One of the most demanding skills in web development in this ever-evolving tech industry, because no matter whether it is a small business or tech giant all need good websites, and when it comes to web development it is very important to use the right tech stacks to build the website and if we talk about big companies like Airbnb, uber eats, WhatsApp web, Facebook and many more are built using Mern stack.
In this article, we are going to understand what a Mern stack is and some popular features of a Mern stack. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a newcomer looking to build your first application, understanding the MERN stack can provide you with the tools and knowledge to create scalable web solutions. So read till the end where we are also going to discuss the career path and job opportunities as Mern stack developers.
Table of content
What is Mern Stack
Mern stack is a combination of four technologies that work together as a very powerful full-stack web development stack. It is a pre-built javascript-based technology stack that consists of MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js.
In the Mern stack, MongoDB is a document database that works on NoSql, Express is a Node.js-based server-side web framework that helps in establishing the connection between server and client, React.js is a frontend javascript-based library which will help in creating UI of the website, and Node.js is a javascript runtime environment that allows javascript to work outside the browser as well.
Now that we know what mern stack is let’s try to understand how actually Mern stack works in Web development.
How does MERN stack work?
The MERN stack functions based on a number of interrelated parts that ensure proper communication between the client and server.
When someone opens the website built using the Mern stack, React captures the user input and displays dynamic content. This user interface is highly responsive and updates the data without even refreshing the entire web page. This is only possible when using React-like libraries or frameworks.
Once the user submits the request the UI sends the data to the server making the API call which is ultimately managed by Express.js. Express acts as a middleware that handles these requests and sends them to the backend. It processes the requests and interacts with the database and in return, it sends the response back to the client.
Now MongoDb comes into play as all the data is stored in MongoDB, It stores the data in JSON format which allows easy manipulation and retrieval of data. When a server needs to fetch or update the data it can directly communicate with MongoDB.
Finally, Node.js serves as the backbone of the entire application by providing the runtime environment for executing the javascript on the server. Node.js allows applications to manage multiple requests simultaneously and also makes sure the performance is not compromised in the process which is important for any website.
So, Now you know how a website works which is built using MERN stack it is also very important to understand why you should learn it.
Why Should You Work With MERN Stack?
If we talk about why one should learn MERN stack there are multiple reasons to do so, Here are a few of the reasons why you should work with MERN stack
1. Scalability
Mern stack applications are optimized in such a way that they can manage a large number of users and huge amounts of data. MongoDB allows you to scale your database horizontally as it works on NoSQL and Node.js can easily manage the simultaneous connections at the same time.
2. Real-Time Data Handling
A non-blocking architecture by Node.js that enables you to create applications where you can provide real-time data updates, it can be a good fit for chat applications and collaborative tools that work on real-time data.
3. Component-Based Architecture
The component-based approach used by React allows the use of reusable code, making an application easy to maintain or update, thus more productive in terms of development and improved code organization.
Node.js is well known for its speed and when combined with MongoDB provides efficient data handling. Mern applications can deliver high performance and it minimizes the load time.
5. Community and Ecosystem
Each component of MERN has an active community and extensive documentation. This means you will easily find all the required resources, libraries, and frameworks that can help you build the application quickly and more efficiently.
How Can I Start Learning MERN Stack and Roadmap to Become Mern Stack Developer?
Starting your journey of learning the MERN stack involves a structured approach. Here is a step by step guide to start learning Mern stack.
Step 1. Understand the Basics of Web Development
Learn the foundational language for creating web pages such as HTML for structuring and CSS for styling. This will help you understand how websites are created and designed.
Once you complete HTML and CSS you can move to learning javascript which will provide the logic and brain to our website. Here you need to focus on ES6 features like the arrow function, destructuring, callbacks, and much more.
Step 2. Learn Each Component of MERN Stack
1. React
- Start by learning the fundamentals of React which includes components, Props, and managing states.
- Then Learn about hooks like useState, useEffect, useRef, and component lifecycle.
- Once done with that start exploring how React routing works and how we can manage the global state using Context API and Redux
2. Node.js
- Get familiar with Node.js runtime and its architecture.
- Understand how to set up a server and use NPM(Node Package Manager).
- Most importantly Learn about asynchronous programming and promises.
3. Express.js
- Learn how to set up a normal server using Node.js and Express.
- Understand how to manage requests and how routing and middleware work.
- Also, explore Restful API, How they work, and how you can create one.
4. MongoDB
- Start by understanding NoSQL database and document storage
- Learn how to perform CRUD (Create, Read, Update, and Delete) Operations.
- Get an idea about Mongoose and ODM(Object Data Modeling) library for MongoDB.
Step 3. Projects
Begin with a simple project such as a to-do list or blog.
Gradually increase complexity by integrating all components—create a full-stack application that uses React for the front end and Node/Express with MongoDB for the back end.
Step 4. Version Control
Study Git and GitHub for version control. Learn how to manage your codebase and how to collaborate with others.
Step 5. Build Your Portfolio
Create a personal portfolio website to showcase your projects. Include descriptions, technologies used, and links to the code on GitHub.
Step 6. Keep Learning
Stay updated with the latest trends, best practices, and new tools in the MERN stack ecosystem.
Now let’s try to create a simple Mern Project Setup.
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How to set up the Mern Project
Setting up the Mern project involves multiple steps from initializing your project to setting up the server and client. You can follow the following steps in order to get started with the MERN stack Project.
Step 1. Prerequisites
Make sure you have the following things installed on your System.
- Node.js
- MongoDB Compass or You can also use MongoDB Atlas which is an online version of MongoDB.
- A code editor like Visual Studio Code.
Step 2. Create a Project Directory
- Now you can directly create a new folder with the name of your project.
- Another way is to use Terminal and use the following command in the folder you want to create a project.
- mkdir mern-project
- Now once the folder is created navigate to the folder in the Terminal by using
- cd mern-project
- Now Create 2 more folders in the Mern-projet folder with the name server and client by using these commands
- mkdir Server
- mkdir Client
Step 3. Set-Up the Server
Now to set up the server move to that folder by using
1. Initialize npm
- Now create a package.json with the default setting by using the following command
- Npm init -y
2. Install the necessary packages
- Npm i express mongoose cors dotenv
- express: Web framework for Node.js.
- mongoose: ODM for MongoDB.cors: Middleware for enabling CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing).
- dotenv: For managing environment variables.
3. Create a Server file
- Create a file with the name Server.js in the server folder
4. Set up Express Server
- Open the server.js file and add the following code
const express = require('express');
const mongoose = require('mongoose');
const cors = require('cors');
require('dotenv').config();
const app = express();
const PORT = process.env.PORT || 5000;
// Middleware
app.use(cors());
app.use(express.json());
// MongoDB connection
mongoose.connect(process.env.MONGODB_URI, {
useNewUrlParser: true,
useUnifiedTopology: true,
})
.then(() => console.log('MongoDB connected'))
.catch(err => console.error(err));
// Start the server
app.listen(PORT, () => {
console.log(`Server is running on http://localhost:${PORT}`);
});
This code will establish a simple connection with the database and it will create a server.
5. Create a .env file
- In the root directory (server folder) create a file as .env. This file will store your MongoDB connection string
- Add your MongoDB URL to .env file
MONGODB_URI=mongodb://localhost:27017/yourdbname
Step 4. Set Up the Client
- Navigate to a client folder in your Terminal by using the following command
- Cd ..
- Cd client
- Now we will create a react app in this folder by using the following command
- Npx create-react-app.
- Now install Axios to make API requests
- Npm i axios
Step 5. Create a Basic API Endpoint
- In your serve.js file add a simple route by adding the following code
app.get('/api/test', (req, res) => {
res.json({ message: 'Hello from the server!' });
});
Step 6. Start your Server
- Use the following command in your terminal to start your server
- node server.js
- You should see “Server is running on http://localhost:5000“.
- Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:5000/api/test to see the message.
Step 7. Build React App
- Now open your client folder and inside src open the App.js file and add the following code to it.
import React, { useEffect, useState } from 'react';
import axios from 'axios';
function App() {
const [message, setMessage] = useState('');
useEffect(() => {
const fetchData = async () => {
const response = await axios.get('/api/test');
setMessage(response.data.message);
};
fetchData();
}, []);
return (
{message}
);
}
export default App;
Step 8. Run the React App
- In the client directory start your React app by using the following command in the terminal.
- Npm start.
- You should see your React app displaying “Hello from the server!” on the browser.
Career Path and Opportunities for MERN Stack Developers
As the demand for digital solutions grows the career opportunities and options also increase for MERN Stack developers here are a few of the options as well as the average salary and opening in India.
1. Junior Full-stack Developer (MERN STACK)
- It is an entry-level position where you help build and maintain web applications while learning from more experienced developers.
- According to LinkedIn, there are more than 1000 job openings for junior full-stack developers
- According to Glassdoor, the average salary for junior developers is 5 LPA
2. Senior MERN Stack Developer:
- The role of a Senior MERN stack developer is to Handle complex challenges in web development, including architecture and performance, and may lead a team of junior developers.
- According to LinkedIn, there are more than 164 job openings for senior full-stack developers
- According to 6figr, the average salary for junior developers is 18 LPA
3. Frontend React Developer:
- Specialize in building user interfaces and are responsible for creating the front end of the website.
- According to LinkedIn, there are more than 12000 job openings for Frontend React Developers.
- And if we talk about salary for frontend developers it varies between 3LPA to 20.3LPA based on Glassdoor.
4. Backend Node.js Developer:
- The role of the backend developer is to create server-side logic for websites and integrate third-party services.
- There are 16076 openings available for Node.js Developer on Naukri and more than 7000 openings on Linkedin that to just in India.
- The estimated total pay for a Node Js Developer is ₹4,98,350 per year according to Glassdoor in India.
5. Technical Lead:
- After a couple of years of experience, you can apply for the Technical lead role that is responsible for handling complex tasks in the development process, Guiding a team in coding practices, reviewing code, and helping junior developers improve their skills.
- As per LinkedIn, there are more than 8000+ openings for this role in India.
- And, if we talk about salary for the Technical Lead position it varies between 14LPA to 28LPA.
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Conclusion
The MERN stack is a strong and flexible full-stack web development framework that allows developers to create dynamic and high-performance applications fully in JavaScript. The integration of MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js streamlines the software development workflow and improves the efficiency of project management. Using Mern Stack will not just accelerate the development process but also make it a favored choice among developers in 2025 to build responsive and single-page web applications. If you want to more about MERN stack you can enroll in Intellipaat’s Full Stack Web Development Certification Course.