If you are in web development, you may have heard of the MERN stack. MERN is a popular and modern stack used in various projects and companies to build projects. Modern applications are built using multiple programming languages. Some of the most popular are JavaScript, Java, Python, and many others. The front and back end are written in JavaScript in the MERN stack.
The backend uses Node.js and Express.js, not Java. The MERN stack is a JavaScript stack that facilitates the easier and faster deployment of full-stack web applications. It is a popular and powerful technology stack known for its efficiency and adaptability. The MERN stack enables full-stack developers to use JavaScript to create scalable and reliable applications.
However, full-stack applications are now written in JavaScript using a comprehensive set of cloud-native technologies that handle all application aspects from databases to user experience. Learn more about the MERN stack, its full form, its benefits, its differences, the four components of the MERN stack, and examples of the MERN stack.
Before discussing the MERN stack, let’s quickly understand a technology stack. A technology stack is a set of technologies you select and use to build a web, mobile, or similar application.
The MERN stack's full form represents a set of technologies used in web development.
M- MongoDB
E- Express.js
R - React
N- Node.js
A MERN stack is a set of open-source technologies for building web applications. MERN is a JavaScript-based technology stack commonly used in full-stack development. Express and Node make up the middle tier. Express.js is a server-side web framework, and Node.js is a famous JavaScript server platform.
There is no shortage of databases or frameworks in the industry; there is a reason why the MERN stack is highly preferred worldwide. The MERN stack uses the React library.
The React library is preferable because it permits developers to be creative with their programs and create something unique without necessarily following a predefined framework. The MERN stack is an important addition to the full-stack web development community for the following reasons.
1. Open Source Tech
All the programs in the MERN stack are open-source technologies. It is good for developers to use open-source technologies during the development stage.
Whether it is MongoDB or React, the programmers are supported by large communities. One of the best benefits of strong community backing is the ease of looking for solutions to an existing problem.
2. It saves time and money
It helps developers save time while developing a web application. If they use the MERN stack and are knowledgeable about all the features of the programs, all programs are based on JavaScript; it is helpful to create a web application without switching languages or creating different code for the front and back ends.
The MERN stack would save money as they would need to hire developers familiar with JavaScript. Since all programs use JavaScript, the necessary expertise must be in the MERN stack's related programs.
The MERN stack is a collection of JavaScript-based technologies for developing web applications. Let’s examine some of the stack's significant components in detail.
M—Mongodb: Mongodb is a Nosql database that stores data in a flexible, JSON-like format, making it easy to handle diverse data structures.
E—Express.js: Express.js is a minimal and flexible Node.js web application framework offering various routing, middleware, and HTTP utilities features. Developers widely use this framework to develop server-side applications and APIs.
R—React: React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces, particularly for web applications. It is known for its component-based architecture and virtual DOM for efficient rendering.
N—Node.js: Node.js is a runtime environment that can run JavaScript code. It permits server-side scripting and uses JavaScript for backend development.
There are many benefits related to the MERN stack. Below are some of the most essential benefits to help you understand. So let’s check the benefits of creating web applications utilizing the MERN stack.
The MERN architecture permits you to easily construct a three-tier architecture: back-end, front-end, and database using JavaScript and JSON. The MERN stack uses MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js.
1. React.js (Front end): The topmost tier of the MERN stack is React.js. React.js is a declarative JavaScript framework for creating dynamic client-side applications in HTML. React allows you to build complex interfaces through simple components, connect them to data on your back-end server, and render them as HTML.
It has all the features you would expect from a modern framework, including excellent form support, error handling, events, lists, and more.
2. Express.js and Node.js (server-side): The next level down is Express.js server-side framework, running inside a Node.js server.
Express.js has strong model for URLs and handling HTTP requests and responses. By making XMLHTTP requests, GETs, or POSTs from your React.js front end, you can connect to Express.js functions that power your application. Those functions then turn to MongoDB Node.js drivers.
3. MongoDB (Database): The final tier of the MERN stack is the database layer that stores your web application data with MongoDB.
MongoDB is a NoSQL document database used to store application data. It provides a flexible and scalable way to store and retrieve data. JSON documents created in your React.js front end can be sent to the Express.js server, where they are processed and stored directly in MongoDB for later retrieval.
To become the best MERN stack developer, you’ll need a strong foundation in JavaScript and some relevant knowledge of technologies. Here are the main technologies that are required to become MERN stack developers.
MEAN and MERN stacks are specific technologies for developing JavaScript-based apps with excellent scalability and performance.
Like any tech stack, the MERN stack allows you to build whatever you want. However, it works best in situations with dynamic web interfaces, cloud nativeness, and high JSON content. Let's examine a few use cases of the MERN stack.
E-commerce Platforms: The MERN offers a powerful and scalable solution for building robust e-commerce platforms. MERN stack e-commerce development is particularly perfect for handling traffic volumes, dynamic features, and simplifying data management as your business grows.
Social Media Applications: The MERN stack's real-time data handling capabilities make it perfect for creating social media applications that require instant updates and seamless user interactions.
Content Management Systems: With its flexible and scalable architecture, the MERN stack can be used to develop robust content management systems that cater to different business needs.
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The MERN stack has various benefits, such as full-stack JavaScript, high performance, cost-effectiveness, reusable components, scalability, flexibility, and a strong community.
The MERN stack has mainly four components, like MongoDB, Express.js, React and Node.js.
MERN is a good option for developers who want flexibility and faster performance when building interactive web apps.
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment used to build server-side applications. It’s an open-source, cross-platform technology that permits developers to execute JavaScript code outside of the web browser.
NPM means Node Package Manager, which manages packages for Node.js, a JavaScript runtime environment.
React is a JavaScript library primarily used to build user interfaces for web applications. It permits developers to create interactive and dynamic UIs.
