Introduction
MERN stack is a collection of technologies that enables faster application development. It is used by developers worldwide. The main purpose of using MERN stack is to develop apps using JavaScript only. This is because the four technologies that make up the technology stack are all JS-based. Thus, if one knows JavaScript (and JSON), the backend, frontend, and database can be operated easily.
MERN Stack is a compilation of four different technologies that work together to develop dynamic web apps and websites.
It is a contraction for four different technologies as mentioned below:
M – MongoDB
E – ExpressJS
R – ReactJS
N – NodeJS
MERN Stack Components
There are four components of the MERN stack. Let’s discuss each of them one by one.
•The first component is MongoDB, which is a NoSQL database management system.
•The second MERN stack component is ExpressJS. It is a backend web application framework for NodeJS.
•The third component is ReactJS, a JavaScript library for developing UIs based on UI components.
•The final component of the MERN stack is NodeJS. It is a JS runtime environment, i.e., it enables running JavaScript code outside the browser.
•MongoDB
MongoDB is a NoSQL DBMS where data is stored in the form of documents having key-value pairs similar to JSON objects. MongoDB enables users to create databases, schemas, and tables. It offers the Mongo shell that provides a JS interface for deleting, querying, and updating the records.
•ExpressJS
ExpressJS is a NodeJS framework that simplifies writing the backend code. It saves you from creating multiple Node modules. For keeping the code precise, ExpressJS offers a range of middleware
•ReactJS
ReactJS is a JS library that allows the development of user interfaces for mobile apps and SPAs. It allows you to code JavaScript and develop UI components. The JS library uses virtual DOM for doing everything.
•NodeJS
NodeJS is an open-source JavaScript runtime environment that allows users to run code on the server. It comes with the node package manager or npm, enabling users to select from a wide selection of node modules or packages. Being developed on the Chrome JavaScript Engine enables Node to execute code faster.
How Does MERN Stack Works ?
You need to have a basic understanding of all the four technologies that make up the MERN stack. You should also have npm (Node Package Manager) installed. Further, in this blog post, we’ll set up everything from scratch, however, to give you a better idea of how the pieces fit together. Let’s get started!
Getting Started
•Create a directory on your computer called mern-starter (or whatever you like).
•cd into that directory.
•Create a backend and a frontend repo on github or using the command line.
•Clone both repos into the mern-stack directory.
•cd into the backend repo and run npm init -y.
•Next, run touch index.js README . md .eslintrc.json .eslintignore .gitignore .env.
•Then, run npm i -S express http-errors mongoose superagent body-parser cors dotenv.
•Finally, run npm i -D jest eslint.
•With that, we’ve got our basic caffolding setup for the backend. Go ahead and configure your .eslintrc.json, .eslintignore, .gitignore and .env.
IMPORTANCE AND FUTURE SCOPE OF MERN STACK
Working in the MERN stack delivers powerful results simply and efficiently. Knowing your way around the stack is an important skill set since building and deploying solid MERN apps is likely to gain importance in the future.
These days, MERN Stack is used extensively since everything is done in JavaScript. As you know, JavaScript is everywhere. It is used both on the front-end and back-end side. Because of this, there’s no need for context switching.
Tech stack that utilize multiple coding languages, force developers to figure out how to mix them together. Since MRN is JavaScript-based, developers only need to master a single coding language, which makes things a million times easier.
MERN Stack: Why should you use it
1. Open source technology
Most startups are more drifted towards the MERN stack as it’s an open-source code that can be leveraged to build robust web applications. It’s been used by most tech giants as its all components are open source.For instance, angular JS is an open-source framework. It was created to acknowledge some of the loopholes of the previous versions of JavaScript and HTML. In addition, the changes in angular js led to the enhanced coding efficiency and also consists of tools in abundance to help build apps at a faster rate.
2. Free templates
Customizing a theme is quite time-consuming as it will consume the almost double time of downloading. However, you can find tons of free templates that end up saving a lot of time.Also, if you bump into a problem, you can get assistance from experts. In fact, you can ask questions and get feedback on your code. There will always be experts by your side.
3. Builds at a faster rate
MERN stack is an open-source technology enabling the developers to use it without any restrictions and don’t have to start from scratch. For instance, if you’re looking forward to building a blogging platform, there will be a higher chance that someone might have already created an in-demand framework similar to WordPress.You just have to comply with the set-up instructions and then can customize according to the requirements. This kind of plug-and-play approach gives you leverage over big corporations as the larger they are the higher chances to strike with ture and tired solutions.
4. Easy to use
The MERN stack is quite easy to learn and deploy making it highly popular and the perfect choice for beginners who are new to the field of web development.Often, when the tools are in abundance, it can get a tad difficult to learn and understand each part of development. You will have to dig and dive deeper into the tools to use them effectively. However, this technology is quite easier to use making it far easier to implement.In addition, if you’re new to web development, it’s highly recommended to kickstart with a MERN stack application as it will be easy to learn and access.
5. Full-stack development
MERN stack works best in both front-end and back-end development as it’s full-stack development. It’s based on software engineering principles and UI design.In fact, the foremost reason behind its high demand and popularity is that it saves money as you don’t have to hire separate frontend and backend developers for web development.
6. Community Support
MERN stack is backed by a strong community. All your queries can easily get addressed. It minimizes the development time enabling you to release products at a faster rate with less money.
Furthermore, the insane popularity of NodeJS along with JavaScript makes the MERN stack highly in-demand technology.
Conclusion
MERN has some powerful tools such as ReactJS, NodeJS, MongoDB, and Express making it the best combination to use in web development.In addition, modularity is its most preferable and notable feature by utilizing each component to build something effective that is greater than its parts. Also, modularity enables you to create custom solutions based on your requirements making it a highly adaptable feature.