LAMP Stack vs MEAN Stack: The Difference Explained

When choosing a technology stack for your new web app, you will likely be faced with two options: MEAN vs LAMP. Both have pros and cons, so how do you know which one is right for you? Which is the best software development kit (SDK) for your app? This article compares MEAN vs LAMP and explains why one might be more suitable than the other for your own project. We’ll also explore some of the key differences between these two code frameworks and help you decide which one is best suited for your next project. How fast can you get up and running with each? What are the pros and cons of using each stack? Keep reading to find out…

What is MEAN Stack?

The MEAN stack is a full-stack JavaScript code framework that lets you work with all application stack layers (e.g., back-end, front-end, database) using JavaScript. This means you can use a single programming language to build the full application, from the front-end UI to the server-side logic and database. The MEAN stack often uses MongoDB for the database, Express.js as the server-side web application framework, Angular.js or React.js for the front-end, and Node.js as the “glue” lets you call other parts of the application from JavaScript. The “MEAN” acronym means that the entire stack is written in JavaScript.

What is LAMP Stack?

The LAMP stack is also a full-stack code framework that lets you build the entire application using a single programming language. However, in this case, the “LAMP” acronym refers to the fact that the stack uses open-source software that is primarily written in the programming languages of PHP, Apache, MySQL and/or Postgres. LAMP is, therefore, a more traditional stack that uses already available open-source software.

LAMP Stack vs. Mean Stack: Which is the Best Software Development Kit?

Both MEAN and LAMP stacks are excellent options for building your new app. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, but there is no clear winner here. Instead, the best solution is to pick the one that is best suited to your project. It is important to match your project requirements and team members’ skills with the strengths of each stack. A clear understanding of the key differences between MEAN and LAMP will help you decide which code framework is best for your project. For example, if your team members are more familiar with PHP, then the LAMP stack would make more sense. Or, if you are building an app that requires high scalability, then MEAN might be a better option.

Advantages of MEAN Stack

● Scalability - As the MEAN stack is primarily written in JavaScript, it is naturally very scalable. This is particularly important if your app needs to support high volumes of users or high volumes of data.
● Ease of Use - The MEAN stack is a “full-stack” JavaScript framework, which means you can code both the front-end and back-end of your app using just one programming language. This makes it particularly easy to learn and use and would be a great choice for a beginner.
● Flexibility - JavaScript is a very flexible programming language. This means you can use the same application code on the back-end and the front-end, which helps keep your code consistent and makes it easier to maintain. 
● Open-Source Software - JavaScript is an open-source programming language, meaning the code is freely available to anyone. This is particularly useful for businesses on a budget, as there are many free options for hosting, server configurations, and tools that are available.
● Widely Used - JavaScript is one of the most popular programming languages and is widely used for web development. This means there are many available resources, tutorials, and community members who can help you if you get stuck.
● Easy to Integrate with Other Technologies - JavaScript has a “glue-like” quality that lets you easily integrate it with other technologies. This means it is very easy to mix it with other code frameworks like SQL, NoSQL, etc., making it a great choice if you need to integrate with other technologies.

Pros of Using LAMP stack

● Widely Available - The LAMP stack is a very traditional stack that uses already available open-source software. This makes it easy to find a hosting provider and get your app up and running. 
● Familiarity - The LAMP stack would make more sense if your team members are more familiar with PHP. Working with a technology you know well will always be easier than learning something new, and PHP is one of the most commonly used programming languages. 
● Ease of Use - PHP is an easy programming language to pick up, particularly for web development, thanks to its wide range of frameworks. This means that the LAMP stack is easy to start and would be a great choice for a beginner.

Cons of using MEAN stack

● Scalability - JavaScript is a single-threaded language, so it does not handle concurrency (multiple processes running simultaneously) very well. This can be an issue if you need your application to run many processes in the background, such as connecting to several different APIs or tasks that run simultaneously. LAMP is written in PHP, which has the “AMP” acronym standing for Apache, MySQL, and Postgres. These three separate open-source technologies have been combined to create one powerful stack. You could argue that the LAMP stack is stronger than the MEAN stack, particularly if you need your app to be highly scalable.

Cons of using LAMP stack

● Stiff Competition - The LAMP stack is a very traditional stack that uses open-source software. This means that there is stiff competition for places on server configurations, hosting providers, and tools. This means you can expect a lot of competition when finding the right platform for your app, as many other developers and businesses are looking for the same things.

Summary

Overall, both the MEAN and LAMP stacks are excellent options for building your next web app. Each has strengths and weaknesses, and there is no clear winner here. You should, therefore, carefully consider which one is best suited to your project based on your team members’ skills, project requirements, and budget. A clear understanding of the key differences between MEAN and LAMP will help you decide which code framework is best for your project. Now that you’ve read this article, you should understand the key differences between the MEAN and LAMP stacks. Now it’s time to decide which one is best for you. Ready? Get started with one of these code frameworks today, and you’ll have a web app up and running in no time!