MERN full-stack development is one of the most popular options for building web apps. This post discusses some of the reasons why MERN stack development is ideal for web apps. MERN stands for MEAN (MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node), REACT (Redux), and Node.js.
As developers of all skill levels continue to build innovative websites and applications, they’re increasingly looking for the best tools to use to do so. This rise in popularity of MERN full-stack development comes due in part to its ability to run on any central platform, including mobile devices and servers, making it a little more desirable than other options like ASP or PHP.
MERN stacks are also becoming popular in the enterprise sector because of their ability to make the development process less expensive and more fulfilling. If your organization wants to build a web app on top of some MERN stack, this post is for you.
What is MERN?
MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS (or Angular), and Node.js) is a free and open-source JavaScript software stack for building dynamic websites and web applications.
Because all parts of the MEAN stack assistance programs built-in JavaScript, MEAN apps work in a single language for both server-side and client-side execution environments.
Though often compared directly to other popular web development stacks such as the LAMP stack, the components of the MEAN stack are higher-level including a web application presentation layer and not including an operating system layer.
The acronym MEAN was coined by Valeri Karpov. He introduced the term in a 2013 blog post and the logo concept, initially created by Austin Anderson for the original MEAN stack LinkedIn group, is an assembly of the first letter of each component of the MEAN acronym.
How does the MERN stack work?
The MERN architecture allows you to easily construct a 3-tier architecture (frontend, backend, database) entirely using JavaScript and JSON.
React.js Front End
The top tier of the MERN stack is React.js, the declarative JavaScript framework for creating dynamic client-side applications in HTML. React lets you build up complex interfaces through simple Components, connect them to data on your backend server, and render them as HTML.
React’s strong suit is handling stateful, data-driven interfaces with minimal code and minimal pain, and it has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a modern web framework: great support for forms, error handling, events, lists, and more.
Express.js and Node.js Server Tier
The next level down is the Express.js server-side framework, running inside a Node.js server. Express.js bills itself as a “fast, unopinionated, minimalist web framework for Node.js,” and that is indeed exactly what it is. Express.js has powerful models for URL routing (matching an incoming URL with a server function), and handling HTTP requests and responses.
By making XML HTTP Requests (XHRs) or GETs or POSTs from your React.js front-end, you can connect to Express.js functions that power your application. Those functions in turn use MongoDB’s Node.js drivers, either via callbacks for using Promises, to access and update data in your MongoDB database.
MongoDB Database Tier
If your application stores any data (user profiles, content, comments, uploads, events, etc.), then you’re going to want a database that’s just as easy to work with as React, Express, and Node.
That’s where MongoDB comes in: JSON documents created in your React.js front end can be sent to the Express.js server, where they can be processed and (assuming they’re valid) stored directly in MongoDB for later retrieval. Again, if you’re building in the cloud, you’ll want to look at Atlas. If you’re looking to set up your own MERN stack, read on!
MERN stacks are designed for web apps; everything else is just a wrapper.
Suppose you’re developing any web app which requires logic (e.g., an API app). In that case, you might consider using React or Angular instead of PHP or ASP since they’re better suited for that purpose than a traditional server-side development framework would be.
However, because such front-end frameworks are solely built to match the special requirements of designing web apps, you’re probably not looking for them if you’re working on a more user-centric site (e.g., an e-commerce app or an online community).
These MERN stacks are designed to be used on the front end, which is why they can meet the needs of the development environment for building web apps more effectively than traditional server-side solutions as ASP or PHP can.
MERN stacks can be used on servers and in mobile apps.
One of the best parts about MERN stacks is that they used in a range of areas, including web browsers & mobile apps. Server-side frameworks, such as ASP or PHP, primarily built to run on servers exclusively, so if you want to use them to develop a native app, you wouldn’t have access to certain of the MERN stack’s features.
MERN has an active community forum and Q&A section.
One of the biggest misconceptions developers may have regarding MERN is that it’s difficult and tricky to set up and work with. However, MERN has an active community forum on Stack Overflow where users can ask questions, compare project ideas, and discuss the platforms included with the stack.
Another great thing about using MERN is that its popularity makes it easier for developers to find resources related to it. For example, if you search “MERN Stack” on Google, you’ll find several articles related to MERN stacks rather than finding a bunch of outdated information about ASP or PHP.
These MERN stacks are built as front use, which means they do better match the needs of the development environment for generating web apps than typical server-side solutions like ASP or PHP.
Why does Groovy Web Recommend MERN Stack?
Groovy Web is a renowned software development company that excels in developing and providing world-class solutions for developers. MERN Stack development lets you focus on front-end application development and not worry about how to implement backend logic.
The middleware integration with the MongoDB database, Express.js (Node), and Angular (JavaScript) frameworks are effortless and quick to set up.
Groovy Web comes with all the data needed to develop web apps in your favourite language/framework, enabling you to jump right into web app development without building the backend first.
We advise you to start your project with an open mind and eagerness to learn. Currently, there is no doubt that the MERN stack is the fastest way to develop quality web applications.
Pros of using MERN Stack
The following are some of the most significant advantages of using MERN stacks:
1. Easier development with less technical expertise required. If you know the language like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Get start with the mern stack tutorial easy and simple.
2. More productive with less time spent on planning and initial development. MERN provides a solid foundation for your web app development process. This helps to speed up your project
3. Save money with fewer maintenance costs than traditional server-side solutions like ASP or PHP. MERN stack is faster, more versatile, and easier to use, which means you can spend more time on more important things like developing apps
4. Create cross-platform applications that run on the Web, desktop, mobile, or even on some other device (e.g., TV).
Cons of using MERN Stack
The following are some of the most significant disadvantages of using MERN stacks:
1. Easier development with less technical expertise required. If you familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, starts with the MERN stack development easy, simple and quick.
2. More productive with less time spent on planning and initial development. MERN provides a solid foundation for your web app development process. This helps to speed up your project
3. MERN stacks are also very easy to customize according to your specific needs.
4. Save money with fewer maintenance costs than traditional server-side solutions like ASP or PHP. MERN stack is faster, more versatile, and easier to use, which means you can spend more time on more important things like developing apps
5. Create cross-platform applications that run on the Web, desktop, mobile, or even on some other device (e.g., TV).
Conclusion:
Although MERN stacks aren’t as commonly used as PHP or ASP, it’s quickly gaining popularity because of the benefits it offers to users. As you can see, if you’re looking for a stack that provides plenty of power and speed, then you should consider using MERN.
Suppose your organization want’s to use any MERN Stack, then we recommend reading about: How to Create a Web API in Node.js Using Express and Body Parser with MongoDB Integration. While building API web services with Node.js is quite popular now, but there is always room for improvement, which you can learn from this article.
