Web stack is a cluster of software or technologies that are used to develop a web application by software development company in Dubai. The current popular open source web stack are LAMP and MEAN stack. When it comes to the question of which to choose as always, the answer is: it depends.

Both stacks have advantages and disadvantages. Declaring a blanket statement that one is better than the other would be over simplifying software development by companies offering open source development services.

What is LAMP?

LAMP is the acronym of the technologies Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP designed by companies offering LAMP development services. This is stack represents the basis of the web. The LAMP stack can be changed to replace MySQL with MongoDB and PHP with Python. LAMP means the low-level configuration for web applications.

There are also some derivatives of this stack:

• LAMP (with Perl or Python instead of PHP)
• LAMP (with MongoDB instead of MySQL)
• WAMP (Windows as OS)
• MAMP (Mac OS X as OS)
• XAMPP (Any OS + Perl or PHP + FTP Server)
• LAPP (PostgreSQL as database)

LAMP Stack Pros

LAMP is the most popular in web development. It is used by a number of application management services companies and therefore supported and nurtured very well. With the availability of many modules, libraries and add-ons there is plenty of room for adaptation.

Because LAMP is based on Linux there is a huge and vibrant open source community for support. MySQL is also a very dependable and scalable solution. PHP has evolved into its seventh version and can also support a mature and big community.  It is also very fast and merges well with the rest of the stack. LAMP works best if there are a lot of server-side tasks. You can oversee the server-side and decide which software to install and which version so there is no need to be dependent on the client browser.

LAMP Stack Disadvantages

Because it is simple, a lot of developers are churning out garbage apps using LAMP. PHP is easy to learn but difficult to master. This also stands true for security in these PHP apps. Some argue that PHP is a scripting language and not a real programming language because it is not strongly typed or pre-compiled.

As for MySQL, none of its databases like MongoDB is popular among enterprises due to their scalability. Moreover, pure JavaScript stacks like MEAN gain more traction every year and new developers need not be interested in learning skills required by LAMP.

MEAN

MEAN is relatively newer than LAMP. One of the significant difference between the two is that MEAN is not dependent on a specific operating system- Node.js  takes care of server-side execution. The MEAN Stack is usually suggested to JavaScript enthusiasts- as it used JavaScript at all levels. This also makes it the preferred option for novices. 

Compared to MySQL’s relational database system MongoDB is a popular and flexible document-based, NoSQL database system. Besides, Angular helps to build progressive and modern web apps.

Its constituents are:

• MongoDB (Constant data flow)
• Express.js (server-side application framework)
• Angular (client-side application framework)
• Node.js (server-side environment)

The following are MEAN stack’s derivatives:

• MERN (React instead of Angular)
• MEEN (Ember.js instead of Angular)

MEANS Stack Pros

JavaScript as the primary programming language brings in huge advantages. Everything can be arranged quickly and done in JavaScript, and hence easier to find resources because LAMP developers are proficient in JavaScript. MongoDB is well in demand for its easy schemaless data persistence and is speedier than MySQL if there are a lot of read requests. Moreover, Angular is maintained by Google which is a huge advantage. It is presented with new releases and functions on a constant basis. Another huge advantage is the potential to easily develop mobile or desktop apps, for example with Ionic. The code as well as components can be easily be reused or added.              

MEAN Stack Cons

MEAN is currently creating a lot of hype and developers are churning out newer apps in JavaScript just because it is the trend. The problem arises while maintaining the app. Since many technologies disappear after a few years, sustainability becomes a problem.