Developing a high performance web application is not an easy task, you need the latest technologies and experienced developers to succeed. The MEAN stack is one of the most popular tech stacks for modern web app development.
Hiring experienced MEAN stack developers who can develop a robust, scalable and feature rich web app can be a real game changer. But where do you go to find the right talent for your project? In this guide, you will be exploring all about how to hire MEAN stack developers for your web app development project.
What is MEAN Stack? An Overview
First of all, before understanding how to hire dedicated MEAN stack developers, you need to know about MEAN stack. MEAN is an acronym for four key technologies that work together to create full-stack web applications:
- MongoDB: A flexible, scalable NoSQL database that stores data in JSON like format. Developers can store unstructured data and manage lots of information seamlessly with MongoDB.
- Express.js: A web application framework for Node.js that makes it easier to build server side applications and APIs. Express is intended to take away all the hassle of HTTP or routing.
- Angular: A powerful Google front-end framework which will help you to build dynamic and single page applications. Angular is well known for its easy execution, two way data binding, and strong ecosystem.
- Node.js: Node.js is a JavaScript runtime on top of Chrome’s V8 engine that allows developers to write client side as well as server side code in JavaScript. It brings the development process under one roof, making it more efficient and consistent.
Combined, these technologies provide a very efficient and scalable base for web application development, enabling developers to create complex, real-time applications.
Benefits of Hiring MEAN Stack Developers
No matter the web application being developed, choosing the right developers to do the job is essential. Here are some key benefits of choosing to hire dedicated MEAN developers for your project:
- Full-Stack JavaScript Development
The MEAN stack developers provide full-stack development with the JavaScript programming language. This means that a developer uses JavaScript for writing both the client-side and server-side of your application.
While it can help simplify the development process, it also improves team collaboration, and reduces developer context switching. Since developers are working on a single language, there are not many compatibility problems, and development is much easier and effective, meaning a better and faster project cycle.
- Cost-Effective
The primary reason many businesses hire MEAN developers is due to the lower cost of the service. MEAN stack uses the same language for client side as well as server side development, so companies do not need to hire different technology teams.
It reduces the total cost of staffing and removes the burden of maintaining multiple developers. Further, as MongoDB, Node.js and Angular are open-source technologies, license and software expenses are cut off.
- Scalability
The web applications developed by MEAN Stack developers are highly scalable. MongoDB is a popular NoSQL database that is able to handle large and unstructured data.
At the same time, Node.js provides the capability of quick data processing and has a high throughput for handling concurrent requests. MEAN stack provides good flexibility for a business to expand its scope without many issues.
- Real-Time Data Processing
One major advantage of using Node.js is that it can support real-time data processing and this is a big plus for chat applications, collaboration platforms and real time notifications. Using Node’s I/O operations, MEAN stack developers have an opportunity to develop applications that are more efficient and faster.
Applications that require updates more frequently take great advantage of real time capabilities, thus resulting in a smooth user experience.
- Active Community and Ecosystem
MEAN stack is supported by great, thriving communities. Angular, Express.js and Node.js all are frameworks that have continuous assurance, optimization and support. This large ecosystem implies that MEAN stack developers can take advantage of the plugins, tools, and libraries that the community offers to your project.
Also, community support fixes issues faster, which will save you time and improve the quality of your web application.
Key Skills to Look for in a MEAN Stack Developer
If you’re looking to hire remote MEAN stack developers, it is required to make sure they are familiar enough with the core of the technologies that go into it. Here are the key skills to look for:
1. Proficiency in MongoDB
MEAN stack developers must have comprehensive knowledge of MongoDB. MongoDB is a NoSQL database, so developers should know how to design flexible and scalable data models.
They must know the approaches used in the indexing, aggregation and in the optimization of queries. Expertise in MongoDB guarantees your application responds well to big data, enhancing the speed and efficiency.
2. Expertise in JavaScript
For a MEAN stack developer, JavaScript is undoubtedly a must-master language. As it is the MEAN stack core language, it is important for both client side and server side development.
A developer must possess a good knowledge of modern JavaScript features like (ES6/ES7) syntax, promises, async, await etc. When you hire MEAN stack developer, you can have a guarantee that they use the latest standard of coding in your project.
3. Hands-On Experience with Express.js
The back end framework used in the MEAN stack is Express.js. A developer should be able to create RESTful APIs, handle HTTP requests and routing. Understanding the use of middleware, error handling, and integration of the third-party library to Express.js is very important.
This way, you guarantee that your app’s server side logic is functional working and performance optimized.
4. Front-End Development with Angular
In the MEAN stack, Angular is very important for creating dynamic and responsive web applications. Angular developers should be proficient with Angular’s component based architecture, two way data binding as well as routing features.
Additionally, they must know Angular CLI, know observables and state management tools such as NgRx. Creating rich, interactive user interfaces is possible through this.
5. Node.js Knowledge
The MEAN stack’s back-end environment is Node.js. As such, developers need solid experience with asynchronous programming as well as the event driven architecture. They need to be familiar with managing server side processes as well as I/O operations.
Developers also need to know how to build APIs, work with middleware, and easily integrate Node.js into MongoDB and Express.js.
6. Version Control and Collaboration Tools
MEAN stack developers need to be proficient in Git. They should feel comfortable using version control systems such as GitHub or GitLab to manage code changes and work with teams.
When you hire dedicated MEAN stack developer, look for someone who not only knows how to use Git, but also uses it effectively for efficient collaboration and version management.
7. Testing and Debugging Skills
To guarantee the reliability of any web application, testing is vital. A MEAN stack developer should know about testing frameworks like Mocha, Jasmine, etc. They should be able to write unit tests for back-end API integration and front-end modules.
Problem solving skills are also very important to enable one to find bugs easily during the development process.
Steps to Hire Dedicated MEAN Stack Developers
Choosing professional dedicated MEAN stack developers for your web app project is important. Follow these steps to ensure you find the right fit for your project:
Step 1: Define Your Project Requirements
Before looking for dedicated MEAN stack developers, it’s good to know what your project’s scope and goals are. Determine the key features, functionality and technology requirements.
Set up a budget and a timeline, so that potential hires will have an idea of what they’ll be working with. The more clear your requirements are, the more likely it is that you will find developers that fit your needs.
Step 2: Create a Job Description
Create a detailed job description of what you need your ideal developer to bring to the table with their technical skills, qualifications and experience.
If you want to hire dedicated web development team, be sure to mention that you need someone who is proficient in all four technologies (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, and Node.js). Clarify on what to expect, where to work and how (remote or on-site).
Step 3: Look for Candidates
There are various avenues for you to search for candidates on, including job boards, freelance platforms or development agencies. LinkedIn, Upwork, and Fiverr are a few of the most outstanding platforms that can provide MEAN stack web developers.
Another option is to hire remote developers and tap into a global talent pool for more flexibility.
Step 4: Screen and Interview Candidates
Once you have a list of candidates, start screening them. Have a look at their resume, portfolio, past work and all the things to see how much they know. See how they tackle problems, communicate and collaborate in a team.
Step 5: Check References and Portfolio
Check the candidate’s references and the past portfolio of work, to verify his expertise. This shows what quality of work they produce and how well they handled a previous project. Moreover, you can get in touch with the developer’s former clients to enquire about how they found them in terms of work ethic, reliability and technical expertise.
Step 6: Start with a Trial Period
If you’re still unsure about a particular candidate, try hiring them on probation. This gives you an opportunity to see how they perform specific activities. The trial period is beneficial because it allows you to test how well they mesh with your team, the degree to which they comprehend the project and the quality of their work. If satisfied, then there can be a long-term commitment.
Various Hiring Models
When looking to hire MEAN stack developers, there are different hiring models available:
1. Full-Time Employees
Hiring full time employees means you’re adding developers to your internal team. This is a great model for long term projects with ongoing collaboration and close ties with company culture.
If your project demands prolonged collaboration with your company’s culture and continuous close integration, this model will be ideal. With higher costs and longer commitment, full time employees bring stability, greater control over the project, and direct communication.
2. Freelancers
For short term or one time projects, freelance MEAN stack developers are flexible enough. Mostly, they are deployed on a contract basis, so businesses can hire expertise without committing for the long term.
When you need specific tasks or urgent projects done, freelancers are perfect, but they aren’t meant for continuous work. If you need ongoing support, it’s better to hire dedicated developers who can focus exclusively on your needs.
3. Remote Developers
Remote MEAN stack developers work outside of your geographic location and are generally more flexible. This model allows a business to hire developers with specific skills and expertise irrespective of their location.
Remote developers usually have lower overhead costs, and as a project progresses, it’s easy to scale up your team, accommodating the needs of a growing project.
4. Dedicated Development Team
A large scale project might require you to hire dedicated development team. It means you need to hire a team of developers, designers, and project managers whose entire focus is on your project.
This team is an extension of your in-house team and offers flexibility as well as scalability. You can rely on their expertise and experience while having the project under your management control.
Cost to Hire MEAN Stack Developers
The cost to hire MEAN stack developers depends on many things like a developer’s experience level, location, project’s complexity, etc. Developers located in North America tend to charge higher rates, while developers from Eastern Europe, South Asia, etc will be more appealing from the standpoint of pricing.
- Freelancers: Charge on an hourly basis, usually $25 to $150 per hour depending on experience and location.
- Dedicated Developers: Based on the developer’s skill set and how they’re hired, it can cost from $2,000 to $10,000 a month.
- Agencies: Full service agencies may be more costly, but they have a complete development team. A typical project will cost anywhere from $50,000 – $200,000 depending on scope and duration.
How DPH Can Help You
When you want to hire dedicated MEAN stack developers for your web app project, DeveloperPerHour is your go to solution. DPH brings a pool of talented and experienced professionals to assure that you have the right developers for your project needs.
Our developers are skilled in all four MEAN stack technologies. We deliver complete, high performance web apps with MongoDB, Express.js, Angular and Node.js.
DeveloperPerHour hires only qualified developers because of its stringent screening processes. Whether you are looking forward to MEAN stack developers for hire, freelancers or remote MEAN stack developers, DPH provides flexible hiring models to suit your budget.
The developers at the company are acquainted with agile processes and DevOps, hence effective workflow and proper implementation are achieved. When you partner with DPH, you get a team that collaborates with you to make your vision a reality.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right MEAN stack developers can be a make or break for your web app project. Once you understand the know-how about the technologies involved and the skills required, you can find the best developers for your needs.
Through a partnership with a trusted provider such as DPH, you can craft applications that are scalable and high performance to fit your business needs. Don’t take shortcuts on experience; employ seasoned developers to build for the long term.
