Exploring the MERN Stack: Leveraging MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js for Modern Web Development

It is a well-known fact that the world of web development is going through a rapid change. Everything is becoming so paced that if you don’t take the right steps you are at risk of lagging behind others. That is why picking the correct stack from a plethora of stacks out there is vital. MERN stack refers to a combo of MongoDB Express.js React and Node.js programming languages. 

These four languages together have been able to achieve a lot of fame among developers. They help developers streamline development processes and their output is of top-notch quality. 

We will try to explore all four components of the MERN full stack. It will help us how they contribute to modern web development.

A closer look at MERN Stack components

As we just mentioned, MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js languages together make the MERN stack. Its popularity becomes clear from a State of JavaScript survey:

Let us see the components one by one:

MongoDB

We have the MongoDB. This NoSQL database acts as the main data storage component in the stack. It relies on flexible Binary JSON (BSON) for storing data. It empowers developers to work with data in a spontaneous way. MongoDB is famous for its seamless integration with Node.js. 

The latter is another significant component of a full stack MERN. Plus MongoDB is solid in terms of scalability, making it an ideal choice for most web developers. 

Web developers can create faster iterations as a result of its design that lacks any schema. Faster iterations also mean that they are perfect for agile and dynamic methodologies. 

Express.js

Express.js is popular for its minimalism. It simplifies the backend app development process by adopting a minimalist approach. 

It is a good pick for a web development company striving for powerful and scalable app building. Express.js offers a wide range of handy features that boost the convenience of the users. Some of these are Middleware support routing static file handling, etc. 

This programming language is also lightweight and flexible allowing the developers greater freedom. They can design their app structure according to their will. In case you didn’t know Express.js resides on top of Node.js web server. It is an excellent choice for cross-platform mobile app development too. 

Besides Express.js enables dynamic rendering of HTML pages. It does so by passing arguments to templates. 

React

The React language comes from the home of Meta (f.k.a. Facebook) as a robust JavaScript library. Using this open-source and frontend JS library it is easier to create user interfaces. React is suitable for both SPAs and mobile apps. 

React Native is a framework within React. Any React js development company can utilize React Native to develop native apps. It relies on a component-based architecture (CBA). CBA consists of various parts that developers may reuse to build an application. Reusable components open up the vista for easier management and maintenance. 

React uses a virtual DOM making way for increased efficacy in UI updates. Being virtual significantly reduces the tweaking requirements of the “real” DOM. 

Node.js 

Node.js is an amazing backend JavaScript runtime with Chrome V8 engine. An important component of the MERN stack – It is a giant in the field of contemporary web development. 

Thanks to this runtime any Node.js development service can do easy backend scripting. It has a non-blocking and event-driven I/O model. This makes it ideal for simultaneous requests as it frees them without delay. 

NPM or Node Package Manager is the default Node.js package manager containing a CLI. Its presence enriches the entire runtime environment. 

You can find 8,00,000+ packages within NPM. So it is possible to incorporate different libraries and tools into the MERN stack apps. This way you can bring out their maximum potential. 

Benefits and shortcomings of the MERN stack

Using the MERN stack for your web development projects has its share of pros and cons:

Advantages

A few of MERN stack’s perks are: 

Highly scalable

MERN stack’s high scalability makes it a perfect option to opt for to deal with huge data and traffic. Plus you can shift from component to component faster.

API calls made simple

The advanced tools that the MERN stack offers help developers write programs effortlessly. This saves energy, and they can concentrate on other matters. For example, new feature additions, product enhancement, etc. 

Disadvantages

MERN stack’s shortcomings include:

Too complex for rookies 

MERN stack can be your go-to stack if you are an experienced developer. This is not the case for developers just starting their careers. Learning all four programming languages along with JavaScript can be overburdening for them. And they might feel that they are better off with a more straightforward stack. 

Vulnerable to security threats

Similar to any other available stack the MERN stack’s security is compromisable. Security best practices for a MERN stack include JWT user registration authentication etc.

If a developer doesn’t follow them they are inviting disaster.   

Conclusion

The MERN stack is skilfully enriching modern web development. Its scalability along with the robust features of all four components is impeccable. 

If you offer full stack development services you must give the MERN stack a try. That is of course if you haven’t already!