How Does the MERN Stack Work? Cases & Benefits
Tags: devops, development, developers, javascript
Published: 2024-07-04 10:27:22

There are lots of innovative programming languages that are used to create multiple modern applications. In 2024, the top programming languages include Java, Python, JavaScript, and many others. Nowadays, there are full stack applications that are written in JavaScript form for both frontend and backend. It is used to handle various functions including application servers, retrieval, database storage, the web user experience and many more. However, MERN stack is one of the latest examples for this kind of development platform. 

## What is a MERN Stack?

Technology stacks are common that help building a web or mobile application. MERN stack is one of the technology stacks which develops scalable web applications using JavaScript. Before heading into how does the MERN stack work, you need to understand the components or [MERN stack](https://algorepublic.com/what-is-mern-stack-overview/).
MangoDB: 
MangoDB works as a database document and can store data in JSON format efficiently. 
Express.js: A web application framework in which a set of features are streamlined to assemble different web applications. 
React.js: React.js usually works in the frontend JavaScript library for a large toolkit which is also used to create user interfaces. 
Node.js: Node.js is a JavaScript programming language which serves on the server side. It coordinates between front-end and back-end components.

## How Does the MERN Stack Work?

Today, many developers prefer using MERN stack for any web or mobile application process. It is beneficial for them as it serves as a single language which is JavaScript and also works in applications for both frontend and backend. The cloud native technologies are supported by MERN stack applications in order to function web applications. The key components of MERN stack including MangoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js, help collectively to make it work. 

MangoDB: 

MangoDB serves as a NoSQL database document in the MERN stack. The function of MangoDB is to store the data flexibly in JSON-like format which is also called BSON (Binary JSON). It is used for high-performance and scalable data storage and to retrieve data for the application. Moreover, it seamlessly integrates JavaScript and JSON and makes an easier fit for the rest of the MERN stack components. 

Express.js:

Express.js works in the web application framework for Node.js. It is used to simplify the building process of web applications and also gives a set of tools and libraries. The main functions of Expess.js is routing, middleware, and server side login of the application. It also coordinates with MangoDB and helps to read and write data as a backend framework.
React.js:
React.js serves its functions to the frontend library. It is a JavaScript library that helps to build user interfaces, especially for single-page applications (SPAs). The UI components created by React.js manage their own state. React.js takes the data from backend (via Express.js) and then updates on the application’s state and user interactions. 

Node.js:

The component of MERN stack helps in the runtime environment for the Express.js server. It is a JavaScript which helps the developers running it on the server side. Also, Node.js handles incoming HTTP requests, interacts with MangoDB, and executes the server-side-code. 

Use Cases of MERN Stack

MERN stack is useful for the developers today to create web or mobile applications. Here are some real-time MERN stack application example for the use cases that will help you understand it thoroughly. 

E-commerce Platform

An e-commerce platform using the MERN stack can provide a seamless shopping experience for users. It features with multiple steps including:
User registration and login.
Product catalog with filtering and search capabilities.
Shopping cart and checkout process.
Order management and tracking.
Payment gateway integration.
Admin dashboard for inventory and order management.

Social Media Application

A social media application built with the MERN stack enables users to connect, share, and interact with each other. It includes certain features like:
User profiles with the ability to follow/unfollow other users.
Post creation, including text, images, and videos.
Real-time feed updates.
Like, comment, and share functionalities.
Private messaging and notifications.

Blog Platform

A blogging platform using the MERN stack allows users to create, edit, and publish articles, and engage with readers. It further defines blog platform with multiple features like:
User authentication for writers and readers.
Rich text editor for creating blog posts.
Categorization and tagging of posts.
Commenting and likes on posts.
Search and filter functionality.
Analytics for views and engagement.

Online Learning Platform

An online learning platform built with the MERN stack can deliver courses and educational content to users. The features involve:
User authentication for students and instructors.
Course creation and management.
Video lectures, quizzes, and assignments.
Progress tracking and certification.
Discussion forums and real-time chat.
Payment integration for course enrollment.

Fitness Tracker

A fitness tracker app built with the MERN stack helps users monitor their physical activity and health goals. It works as follows:
User authentication and profile management.
Activity logging (e.g., workouts, steps, calories burned).
Goal setting and progress tracking.
Integration with wearable devices.
Data visualization with charts and graphs.
Social features to share progress and challenge friends.

## MERN Stack vs Full Stack

Full stack allows a developer to work on multiple tools and programming languages to work on both frontend and backend of a website or any other application. It is also known as a full-stack technology. However, here is a brief overview of MERN stack vs Full stack in terms of multiple factors. 

Essential Libraries: 

The MERN stack allows third party support with extra libraries. Whereas, full stack involves essential libraries like LESS, jQuery, and others. 

Architecture: 
There lies a smooth UI Rendering architecture in MERN stack. A full stack includes 3-tier architecture from its standpoint.

Frameworks: 
MERN single page-application or mobile applications are known for MERN stack as smaller projects. However, a full stack development is built to work for bigger projects and applications. 

Development Mode: 
MERN stack involves web development only. The developers are well acknowledged for their tasks including JavaScript and back-end development frameworks. On the contrary, full stack developers know everything about software development. 
Productivity: MERN stack development is far less productive then the full stack development.

## Benefits of MERN Stack

Here are some benefits of MERN stack which also helps in MERN stack testing and for the web application development process.
Full-Stack JavaScript Development:
MERN stack helps the developers to use JavaScript for both client side and server-side development. It also simplifies the development process. Hence, it allows the developers to work seamlessly on both frontend and backend tasks. Also, it reduces the learning curve and improves the performance. 

High Performance:

MERN stack involves a strong component which is Node.js. It provides an event-driven architecture. Moreover, it helps the developers to perform simultaneous tasks like handling connections which result in rapid response and high performance. 

Dynamic User Interfaces:

The front-end component of the MERN stack (React.js) helps to create a dynamic as well as responsive user interfaces. It also makes single-page applications (SPAs) more efficient and require smooth navigation for the real-time updates. 

Flexibility in Data Storage:

MangoDB is a scalable and flexible data storage component of MERN stack which is documented for an oriented model. It helps the users to handle large and unclassified data seamlessly to align naturally with JavaScript. It also results in the flexibility of data manipulation and integration.

Streamlined Development Process:

All components of the MERN stack are designed to work seamlessly together. It helps to reduce development time and indulge in a more efficient development process. Moreover, MERN stack has a cohesive nature which enhances the productivity and decreases the complexity of full-stack development.

Conclusion

[MERN stack development helps](https://algorepublic.com/what-is-mern-stack-overview/) the developers to perform efficiently in creating web applications. The components in it serve as a single language for JavaScript which helps for a seamless process. The developers prefer using MERN stack for web applications in order to enhance the streamlined development process.