Web development is a good skill to learn today, since most of the used apps are currently web apps, and these web apps can be converted to mobile apps easily.
There are many stacks available to create a fully functioning website, and each stack should contain 3 key items:
- The frontend, where users see the website and interact with it.
- The backend, where the data is being rendered and prepared for the frontend.
- The database, where the data is stored, for permanent storage and data management.
What is MERN stack ?
MERN stands for Mongo, Express, React and NodeJS, four technologies can help you build a fully functioning web application. So let’s break down these technologies and see the usage of each one.
MongoDB is a NoSql, Non-Relational database engine used to store data in JSON formats, MongoDB is easy to learn and easy to implement with NodeJS, and can handle both large amount of data and complex data types.
Express is a NodeJS framework that can help build a web engine, it processes HTTP requests can help you create microservices to serve your clients. Express can handle from 10,000 to 30,000 requests per second.
Personally, React is the favorite frontend framework, it basically can help you create any framework design and make is so smooth and dynamic. It supports stores, routing, hooks and much more features that can help you build the desired frontend and frontend logic.
NodeJS is the backend processor, it’s where Express is installed and handled. So, NodeJS environment is where you setup Express as a web framework, and acts as a middleman between the frontend and the database engine ( in our case is MongoDB ).
MERN utilizes Javascript as a coding language, so basically for each technology here you have to only learn Javascript to be able to build your own MERN stack web app. Obviously, each technology has its own functions/methods that you need to learn and understand as well, but overall, learning Javascript should be your first starting point.
Steps to start the journey
- Learn Javascript: There are many online resources where you can learn Javascript from, including: W3Schools , Udemy and much more.
- Learn NodeJS: If you are already familiar with JavaScript, NodeJS won’t be an issue at all, it’s just a few functions and methods to understand that’s it. Sources can be Youtube, Udemy or even ChatGPT for questions & issues.
- Start doing small projects: Now that you’re familiar with almost 60% of the technologies, you can start working on small projects, you can follow courses, or just start by making the ideas in your head real. At first, it will seem hard but by time you will notice how easier and smooth the process will be.
