What is the best MERN stack framework?

MERN is one of the several alterations, or you may say, of the MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node) where AngularJS is simply replaced with React.js. It has one more variation: MEVN (MongoDB, Express, Vue, and Node). To fully leverage the MERN stack’s best framework abilities, it is essential to hire MEAN stack developers.

So What is MERN Stack?

Before getting straight into the definition of MERN stack, let’s try to understand what a technology stack is. 

A technology stack combines thoughtfully crafted technologies to help developers build web and mobile applications. This technology stack ensures a consistent user experience by scaling up or down based on requirements.

The architecture of a typical technology stack consists of a front end, a back end, and a database. 

Usually, developers refer to the front end as the user interface, which remains the same in any type of technology stack. It includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Depending on your project requirements, you can use frameworks like Angular or React, both built upon these front-end technologies.

The back end includes a server. It is that part where your application logic resides. Developers can write the application logic in languages like Java, Python, JavaScript or use frameworks like Spring, Express.js. However, to execute the programs, the architecture needs runtime software like Node.js. 

The database acts as the storage where all the application data is stored. You get the flexibility to store the data in a tabular structure or using a non-relational structure, also known as NoSQL. Other examples are Oracle, MySQL, etc. Contact a React JS Web Development Company to understand more. 

MERN Stack

A technology stack can be of two types. Custom is when developers can choose the technologies depending on the project requirements. Pre-built is when technologies are pre-decided. MERN is a pre-built technology stack. It is made up of four key technologies: 

• MongoDB- document database
• Express.js- server-side JS-based framework 
• React.js- client-side JS-based framework
• Node.js- JS runtime server

How Does the MERN Stack Work? 

The MERN architecture is a three-layer architecture entirely made using JavaScript and JSON. 

• React.js is the front end

React.js is the JavaScript framework that you can use to develop client-side applications. With React, you can build complex interfaces with simple components, connect them to data on the back-end server, and render them as HTML. It also allows you to use a minimal codebase and has all the features you would expect from a client-side framework. 

• Express.js and Node.js form the server-side 

The middle level is the Express.js framework, running inside a Node.js server. Express.js fits perfectly in the architecture as it offers powerful models for URL routing and handling HTTP requests and responses. By creating XML HTTP requests, GETs, or POSTs from the front-end, you can connect to Express.js functions to power your application. Those functions can use MongoDB’s database to store the application data. 

• MongoDB database tier

If your application needs to store any data like content, user profiles, or event information, then you can store it in the MongoDB database. 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 use. 

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Example of a Basic Request/Response Using the MERN Stack

A general HTTP request does one of the four operations- POST, GET, PUT, and DELETE. These four correspond to the four database operations: CREATE, READ, UPDATE, and DELETE. 

To handle these requests, the Express.js provides request (req) and response (res) objects that can store the parameters. 

• The HTTP req stores the data provided by the user
• The HTTP res stores the data retrieved from the database 

The MongoDB Node.js driver simplifies the process of connecting your applications to the MongoDB database (third layer in the architecture). After a connection is established successfully, you can perform various database operations seamlessly. 

One significant advantage of using the MERN stack is that JavaScript powers every layer in its architecture. This consistency enables developers to store and manipulate data in JSON format throughout the application. From the client-side layer to the middle layer, to the database layer MongoDB. Such uniformity in the language and operations streamline the development process and ensures a smooth data flow throughout the technology stack. 

Since developers use the same language, JavaScript, from end to end, they save a lot of time that would otherwise be spent on data transfers between layers.

Let’s take an example. 

A client wants to update his contact details through an online portal. The front end, which consists of React.js, would show a form where he can enter the new mobile number. React uses the required operation to convert the mobile number into the request (req) parameter. 

The Express.js decodes the mobile number from the HTTP request, maps it to the data model schema of the application, and applies the corresponding logic to perform the operation desired by the user. The response (res) is then sent in the form of an HTTP object with a success/failure message. 

When to Use the MERN Stack Development Services? 

1. When your project needs to be completed within a strict timeline and its requirements are well-listed. 
2. When you want long-term maintenance of your project. 
3. When you want to use JavaScript and its features to develop an application.
4. When you want to build JSON heavy, cloud native, and dynamic web interfaces. 
5. To-do apps and calendars.
6. Use MERN stack development services when you want to build Interactive forums.
7. Workflow management applications. 

MERN Stack: Benefits 

• MERN stack allows developers to use a single language throughout the process of development of an application, saving a lot of their time and complexity. 
• MERN stack provides a comprehensive environment, which makes it a great choice for developing scalable, consistent and high-performing applications. 
• With the MERN stack, developers get access to an engaged and supportive community for problem-solving, knowledge sharing, and open discussions. 
• It is an open-source technology stack, which saves developers from bearing the licensing fees. Hire NodeJS developer from our company and get started with your dream project. 
• You can create highly scalable applications capable of handling heavy traffic volumes and accommodating rapid growth. MongoDB ensures this scalability with its well-known efficiency in data storage and retrieval operations.
• The MERN stack accommodates a good variety of deployment options and platforms, including cloud-based environments like MongoDB Atlas.

Summary

MERN Stack simplifies the tech stack by predefining the technologies. Developers can save time and effort by quickly deciding which technologies are the perfect fit for their projects. Furthermore, they don’t even need to learn multiple languages, as the MERN stack utilizes a single programming language–JavaScript throughout its architecture. So, if you are familiar with JavaScript, you can start building even a complex application with the MERN stack. 

Hire dedicated MERN stack developers from our company if you are looking to build a project in MERN/MEVN/MEAN stack. With our expertise in building scalable applications, we can help you get started with the MERN stack and ensure the successful execution of your project. Call Brain Inventory now.