It is one of the hot topics to discuss because it is the most popular technology these days. MERN Stack offers an end-to-end framework to make the whole development process comparatively easier. It helps developers to make complex applications and also beginner-friendly for a newbie.
The MERN stack is a JavaScript-based web development stack that consists of MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js.
In this article, we’ll explore the basic information about MERN stack for web development, and its benefits including its scalability, flexibility, and ease of use.
What is MERN Stack?
The MERN stack is a powerful combo of four technologies—MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js—used to build dynamic web applications. It’s a full-stack JavaScript solution, allowing developers to craft both the frontend and backend seamlessly.
Developers love it because it is easy to use and provides a great deal of flexibility. Additionally, the MERN stack is very versatile and can be used for developing a wide range of applications.
How does the MERN stack work?

The MERN stack works by combining four technologies to create a full-stack JavaScript-based application. Here’s a brief overview of how each component interacts to deliver a seamless development experience:
1. Frontend (React.js)
React.js is used to build the user interface. It allows developers to create reusable components and manage the state of the application efficiently. React handles user interactions and updates the view dynamically.
2. Backend (Express.js and Node.js)
- Express.js: This lightweight web application framework runs on Node.js and handles the server-side logic. It manages routing, requests, and responses, making it easy to build RESTful APIs.
- Node.js: Node.js provides the runtime environment for executing JavaScript code on the server side. It enables non-blocking, event-driven architecture, which is ideal for building scalable and high-performance applications.
3. Database (MongoDB)
MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data in a JSON-like format. It interacts with the backend through Mongoose, an Object Data Modeling (ODM) library, which provides a straightforward way to work with the database. MongoDB’s flexible schema allows for easy scaling and efficient data management.
Workflow
- Client-Side Requests: The user interacts with the frontend, built with React.js. The frontend sends HTTP requests to the backend server when data needs to be fetched or modified.
- Server-Side Processing: Express.js, running on Node.js, receives these requests. It processes them by interacting with MongoDB to perform the required database operations, such as reading or writing data.
- Database Operations: MongoDB stores and retrieves data as requested by the backend. Mongoose ensures that the data is properly structured and accessible.
- Response to Client: Once the backend processes the request and interacts with the database, it sends the appropriate response back to the frontend. React.js updates the user interface based on the received data, ensuring a smooth and dynamic user experience.
The MERN stack enables developers to create full-stack web applications using only JavaScript. This makes it simple to develop and deploy web applications as there are only a few technologies to learn and use. Additionally, the MERN stack is open source, which means that it is free to use, and there is a vast community of developers who contribute to its development.
Advantages of MERN Stack
There are several reasons why you should choose the MERN stack for web development. Some of the advantages of using the MERN stack include:
Easy to use
The MERN stack is easy to use and learn. A vast community of developers is always willing to help beginners. Additionally, the documentation for the MERN stack is excellent and easy to follow.
Flexible
It is very flexible. You can easily add or remove components according to your needs. Additionally, you can also use a variety of programming languages with the MERN stack.
Versatile
Many applications can be built using MERN, including e-commerce websites, social media platforms, Virtual Reality apps, and more.
Large Community
With apps like Uber, Airbnb, Instagram, Netflix, and Zomato, the technology stack has influential community support that makes sure you can always find solutions.
Code Maintenance
With MERN stack development for your web apps, you get easy code maintenance and error fixing, making it a cost-effective option. It also comes with powerful testing tools.
Why choose the MERN stack?
There are many reasons to choose the MERN stack for web development. The main advantage is that the MERN stack is a full-stack JavaScript solution, which means you can use one language (JavaScript) for both the front end and back end of your web application. This can make development faster and more straightforward, as you don’t have to switch between languages.
The MERN stack includes some of the most popular and influential technologies available today, such as React and Node.js. These technologies are used by many of the biggest companies in the world, including Facebook, Netflix, and Airbnb, so you can be confident that they’re robust and reliable.
Additionally, MongoDB’s flexible schema allows for easy scalability, which is why it’s favored by startups and enterprises alike. According to a 2022 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, JavaScript continues to be the most commonly used programming language, reinforcing the demand and community support for the MERN stack.
The MERN stack is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a modern, full-featured stack for web development, combining speed, efficiency, and reliability.
MEAN Stack vs MERN stack – How to choose one?
There are some key differences between the MERN stack and the MEAN stack. For one, the MERN stack uses React for its frontend framework instead of AngularJS. Additionally, the MERN uses MongoDB for its database instead of MySQL.
Both Angular JS and React JS are committed to organizing the UI layer components and making them use the best code. Both of them are supported by outstanding command of documentation, sample codes, and tutorial videos. Hence, in order to help you choose the best for your project, let’s compare both.
Performance
Finally, AngularJS has come up with its stable versions. At first, Angular JS was fairly unstable and had to go through some major changes and launch version 2.
But now, it remains stable as an amazing JavaScript-based MVC framework. It helps you to incorporate better concepts in your coding and manage files in a superior way. On the other hand, React JS helps developers to develop code much faster. Furthermore, being solely a library, the performance of React JS is far better than AngularJS.
Architecture
A big company would always choose MEAN stack instead of MERN. The main reason behind this is the architecture. It is just a library which simplifies UI rendering. Alternatively, AngularJS is a well-crafted framework to support an MVC architecture where the database and UI code are separated with a middle part. This makes it easy to upgrade and manage code. Thus, the MEAN stack is an excellent choice for Enterprises.
So which stack is best for your project?
Well, that depends on your specific needs and preferences. The MERN stack might be a better fit if you’re looking for a more modern stack focusing on simplicity. However, the MEAN stack might be a better option if you need something more robust and feature-rich.
Conclusion
The MERN stack is a great option for those looking to get into web development. The blend of technologies in MERN Stack makes it worthy for developing a wide range of apps and allows fast and easy distribution of apps. Since MERN developers know all its four components, it is also an affordable development process.
Hire Mern Stack developers from Invedus to define, build and enhance MERN Stack-based web applications.