The MERN stack is seeing a remarkable adoption rate. A survey conducted reveals that React, which is a part of MERN, has one of the largest market shares with 4.2%. Moreover, NodeJS has experienced a 40% usage increase every year.
This is because the world is demanding robust and scalable web applications. And to do that, it needs a technological stack like MERN that is both contemporary and efficient.
Furthermore, there is a greater need for qualified MERN stack developers as more businesses move to digital platforms. Hiring the proper MERN stack engineers may make a big impact, whether you’re an established corporation intending to update your platform or a startup hoping to quickly construct an MVP.
In this blog, we’ll explore what the MERN stack is, why hiring these developers is a smart business move.
MERN Stack
The MERN stack is a collection of JavaScript technologies used to build full stack web applications. Moreover, it consists of MongoDB and Express. Alongside these, there are React and Node. With the help of these four technologies, developers may work with a single language, JavaScript, to manage everything from the frontend to the backend.
MongoDB
A NoSQL database called MongoDB uses the flexible BSON format to store data. Because MongoDB is schemaless in contrast to conventional relational databases, developers may work quickly and iteratively. Furthermore, it supports features like horizontal scaling and indexing. Hence, this makes it ideal for applications that handle large volumes of unstructured data.
Express
Express is a straightforward and adaptable framework for Node web applications. Moreover, it simplifies server side coding by offering built in functionalities for handling HTTP requests and middleware. Also, Express has a lightweight architecture and is scalable. This allows developers to build reliable RESTful APIs quickly and efficiently.
React
A JavaScript component package, React, can create dynamic and interactive user interfaces. It also uses a virtual DOM for efficient rendering and high performance. Because it makes it simple for developers to divide large user interfaces into reusable components. Therefore, React is perfect for apps like gaming platforms and debates. Hence, instead of hiring a dedicated React developer, you can go for an MERN developer.
Node
Node is an open source JavaScript runtime environment that executes JavaScript code outside of a web browser. It is renowned for its architecture and non blocking features and is built on top. This enables the handling of concurrent requests with ease. Furthermore, instead of simply onboarding a Node developer, you can get an MERN developer and get additional skills.
Why These Technologies Work Well?
Unified Language Across the Stack
MERN stacks work so effectively because of their use of JavaScript across all components. This unified language approach eliminates the friction of switching between multiple programming languages, which is common in other stacks. Moreover, developers can write client side code with React and build server logic with Node and Express. Furthermore, developers can manage data with MongoDB, all using JavaScript.
JSON Data Flow
Another reason these technologies integrate so well is their native use of JSON for data handling. On the frontend, React can easily consume JSON data from backend APIs. This seamless data flow reduces the need for data transformation or format conversion. This leads to cleaner code and fewer bugs.
Asynchronous Architecture
Node and Express are built around an asynchronous which is essential for creating high performance applications that scale well. Moreover, MongoDB also supports asynchronous operations, and React handles asynchronous data updates on the client side. The nature of these technologies allows developers to build event driven applications.
Modular and Component Development
Developers may work on certain system components without impacting the system as a whole since the MERN stack is modular. Furthermore, React promotes a component design that facilitates the creation of reusable UI components. Furthermore, Express follows a middleware pattern that allows developers to insert or remove pieces of functionality cleanly. Similarly, MongoDB’s schema-less structure allows flexibility in data modeling.
Why Hire MERN Stack Developers?
Full Stack Proficiency
Having access to experts who are skilled in both frontend and backend development is made possible by both Full Stack and MERN stack developers. MERN developers may manage the full application lifecycle rather than depending on different experts for server side and client side programming. This all-encompassing method results in more unified and manageable codebases and streamlines team organization.
Accelerated Development
Because they are skilled at working with all tiers of the stack, MERN stack developers can iterate quickly and provide new features more quickly. JavaScript is used by all of the major technologies in the stack, allowing developers to seamlessly transition between frontend and backend operations.
Cost Efficiency
Cost is always a major factor, and employing MERN stack developers may help save costs considerably. Businesses may reduce the size of their development team without sacrificing quality since a single developer can handle both frontend and backend responsibilities. Furthermore, there are no licensing costs because every technology in the MERN stack is open source.
Data Intensive Application Support
If your business relies on real time features, then MERN stack developers can deliver. Moreover, Node excels in handling asynchronous events, while MongoDB efficiently manages large volumes of unstructured data. With React managing dynamic UI updates, MERN developers can build data intensive applications that perform effectively. This makes the stack especially useful for SaaS platforms and interactive dashboards.
Strong Community
The popularity of this stack has led to a large and growing community of developers. This suggests that there is a large talent pool. As a result, hiring qualified people is made simpler for companies. Additionally, developers have access to well-documented frameworks and tools since each technology has a robust ecosystem.
Maintenance
The benefit of working with MERN stack developers is that you may upgrade and maintain your application with no interruption. They can find problems holistically and implement solutions without waiting for feedback from other teams since they have a thorough awareness of the entire stack. Businesses that need continuous integration and deployment would especially benefit from this.
Skills to Look for in MERN Stack Developers
Proficiency in JavaScript ES6+
Since the MERN stack is entirely based on JavaScript, developers should have an understanding of ES6. You should look for developers who are comfortable using features like arrow functions and async/await. Furthermore, they should be familiar with promises and modules. Also, they should be able to write clean and modular JavaScript code.
Command of MongoDB
An excellent MERN developer should know how to design schemas and manage collections. Furthermore, they should be able to implement CRUD operations using MongoDB. Since MongoDB is a NoSQL database, understanding data modeling and performance optimization is important. Moreover, developers should also be familiar with Mongoose, which makes MongoDB operations more intuitive in Node.
Mastery of Express
Express is a web application framework that runs on top of Node. Developers should know how to build RESTful APIs and handle middleware. Also, they should be able to manage routing and set up authentication and authorization mechanisms. Furthermore, they should have experience with error handling and data validation.
Expertise in React
On the frontend, developers should have strong experience in building modern UI components using React. Moreover, developers should be familiar with the component lifecycle methods and hooks. Furthermore, they should have experience with React Router and state management tools like Redux.
Experience with Node
A MERN stack developer should be comfortable using Node to build scalable backend services. Also, you should look for developers who know how to handle file systems and manage packages via npm. Furthermore, they should be able to work with streams and buffers.
Familiarity with RESTful API Design
RESTful API development is one of the central tasks in MERN applications. A strong candidate should understand HTTP methods and status codes. Moreover, should be able to do routing and how to structure endpoint logic. Furthermore, they should also be skilled at creating secure APIs that handle authentication and rate limiting.
Deployment and DevOps Knowledge
Developers should have experience in deploying MERN apps to cloud platforms like AWS. Moreover, they should know how to use tools like Docker and environment variables. Furthermore, they should be familiar with monitoring tools to ensure smooth releases and post deployment stability.
Debugging Abilities
You should look for developers who exhibit strong analytical thinking and a proactive approach to solving problems. Furthermore, they should be able to trace errors and interpret logs. Also, they should have experience with debugging tools and optimize code without excessive guidance.
Communication Skills
Several stakeholders must frequently work together on MERN stack initiatives. A competent MERN stack developer should thus have outstanding communication skills and be open to criticism. They should also be able to work well in agile and cross functional teams.
How to Interview MERN Stack Developers?
Portfolio Review
Before conducting an interview, you should evaluate the candidate’s portfolio. Moreover, you should look for developers with full stack experience. Moreover, you can examine GitHub repositories or deployed applications to understand the depth and consistency of their skills. Also, you should pay attention to real world experience and clean coding practices.
Conduct a Technical Screening
After reviewing a candidate’s portfolio, you should conduct a technical screening. You can ask questions to asses their understanding of the MERN stack and JavaScript fundamentals. This screening can help you gauge their communication skills and their experience working with each part of the stack.
Assign a Coding Task
Furthermore, you can assign a coding task to effectively evaluate a MERN stack developer’s abilities. Moreover, the task should be realistic and should focus on problem solving. For example, you can have them build a small CRUD app using React and Express, connected to a MongoDB database.
Conduct an In depth Technical Interview
Next, you should conduct an exhaustive technical interview. You can ask them to walk through their thought process and all the coding decisions they make. Also, you can tell them about the component architecture in React. Moreover, you ask them about backend routing logic and API structure. Furthermore, MongoDB schema design is another topic you should have a discussion. Additionally, you should ask them about authentication methods and security best practices.
Asses Debugging Skills
You should also asses a candidate’s debugging skills. These tests can help you evaluate how a candidate identifies and fixes bugs or refactors inefficient code. Moreover, you can get insight into their logical thinking and familiarity with debugging tools.
Evaluate Soft Skills
The next step is to evaluate their soft skills. Ask questions to asses their ability to communicate with team members and adapt to feedback. Find out how they approach learning new technologies or frameworks and work within agile teams.
Final Words
When you consider hiring MERN stack developers, it demands a strategic approach to assessing experience and communication. Also, you should understand why these technologies work well together. Furthermore, you should completely understand the skills to look for in candidates, which can help you build high performing and scalable applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can MERN stack developers handle mobile app development?
The MERN stack is primarily used for web app development. Nonetheless, cross platform mobile apps can also be effectively created by MERN developers who are conversant with React Native.
How long does it take to build an app with the MERN stack?
The timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the project. But it typically takes 4 to 12 weeks for MVPs or small to mid sized applications.
Do MERN stack developers also manage deployment?
Yes, MERN stack developers can also manage deployment. They use tools like Docker and cloud platforms like AWS to ensure continuous deployment.
Is continuous maintenance included when hiring MERN developers?
It depends on the engagement model. Most MERN developers do provide continuous maintenance services.
What are the security considerations for MERN stack apps?
MERN developers should be able to implement input validation. Also, they should be able to handle HTTPS and authentication. Also, they should be able to build secure APIs to protect against common vulnerabilities.
