Introduction

Web development has been evolving continuously with the emergence of new frameworks that offer unique advantages and capabilities. Among the many frameworks that have taken the web development landscape by storm, the MERN stack has become increasingly popular in recent years. MERN is an acronym for four powerful technologies MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js that work together to offer a complete solution for full-stack web development. 

In this article, we will look at why MERN is taking over web development frameworks and why you should consider using it for your next project.

Stacks: MERN vs. MEAN

MERN and MEAN are two popular stacks used for developing full-stack web applications. The primary difference between the two is that MEAN uses Angular for front-end development, whereas MERN employs React. While both stacks have a sizable developer following, MERN has gained popularity in recent years due to React’s flexibility, ease of use, and the vast library of open-source tools and components available in the React ecosystem. 

Moreover, MERN is considered a lighter choice than MEAN since Angular has a steeper learning curve and might be more difficult to work with. Ultimately, the choice between MERN and MEAN stack is determined by the project’s specific requirements and the development team’s preferences.  Additionally, the decision between the MERN and MEAN stacks should also include considering factors such as scalability, performance, and community support.

Stack Battle: MERN vs. MEAN

MySQL vs. MongoDB Databases 

The MEAN stack, in contrast to the MERN stack, uses MySQL as its database instead of MongoDB. MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores information in documents that look like JSON and use flexible schemas. This makes it an attractive choice for programs that require a versatile and extensible database structure. MySQL, on the other hand, is just a regular SQL database, and it’s utilized by a wide variety of web-based programs.

React vs. Angular

The MERN stack employs the front-end framework React, while the MEAN stack favors the framework Angular. Both frameworks enjoy widespread support, although React tends to garner more praise for its versatility and user-friendliness. React’s virtual DOM, which allows for faster component updates and rendering, is another well-known feature.

JavaScript vs. TypeScript as a language

The MEAN stack is built with TypeScript, a superset of JavaScript that includes static typing and other language capabilities. But, standard JavaScript is used in the MERN stack. While TypeScript has several advantages—including increased developer productivity and code quality—it also adds complexity and may need some learning on the part of developers who aren’t already familiar with it.

Node.js as a server

Both the MEAN and MERN stacks rely on Node.js as their server-side platform. The MERN stack may need further server-side configuration and optimization to support server-side rendering, however, because React is used.

Discover Why MERN Stack Is the Next King of Full-Stack Development

Now we’ll take a close look at the MERN stack to understand why it’s become the new king of full-stack development.

• One of the MERN stack’s biggest benefits is that it is entirely written in JavaScript, which makes it straightforward for programmers to design scalable and high-performance applications. This enables collaboration between front-end and back-end developers without requiring them to master different programming languages.
•  The MERN stack is an open-source framework, making it free to use and supported by a sizable developer community. Due to the continual addition of new features and functionalities, the framework is constantly expanding.
•  MERN is excellent for large-scale applications since it is very scalable. The NoSQL database used by the MERN stack, MongoDB, is able to manage massive amounts of data with ease.
•  The MERN stack is easy to use and requires little training, making it appropriate for both inexperienced and seasoned engineers. There are several online tools available to help developers get started with MERN development, and the framework is thoroughly documented.

Components of the Mern Stack and their benefits

MongoDB: The Future Database

• One component of the MERN stack, MongoDB is a document-oriented NoSQL database.
• It is perfect for sophisticated web applications (Source Gartner) since it is scalable, flexible, and easy to use.
• Due to its lack of a predefined data format, MongoDB makes it simple to work with unstructured data.
• Because it works with decentralized data stores, it can scale horizontally as needed.
• With to MongoDB’s adaptability, developers may save data in a format that’s easy to alter as needed.
• Developers have a lot of leeway in how they approach their data because of its robust yet simple query language.
• The ability to replicate and share data is what makes MongoDB so scalable and suitable for use with enterprise-level software.
• If a node fails, your data will still be accessible and consistent because of its built-in safeguards.

Express.js: The Foundation for Web Application Development

• Express is a web application framework for Node.js.
• It is minimalist and provides just enough features to make it powerful without overwhelming developers with unnecessary complexity.
• Express provides support for middleware, routing, and templating.
• It is easy to learn and use, even for beginners.
• Express has a large and active community that contributes to its development.
• It is the foundation of the MERN stack and manages server-side logic, routing, and middleware.
• Express is flexible and easy to modify and expand to meet the unique requirements of the application.
• It comes with a variety of middleware and plugins that make it easy to extend the functionality of the application.

React: The Most Popular Front-End Framework

• React is a front-end JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
• It creates reusable UI components that make it easy to develop complex user interfaces.
• React’s virtual DOM makes it efficient and lightweight.
• It supports component-based development, allowing developers to create reusable UI components.
• This approach makes it easy to maintain and scale applications.
• React is known for its excellent support for mobile applications.
• It provides features that make it easy to build responsive and mobile-friendly web applications.
• React is a JavaScript package used to build user interfaces.
• Its component-based architecture simplifies code management and maintenance by allowing for the separation of UI complexity into independently deployable modules.
• Because to React’s virtual DOM, UI components may be updated without requiring a page refresh.
• Redux, React Router, and Material UI are just a few of the many frameworks and tools available for usage with React. They help with state management, client-side routing, and the development of mobile-friendly user interfaces, respectively.
• The library is always being improved with the help of its dedicated user base who report bugs and suggest new features.
• Due to its efficiency, flexibility, and robust toolset, the MERN stack, of which React is a core component, is a favorite among full-stack developers.

Node.js: The Javascript engine

• Node.js is a free, open-source, platform-agnostic JavaScript runtime that facilitates server-side JavaScript execution.
• Developers can use the same language on the client and the server when employing Node.js as part of the MERN stack.
• Node.js is able to support a large number of concurrent connections because it uses an event-driven, non-blocking I/O paradigm.
• Popular libraries like Express.js and Socket.io are just two examples of the many libraries and tools the thriving Node.js community has developed to extend the capabilities of the MERN stack.
• The npm package manager, which comes standard with Node.js, simplifies the process of installing and managing dependencies for applications written in the MERN stack.
• Because of its connection-handling abilities, a large ecosystem of libraries and tools, and user-friendliness and package management features, Node.js has been instrumental in the MERN stack’s ascension to the top of full-stack development.

Why is the MERN stack so popular?

The MERN stack has been gaining popularity among developers and businesses for a number of reasons. Here are some of the main reasons why the MERN stack is taking over web development

1. Productivity

One of the main benefits of using the MERN stack is that it can significantly boost developer productivity. The MERN stack provides a complete set of tools and technologies that work together seamlessly, allowing developers to build web applications quickly and efficiently. By using a consistent set of tools and technologies, developers can reduce the amount of time they spend configuring and integrating different components of their applications.

2. Flexibility

Another advantage of the MERN stack is its flexibility. Each component of the MERN stack is designed to work independently, which means that developers can use them in combination with other tools and technologies if needed. For example, developers can use React to build a frontend for a web application that uses a different backend technology, or they can use Express to build a backend for a web application that uses a different frontend technology.

3. Scalability

The MERN stack is also known for its scalability. MongoDB, which is used as the database for the MERN stack, is a scalable database that can handle large amounts of data. Node.js, which is used as the server-side technology for the MERN stack, is known for its ability to handle large amounts of traffic and requests. Together, these technologies make it possible to build web applications that can scale to meet the needs of large user bases.

4. Community Support

Another reason why the MERN stack is so popular is the strong community support that it has. There are a large number of developers and businesses that are actively using and contributing to the MERN stack, which means that there are plenty of resources available for learning, troubleshooting, and improving the stack.

5. Cost-effectiveness

Finally, the MERN stack is also known for its cost-effectiveness. By using open-source technologies like MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js, developers can build web applications without having to pay for expensive licenses or subscriptions. This makes the MERN stack an attractive option for businesses that want to build high-quality web applications without breaking the bank.

Why MERN is Taking Over Web Development?

The reason why MERN is taking over web development is that it provides a more efficient workflow for developers. Because all of the tools in the stack are designed to work together seamlessly, developers can build web applications quickly and efficiently. This means that they can spend less time setting up and more time developing features that matter to their end users.

Finally, MERN is a proven technology stack, with many successful web applications built using it. Companies that are using MERN for their web applications include LinkedIn, Uber, and Netflix. MERN is a reputable technology stack that developers can rely on for their web development needs because so many companies have used it successfully. It deals with both frontend and back-end development.

How to learn MERN Stack:

The three ways to learn the MERN stack are through doing your own independent study using free resources, taking paid online classes, and enrolling in a coding school. 

Self-study is the most affordable option, but because it lacks direction and instruction, it is better suited for experts. Paid online courses offer convenience, but they don’t give you in-depth practical advice or prepare you for applications in the real world.

Enrolling in a coding academy like Nerdii solves these problems because it teaches you all the necessary skills and technologies, gets you ready for future work, and helps you prepare for interviews.

Is it enough to have knowledge of only MERN STACK for high-package jobs?

Rahul Akhouri Founder YouDev has given a clear answer for this “But there is nothing as MERN. It mostly is ReactJs and NodeJs. If you know these two, you will get one of the highest salaries.”

Shivam Singh has also added “May or not depends on the companies you approach. Most start-up companies want a fast developer as they want to speed up production, so they usually require a MERN developer, the average pay is around 7–8lacs per annum. But in big companies, you need to have good skills in programming like algorithms, data structures and operating systems and compilers and etc ..”

How MERN stack developers can benefit from Gaper?

Gaper can help MERN Stack developers in a variety of ways. To begin, Gaper is a platform that links engineers with firms looking for remote labor. This site can help MERN Stack developers find remote jobs that will give them experience with a variety of real-world projects and help them build their portfolios.

Gaper has a system for matching developers with businesses based on their skills and knowledge. This can assist MERN Stack developers in finding a job that matches their talents and expertise level.

Furthermore, Gaper connects developers to a network of specialists who can provide advice and support. This community can help MERN Stack developers learn from the experiences of others, work together on projects, and get help with coding problems you can also review here.

If you are a MERN stack developer Gaper is your chance to find remote opportunities, build your portfolio, connect with a professional network, and effectively collaborate with their team.

Conclusion

MERN Stack has quickly established itself as the go-to solution for full-stack web development. It is easy to use, scalable, and flexible, which makes it a great choice for building large web applications. Also, MERN Stack makes the development process easier, so developers can spend more time making features that customers care about. Gaper is a great site for MERN Stack developers who want to improve their skills, get real-world experience, and move up in their careers to check out. Gaper may help developers move up in their careers with its talent-matching algorithm, project management tool, and access to a wide range of projects. Don’t pass up this chance to advance your career as a MERN stack developer with Gaper!

FAQ’s:

Why MERN is Taking Over Web Development?

For developers, it offers a more effective workflow. The stack of tools makes it possible for developers to build web applications quickly and effectively because they are all made to work together seamlessly. As a result, they can devote more time to creating features that will benefit their end users and less time to set everything up.

How to learn MERN Stack?

The three ways to learn the MERN stack are through doing your own independent study using free resources, taking paid online classes, and enrolling in a coding school.