What is MERN Stack? A Complete Guide [2024]

Ever created a modern web app using MERN Stack? Being the highest-paying and highly demanding profession in the tech industry, you must definitely try your hands on it. If not, we’ll guide you towards building a web application with the complete knowledge required i.e., skills and tools required, what do they do, and a lot more.

This complete roadmap on MERN Stack is going to guide you towards your complete development journey. This blog is going to answer all your doubts:

• What does a MERN Stack Developer do?
• What are the skills required to become a MERN Stack Developer?
• What salary does MERN Stack Developer get?

Let’s explore about it in-depth now:

What is MERN Stack?

The MERN stack is a popular and powerful stack of technologies used for building modern web applications. It is an acronym that stands for:

1. MongoDB: MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data in a flexible, JSON-like format. It provides scalability and flexibility, making it suitable for handling large volumes of data and diverse data types. MongoDB is often used as the backend database in MERN stack applications.
2. Express.js: Express.js is a minimal and flexible web application framework for Node.js. It provides a robust set of features for building web servers and APIs quickly and easily. Express.js simplifies the process of handling HTTP requests, defining routes, and implementing middleware, making it an essential component of the backend in MERN stack applications.
3. React.js: React.js is a JavaScript library developed by Facebook for building user interfaces. It enables developers to create reusable UI components and build single-page applications (SPAs) with a declarative and component-based approach. React.js provides efficient rendering and state management capabilities, making it a popular choice for the frontend in MERN stack applications.
4. Node.js: Node.js is a runtime environment for executing JavaScript code outside the browser. It allows developers to build scalable and high-performance server-side applications using JavaScript. Node.js is used as the backend runtime in MERN stack applications, enabling server-side logic and interaction with databases like MongoDB.

By combining MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js, the MERN stack provides a full-stack JavaScript solution for developing modern web applications. It offers advantages such as code reusability, efficient data handling, and a seamless development experience across the frontend and backend. Developers and businesses widely adopt the MERN stack for building robust and scalable web applications.

Before diving into the next section, ensure you’re solid on full-stack development essentials like front-end frameworks, back-end technologies, and database management. You can look for a detailed Full Stack Development career program, you can join GUVI’s Full Stack Development Career Program with Placement Assistance. You will be able to master the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) and build real-life projects.

How to Get Started with the MERN Stack?

Now that you have enough knowledge about the MERN Stack, you must have an understanding on how to get started with it. Follow the below-mentioned steps and get yourself started with building a MERN Stack application:

• Learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript thoroughly
• Have a thorough understanding of MongoDB, ExpressJS, React, and NodeJS
• Explore about APIs, testing, and deployment
• Work on a few basic project ideas
• Move to slightly advanced-level project ideas.

Skills Required to Become a MERN Stack Developer

Mastering these skills will empower you to develop full-stack web applications using the MERN stack effectively. Let us now understand the skills required to become a MERN stack developer:

1. JavaScript (ES6+):
   • Strong understanding of JavaScript fundamentals.
   • Knowledge of ES6+ features like arrow functions, classes, destructuring, etc.
2. Node.js:
   • Proficiency in building server-side applications using Node.js.
   • Understanding of event-driven programming and asynchronous programming concepts.
3. Express.js:
   • Familiarity with Express.js, a web application framework for Node.js.
   • Ability to create RESTful APIs and handle HTTP requests/responses.
4. React.js:
   • Mastery of React.js for building dynamic and interactive user interfaces.
   • Experience with state management libraries like Redux or context API.
5. MongoDB:
   • Expertise in MongoDB, a NoSQL database used with Node.js applications.
   • Understanding of CRUD operations, indexing, and aggregation pipelines.
6. HTML/CSS:
   • Proficient in HTML for structuring web pages and CSS for styling.
   • Knowledge of responsive design principles and CSS preprocessors like Sass or Less.
7. Version Control Systems:
   • Experience with Git for version control and collaboration.
   • Understanding of Git workflows like branching, merging, and pull requests.
8. RESTful APIs:
   • Ability to design and consume RESTful APIs using JSON for data exchange.
   • Understanding of HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE) and status codes.
9. Testing:
   • Experience with testing frameworks like Jest for unit testing React components.
   • Knowledge of integration testing and end-to-end testing frameworks like Cypress.
10. Deployment:
    • Understanding of deploying MERN stack applications to platforms like Heroku, AWS, or Netlify.
    • Familiarity with Docker for containerization and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.
11. Problem-solving and Debugging:
    • Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues in both frontend and backend code.
    • Proficiency in using browser developer tools and debugging Node.js applications.
12. Security:
    • Awareness of common security threats and best practices for securing web applications.
    • Implementation of measures like input validation, authentication, and authorization.

What Does a MERN Stack Developer Do?

A MERN stack developer primarily focuses on building web applications using the MERN stack, which consists of four key technologies: MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js. Here’s what a MERN stack developer typically does:

1. Design and Develop Web Applications: MERN stack developers create dynamic and interactive web applications by leveraging the capabilities of MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js.
2. Backend Development with Node.js and Express.js: They work on the server side of the application, using Node.js along with the Express.js framework to handle HTTP requests, manage routes, and interact with databases like MongoDB.
3. Database Management with MongoDB: MERN stack developers design and implement databases using MongoDB, a NoSQL database system. They perform tasks such as schema design, data modeling, querying, indexing, and managing database operations.
4. Frontend Development with React.js: They build the user interface of web applications using React.js, a JavaScript library for building reusable UI components. This involves creating components, managing state, handling user interactions, and implementing features to ensure a smooth user experience.
5. RESTful API Development: MERN stack developers create RESTful APIs using Express.js to enable communication between the frontend and backend components of the application. They define routes, handle HTTP requests, and send appropriate responses in JSON format.
6. Integration of Frontend and Backend: They integrate the frontend and backend components of the application to ensure seamless communication and data flow between the client-side and server-side.
7. Testing and Debugging: MERN stack developers write tests to ensure the reliability and functionality of their code. They also debug and troubleshoot issues that arise during development, both on the frontend and backend.
8. Deployment and Maintenance: After development, they deploy web applications to servers or cloud platforms such as Heroku, AWS, or Azure. They also perform maintenance tasks, monitor performance, and apply updates or fixes as needed to keep the application running smoothly.
9. Continuous Learning and Improvement: MERN stack developers stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in web development. They continuously learn new skills, experiment with different tools and frameworks, and strive to improve their proficiency in building robust and scalable web applications.

Overall, MERN stack developers play a crucial role in the development lifecycle of web applications, from conceptualization and design to implementation, deployment, and maintenance. They leverage their expertise in MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js to create modern, feature-rich, and high-performing web applications that meet the requirements of clients and users.

MEAN vs MERN: Career Growth & Salary

Salary of a MERN Stack Developer

The salary of a MERN stack developer can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, skill level, and the specific company or industry. Here’s a general overview of the average salary range for MERN stack developers in India and abroad:

Kickstart your Full Stack Development journey by enrolling in GUVI’s Certified Full Stack Development Career Program with Placement Assistance where you will master the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) and build interesting real-life projects. This program is crafted by our team of experts to help you upskill and assist you in placements.

Conclusion

Now that you have an in-depth knowledge on MERN Stack development, you should look about the career opportunities you get in it. Once you have the skills required along with knowledge of recent industry trends/advancements, you’re good to start your development journey and earn a handsome salary. It’s time for you to build some exciting and interesting real-world applications using MERN Stack.

FAQs

Is MERN stack in demand in 2024?

Yes, MERN Stack is an in-demand IT profession in 2024 and will be in the upcoming years. The reasons are using a single programming language in the entire process, being scalable, having remote work opportunities, and a lot more.

Can I learn the MERN stack in 1 month?

Before you learn MERN Stack, you need to be thorough with JavaScript. If you’re an experienced JavaScript programmer, you’ll be easily grasping the fundamentals in a few months. However, you need rigorous practice and hands-on experience to become a professional MERN Stack developer.

What is the highest salary in MERN?

The highest salary of a MERN Stack developer in India is ₹18 LPA, which also varies on factors like skills, experience, location, etc.

Is MERN good for beginners?

Yes, it is one of the best stack for beginners to start their web development journey. Although there are various reason which proves it is good for beginners, the most prominent one being JavaScript which is used for both frontend and backend development.