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MERN Stack vs LAMP Stack

16
May
2023
Development
LAMP Stack vs MERN Stack

When starting a new project, tech decisions can be complex, and choosing the right full-stack development stack is one of those overwhelming decisions. 

That’s why today we’ll explore two popular tech stacks to build innovative solutions: MERN and LAMP stacks.

Let’s discover how to use the robust features of each of these popular stacks in product development and how each can help companies meet business goals. 

What is MERN Stack?

To sum it up, MERN is the acronym for Mongo, Express, React and Node.js— a stack based on the popular scripting language JavaScript.

Harnessing React for client side User Interface Design, Node and Express for server side and Mongo for database purposes allows the creation of strong digital products. 

MERN Stack Elements

  1. Mongo: MongoDB is a trustworthy, open source and multi-platform NoSQL database that simplifies database interaction, storage and retrieval with a high degree of scalability and availability for Product Development.
  2. Express: The well-liked Node-based server-side JavaScript framework allows teams to build products and APIs with a strong mechanism for breaking up code into modules. 
  3. React: The beloved React is a library for building UIs that allow teams to reuse components in front-end applications for efficient rendering, allowing view alteration in response to data changes to foster more manageable processes.
  4. Node: Node.js is a server-side JS runtime environment for devs and teams to use the same front-end code to build and develop server-side code. 

How Does MERN Stack Work?

The MERN stack uses a three-tier structure to handle front end, back end and database management

While MongoDB handles data storing and management, Node defines the runtime environment, with Express running API building.

Last but not least, React builds intuitive User Interfaces for seamless User Experiences. 

When Use MERN Stack?

MERN is great for developing web applications and other large-scale projects that need real-time updates. 

As it comprises several techs, it allows to bring each’s strengths to the table to develop end-to-end projects that include both server and client side operations.

With a strong web framework, MERN allows the development of from Single-Page Web Apps to dynamic Progressive Web Applications by taking advantage of JavaScript.

What is LAMP Stack?

The LAMP tech stack combines four open-source technologies: Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP.

Yet, it’s worth noting that the P in the tech stack LAMP can also apply to Perl or Python, depending on the project requirements. 

LAMP Stack Elements

  1. Linux: The free, open-source operating system works on personal machines and both servers and embedded systems, offering upgraded security features
  2. Apache: Apache is an open-source web server known for its reliability, safety and efficiency, which helps host and manage websites and web applications.
  3. MySQL: The open-source relational database harnesses SQL (Structured Query Language) principles to handle and store data. 
  4. PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor is a widely used open-source server-side scripting language that builds dynamic web applications. 

How Does LAMP Stack Work?

The LAMP full stack combines different open-source technologies under a Linux-based structure to deliver efficient products. 

While Apache hosts the product’s code, MySQL works as the database layer that stores and retrieves data and allows users to interact with it with SQL queries. 

PHP (or Python) is the backend language used to develop dynamic platforms. 

As a result, the tech stack LAMP has become an excellent option for fast projects.

When Use LAMP Stack?

The LAMP tech stack is especially great for streamlined development since it allows efficient development of small-scale projects like interactive Web Apps

Its high performance and scalability can be key benefits of harnessing LAMP, as well as projects in which you need greater control over user access rights. 

This feature protects sensitive data from unauthorized access while allowing control over user authentication and authorization protocols.

Comparing LAMP Stack vs MERN Stack

It's time to discuss the differences between the MERN and LAMP tech stacks!

To clarify what each can provide, we must consider different elements:

MERN Stack LAMP Stack
React for the Front End Linux and MySQL for the Front End
Higher learning curve and a strong community Its easier-to-learn process makes it a popular choice
Used for quick deployments and rapid development Allows using other frameworks, yet it may require extra security
UI rendering that requires less processing Builds robust real-time applications
Focused on more large-scale apps Used for dynamic web apps

Conclusion

Both the MERN and LAMP tech stacks are powerful technologies for building modern Web Applications.

As each has its strengths, it’s key to assess project requirements to select which one works best.

MERN is ideal if you need a cost-effective solution that prioritizes high scalability and great User Experiences.

In contrast, the tech stack LAMP may work best if your project focuses on speed and reliability.