Why You Should Use MERN Stack for Startup Apps?

Benefits of Using MERN Stack
Why You Should Use MERN Stack for Startup Apps?
Ajay Kapoor Follow
Nov 18 · 13 min read
I’ve been developing with the MERN stack for over five years, so I wanted to put
together a guide on why this particular platform is so beneficial when you’re
creating a web app instead of other stacks. In this article, I’ll discuss some of the
strengths of MERN and some specific benefits that only come from using this
platform.
If you have no idea what MERN stands for, check out my explanation in this article
first! This insightful guide will help you learn about the benefits of using the MERN
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stack and why it’s perfect for your next web application project.
In a nutshell, The MERN Stack refers to four technologies: MongoDB, ExpressJS,
ReactJS, and Node.js. MongoDB is a document-oriented DBMS that allows you to
store data in JSON-like format.
ExpressJS is a minimal & flexible node.js web application framework that provides a
robust set of features for web & mobile applications via middleware functionality. It
helps developers easily handle HTTP requests and server responses and route
requests to files or file controllers within an application.
Before we discuss how the combination of these four has become an inevitable
choice for startups, it’s critical to analyze its components with in-depth details.
So, Let’s Decode the MERN Technology Stack
What is MongoDB?

MongoDB is a document-oriented database, which indicates that it stores data in
JSON-like documents with dynamic schemas (i.e., you can add new fields without
rewriting your application).
MongoDB offers strongly consistent reads and writes through application control
over replica sets. Read/write performance improves linearly as nodes get added.
Replication provides high availability by keeping multiple copies of documents
across various machines; developers can perform note operations in parallel on
multiple nodes.
Pros of using MongoDB:
MongoDB offers scalable document-oriented database storage. That makes it
ideal for applications requiring real-time scalabilities like large social networks
or e-commerce websites.
It stores data in flexible documents rather than rows and columns, so
developers can use JavaScript code to operate on data directly instead of
needing separate objects between your application & database layer.
There’s a lot more flexibility when working with Mongo as opposed to SQL
databases.
Data are dynamic, schema-free. Documents are not required to have a uniform
structure over time.
A wide variety of data types are supported by default, with user-defined kinds
available. It makes it easy to model more complex data sets than more superficial
key/value-based structures.
Cons of using MongoDB:
MongoDB’s online documentation is somewhat outdated, with many articles
focusing on setting up a production server.
Developers who use MongoDB must learn a new approach to structuring data.
While some find that simplicity liberating, others find it frustrating.

Do you know which brands have trusted MongoDB for their technology stack?
Answer: Uber, Lyft, and Delivery Hero are some of the renowned users of the
MongoDB technology stack.
What is ExpressJS?
ExpressJS is an open-source web application framework written in Javascript to
create fast, scalable, and robust web applications. Also known as Express, it can be
installed in NodeJs, in which case it acts as middleware or in the browser.
Pros of using ExpressJS:
The primary benefit of using ExpressJS is its ability to use JavaScript on both the
front end and backend.
It allows you to use Javascript for everything. Thus it saves you time during
development.
It is also more efficient since both frontend/backend developers share a
common language, making communication easier. It makes your team more
agile, allowing them to pivot quicker on new ideas or software changes that
come up.
As JavaScript is constantly evolving, any new updates with JS will be reflected in
Express, allowing you easier access to new features as they arrive.

Cons of using ExpressJS:
You will often find sites where ExpressJS or another Node JS framework works,
but Express does not work alone.
Specific frameworks do not get along with Express, which can cause memory
leaks or crashes if specific things get not placed in particular orders.
So, which brand trusts ExpressJS?
Well many, but to mention a few: Twitter, Bla Bla Car, and Accenture.
What is ReactJS?
ReactJS is a JavaScript library for creating UI built by Facebook. Specifically, it
makes it easier to build large applications with data that changes over time. You
might have already utilized it without knowing it — Facebook App gets built in part
with React JS.

Source: Statista- Most Used Web Frameworks
Many front-end developers have also successfully built user interfaces with
ReactJS — most notably Instagram and Yahoo Weather.
Pros of using ReactJS:
One of React’s key differentiators is how quickly it renders on your screen.
Whether you’re generating a simple website or an elaborate piece of software,
its speed will help make your users feel like they aren’t waiting around for your
content to load.
While there are several JavaScript libraries to choose from, React has emerged
as one of (if not) most flexible among them.
Its code is clean, uncluttered, and to the point. It may take you a while before
grasping its concepts completely, but it’s one of the more accessible JavaScript
libraries for frontend developers from a getting started perspective.
Two-Way Data Binding, by default, saves you from extra complexity in your
components. It keeps them simple and makes debugging easier because things
are always in sync.
Cons of using ReactJS:
The fact that components are entirely independent can make debugging
difficult, especially when multiple parts of a more giant app cause bugs.

Additionally, if code has got imported from third-party websites, you may have
no way to get support directly from Facebook. It is true even if there are issues
with an individual component.
As a startup, you may find it interesting to learn that worldwide renowned brands
like Netflix, Amazon and the all-time favorite social media platform Facebook
trusts ReactJS.
What is Node.js?
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment for quickly creating network
applications. Node’s platform is primarily composed of an event-driven architecture
using non-blocking I/O to minimize overhead and a built-in HTTP server framework
for hosting web applications.
It makes it similar to Ruby’s Eventmachine or Python’s Twisted — all three are
sometimes referred to as scalable networking engines. Like any other technology,
Node has its pros and cons, and let’s explore them in detail.
Pros of using Node.js:
The most significant b-enefit to using Node is that it is cross-platform to be
deployed on any system from a PC to a Mac to Linux or even a mobile device with
sufficient processing power.

When your selected Node.js development company is working on a
development project, you want to get it out to users as soon as possible. The
development time in Node is amazing: because there’s no compilation step, and
JavaScript handles concurrency by itself. Thus, you can iterate extremely
quickly.
Node.js gets well documented online. There are hundreds of resources about its
strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if you want to use it for your next
project.
Its asynchronous event loop structure allows it to run non-blocking I/O code,
highly scalable with low overhead.
Node.js uses a single-threaded event loop with a non-blocking I/O model that
performs most operations asynchronously with a callback mechanism. It is
similar to Javascript callbacks, enabling it to utilize all available CPU cores at
100% when under load while giving each connection its thread.
Cons of using Node.js:
Security breaches can also be a big problem with Node.js. It is because any
application flaws have a broader impact on your entire server environment due
to its single-threaded nature.
It takes additional space and often requires more memory compared with
standard website platforms.
Note: eBay, Trello, & PayPal patronize Node.js for its incredible benefits.
That was concise information about what constitutes the MERN stack and how
each of its components is worthy of choice. Let us now have a glimpse at the overall
benefits of choosing the MERN technology stack.
Business Benefits of Using the MERN Technology Stack
1. Open-Source Technology
Startups prefer MERN because it’s an open-source code that’s constantly being
improved upon by tech experts from around the world. All the components of the
MERN stack are open source, and thus you can use it to create robust web apps.

For example, AngularJS is an open-source frontend framework explicitly created to
address some of the issues inherent in earlier versions of HTML and JavaScript.
Frameworks like these improve coding efficiency and provide countless tools to help
you build more advanced apps faster.
Open-source technology also comes with no vendor lock-in, so if you decide to move
on or change something later on down the line, there won’t be any extra hoops you
need to jump through.
2. Free Templates are Available Online
Free templates are available online, which will save you tons of time. It would have
taken me at least three times as long to customize a theme compared to
downloading an off-the-shelf solution. You’ll also get help from experts if you run
into any issues along the way.
Many platforms have online communities where you can post questions and get
feedback on your code directly from other developers working with that platform.
It’s always easier to learn when experts are there to hold your hand!
3. Allows You to Build Fast
The MERN stacks rely on open-source technologies that developers can use freely,
which means you don’t have to build everything from scratch. For example, if you
want a blogging platform, chances are someone has already developed a popular
framework like WordPress.
All you need to do is pay detailed attention to any setup instructions and customize
as needed. This kind of plug-and-play approach gives you an edge against more
prominent companies that might not understand (or care about) such emerging

platforms. The bigger they are, after all, the more likely they stick with proven
solutions.
Note: With rapid project development, the savings are massive, especially when
hiring MERN developers on an hourly model.
4. Easy to Use
The underlying technology gets so well documented that you can deploy it with
ease. It’s simple to understand and use, making it an ideal choice for beginners
learning web development.
With so many tools available to developers, it can be challenging to decide which
ones are worth learning about. The minimalist nature of these tools makes them
easier to learn since there are fewer moving parts you need to understand to use
them effectively.
If you’re just getting started with web development, I would recommend starting
with a MERN stack app, as it will give you an accessible introduction to web
application development without being overkill right out of the gate.
Then once you’ve mastered how these tools work together, expand your knowledge
by adding additional features or switching out components as needed.
5. Full-Stack Development
MERN’s full-stack development approach means you’re responsible for building an
application’s frontend and backend components. This approach draws on principles
from both UI design and software engineering.
It is increasingly popular with startups since it can save them money by not having
to bring in outside developers separately for the frontend and backend of the

project.
6. Great Community Support
This set of technologies is backed by a solid community, making it easier to find
answers to all sorts of technical questions that may come up. Thus when you’re
unsure how something works or why there’s usually someone else who has already
encountered (and fixed) similar problems.
Source: Statista- Most Popular Programming Languages
It speeds up development times, allowing you to release your product faster and
cheaper than you would with other stacks. As a bonus, thanks to Node.js’s
popularity, many people are already experienced with JavaScript; frontend
engineers know CSS and HTML5.
7. Offers Native Experience to the Users
Native applications are more robust, secure and can provide a more compelling
experience for users. So when startups develop mobile apps, they usually build them

on top of hybrid frameworks like Ionic or React Native.
Although these frameworks are remarkable, they run on web technologies that
offer little performance or deep integration with devices. A mobile application built
on MERN leverages native features like camera access and will be able to seamlessly
sync data between offline and online states within an app.
It makes it easier to monetize and allows developers to devote time towards features
that create real value rather than fixate on things that get it working!
Unfortunately, it is not possible when developing apps on top of hybrid technologies.
How Can You Hire an Excellent MERN Developer?
When hiring a web developer, it’s essential to make sure you choose someone who
understands the MERN (MongoDB, Express, React, Node) stack and can build the
features you need in your web application.

It’s equally important to make sure they’re not using those skills for unethical
purposes. A developer worth their salt knows how to look at your site and see what
you don’t want them to see — which means you want to choose developers with
high moral standards and good intentions.
These handy tips will help you find the best MERN developer.
1: First of all, Clear your Goals
The key to successfully hiring a MERN stack developer is understanding what you
want. Unfortunately, in today’s market, there are so many different types of
developers available — each with its specialties — that it’s easy to forget that you
need to be crystal clear about what your needs are.
Before starting your search, have a clear idea of precisely what you want to be built.
Then, write down some examples, bullet-pointed lists if they help.
2: Find someone who can Implement Things from Scratch
When hiring a MERN stack developer, the first thing you should look for is to build
an application from scratch. If you want to bring someone to implement existing
things, there’s no point in hiring them. On the other hand, if they don’t have
experience developing applications, why hire them?
It just won’t work out well. Remember, for your enterprise to succeed, it needs
someone who knows how to build applications all by themselves. Without these
skills, it might be hard for their projects to go smoothly or even succeed at all.
3: Holds a Solid Experience with Frontend Frameworks
The front end is where most visitors experience your company’s products or
services, so hiring someone who knows what they’re doing is essential. At least
three years working with AngularJS would be considered industry-standard.
Additionally, you want to make sure that your potential hire isn’t just familiar with
Angular but also understands how it interacts with other languages, like Node.js or
Handlebars templates.
4: Has Familiarity with Functional Programming

Many companies using React, Node.js, and other such frameworks rely on
functional programming concepts. However, it is more than just understanding
things like pure functions and immutability.
Functional developers can spot problems with existing code that they could solve
with a practical approach. If you’re not working with these technologies or thinking
about implementing them in your next project, keep an eye out for candidates who
have used similar principles in different contexts.
5: Excels at Back-End Development
MERN is being used more frequently by Mern Stack development companies to
build scalable web applications. The role of backend developers has changed quite a
bit over recent years, with an increased emphasis on architecting scalable solutions
that are secure, reliable, and easy to maintain.
It requires an understanding of which programming languages are best suited for
specific tasks at hand. Furthermore, in most cases, backend development involves
dealing with data from different sources. Therefore, creating well-structured data
pipelines can be challenging yet enjoyable for people who love building solid systems
from scratch.
Try to find developers who are experts at developing the backend of the application.
They must be excellent at:
Coding
Debugging
Logical Thinking
Problem Solving, etc.
Make sure you ask questions about their prior experience with building scalable
software solutions. Also, don’t forget that your developer should know about cloud
computing services like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure.
This way, someone will be able to build an application that scales horizontally
instead of vertically if needed in the future without any problems.

Wrapping Up
A new standard has emerged in web development, and it is called MERN. You can see
it in action with tools like MongoDB, Express, ReactJS, and Node.js + all together
form a powerful combination that takes away much of the pain of writing modern
web applications.
In my opinion, one of its most considerable armor is how modular it is. You can use
individual components in isolation or combine all four ingredients into a whole that
is greater than its parts. This modularity makes it highly flexible and helps you build
a custom solution tailored to fit your needs.
The beauty lies in a flexible system to get extended in whatever way you want —
even if someone doesn’t like to extend it at all, they would still get substantial
productivity gains from these great tools by themselves.
FAQs:
Question: What is the average charge of a MERN developer?
Answer: The standard charges for MERN developers varies in different nations. As
simple as ABC, you will need to hire a JS expert in the projects’ frontend and
backend development.
The hourly rate in India: $16 per hour to $30 per hour
The hourly rate in European Nations: $50 per hour to $100 per hour
Question: What are some of the most popular React-based apps?
Answer: Facebook, Skype, and Instagram are the most renowned React-based apps.
Learn More
What’s New in Node 17
Latest features of Node 17 Update

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let’s get updated with the React 18 features!
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best-for-71a00e08462b
Mern Stack Web Development React Nodejs JavaScript
WRITTEN BY
Ajay Kapoor Follow
Hey, I’m Ajay, a tech blogger working with PixelCrayons who loves to share his extensive tech-related
knowledge with like-minded people.
Enlear Academy Follow
We provide quality content on web development and cloud technologies for developers.
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