this subject, and that\u2019s probably the biggest barrier to entry for new developers. Learning all the technologies required to manage a MEAN app can take months. But if you love Node, and want to run everything on JavaScript this is well worth the effort.<\/p>\n

Here are some beginners\u2019 tutorials to get you started.<\/p>\n