Introduction
In the current day and age, MERN stack developers are in great demand due to the popularity of the MERN stack. A compelling technology, the MERN stack is widely used for building web applications.
Companies of all sizes and industries require web developers equipped with MERN stack skills to develop and maintain their web applications. Moreover, the job of a MERN stack developer is well-paying, and they can earn even more with the right skills and experience.
What Is a MERN Stack Developer?
A MERN stack developer is a web developer who is well-versed in implementing specific technologies to create web applications for companies and organizations. The MERN stack consists of four main components:
MongoDB
MongoDB is a NoSQL document database for storing and managing data. It is very scalable and ensures excellent performance. This component uses JavaScript for coding language which is a great advantage. Other features of MongoDB include indexing, replication, etc. You can refer to a MongoDB tutorial to hone your skills.
Express
Express is a web application framework for Node.js used to build web applications' back-end. With the help of Express, single-page, multipage, and hybrid web applications can be built. This component is used to provide server-side logic for mobile and web applications, and is widely used as a result. It is extremely efficient and scalable in nature.
React
Created by software engineer Jordan Walke, React is a JavaScript library that is used to build the front end of web applications. This component is utilized to devise user interfaces, especially for a single page web application. According to a source, nearly 8700 industrialists implement React. Some popular React applications include Netflix, Instagram, Uber, Airbnb, Twitter, Uber, and Reddit. It is easy for a beginner to learn the nuances of React and create web and mobile applications with the help of this front-end framework. React ensures highly fast performance due to the immutability of the data.
NodeJS
MERN stack developers must be well-versed in this technical skill, a JavaScript runtime environment used to build the back-end of web applications. You can utilize NodeJS to devise data streaming applications, JSON APIs-based applications, and Data-Intensive Real-time Applications (DIRT). This component is comparatively easy to master as it uses JavaScript for running codes of web-based projects and multiple web and mobile applications. If you are well-versed with front-end development and possess a good command of JavaScript, you will be able to effectively learn the nuances of NodeJS.
Each of these four technologies of the MERN stack play a significant role in providing an end-to-end framework for web developers. They play a crucial role in the development process of several web applications.
Why Is MERN Stack Used for Web Development?
Here are some reasons why the MERN stack is used for web development:
It is Cost-Effective in Nature
All four technologies that form the MERN stack are built in JavaScript. Consequently, they are cost-effective, and users can get great value for money or output for the amount they pay.
It Is SEO-Friendly
In this case, search engine optimization friendly means that Google, Yahoo, and other search engines can effectively search each page on the website, comprehend and correlate the content easily with searched text and effectively index it in the database. This means websites built using the MERN stack are generally SEO-friendly.
Ensures Fast Delivery
Any web application built with the help of the MERN stack is built very fast, ensuring faster delivery to the clients.
Open Source
All four components of the MERN stack are open-source technologies. As a result, developers can get solutions to their queries effectively.
It Is Easy To Switch Between Client And Server
MERN is very simple and fast as it is written in one language. Moreover, it is also easy to switch between client and server.
What Are The Roles And Responsibilities Of A MERN Stack Developer?
The roles and responsibilities of a MERN stack developer will vary depending on the needs and wants of a specific company, project, or team they are collaborating with. However, specific typical roles and responsibilities of a MERN stack developer include the following:
Developing Web Applications With The Help Of The MERN Stack:
MERN stack developers are responsible for devising web applications with the help of the MERN stack. The four components of the MERN stack that a developer must have good knowledge of include MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js.
Devising And Maintaining The Front-End And Back-End Of Web Applications:
MERN stack developers will be responsible for building and maintaining the user interface, server-side logic, and data storage of web applications.
Teaming Up With Other Web Developers And Stakeholders:
MERN stack developers often collaborate with other developers, designers, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure that the web application meets the needs and requirements of the organization.
Coming Up With Clean And Reusable Code:
MERN stack developers are responsible for writing clean, reusable, and well-documented code that is easy to comprehend and maintain.
Carrying Out Testing And Debugging:
MERN stack developers are also tasked with testing and debugging their code to ensure it is error-free.
Staying Updated On New Technologies And Trends:
MERN stack developers must keep up with new technologies and trends in web development and implement them wherever they find appropriate.
Troubleshooting Errors:
MERN stack developers identify and solve technical problems and challenges that may come up during the development and maintenance of web applications.
How To Master MERN Stack Developer Skills?
Improving upon one's MERN stack developer skills and eventually mastering it demands consistent effort and practice. Here are ten ways to master the skills required for becoming a MERN stack developer so that you can become a seasoned professional.
Gain A Good Understanding Of The MERN Stack
Before you dive into MERN stack development, you must gain a solid understanding of each technology that is a part of the stack. Learn the basics of MongoDB, ExpressJS, ReactJS, and NodeJS. Thanks to the internet, you can now easily brush up on your MERN stack knowledge and further hone your skills with the help of tutorials available online. In addition to free videos, you can also enrol in online courses and read blog posts to gain significant knowledge and boost your understanding of the MERN stack.
Working On Projects
Building MERN stack-related projects is a surefire way to learn and hone your MERN stack skills. In addition, this experience will equip you with some much-needed practical experience and aid you in developing problem-solving skills.
You can start with simple applications that use only one technology and then gradually move on to more significant projects that integrate the other technologies.
Spend A Significant Amount Of Time Practicing Coding
It is of paramount importance to practice coding regularly so that you can master MERN stack development. One way to do this is to take up coding challenges and exercises to sharpen your coding skills and develop your problem-solving abilities.
Gain An Understanding Of Restful APIs
RESTful APIs establish communication between the front-end and back-end of web applications. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how to create and use RESTful APIs in MERN stack development. Taking online courses, enrolling in Certificate courses, and reading articles to learn more about RESTful APIs can help.
Focus On Learning The Architecture Of The MERN Stack
The architecture of the MERN stack varies from traditional web application development. Therefore, understanding how the front-end and back-end interact is crucial. Take online courses or read articles to learn more about MERN stack architecture.
Make Use Of Third-Party Libraries
There are many third-party libraries available that can help you speed up the development process. Make judicious use of libraries like Redux, Passport, and Mongoose to ensure an easier and faster web development process.
Build A Strong Portfolio
Build a strong portfolio of projects that displays your MERN stack development skills. You can include small and large applications that use different stack technologies under your portfolio. This will help you showcase your skills to potential employers or recruiters and impress them.
Take Part In Open-Source Projects
Participating in open-source projects is a fantastic way to learn valuable skills from other MERN stack developers and contribute to the community. You can look out for open-source projects that use the MERN stack and start applying your skills to contribute.
Become A Part Of Online Communities
Become a part of online communities like StackOverflow, Reddit, and GitHub. These communities serve as a great place to learn essential skills from other developers, ask questions, and get valuable feedback on your code.
Keep Up With The Latest Web Development Trends
The world of web development is undergoing constant changes. Therefore, staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the world of MERN stack development is essential. You must attend webinars, read blogs, and follow experts on social media to keep up with the latest innovations and technologies.
Becoming a MERN stack developer demands a good knowledge of each technology which makes up the stack, as well as a comprehension of how they work together. To develop MERN stack developer skills, you need to focus on learning the basics of each technology, practice building small applications, understand the architecture of the MERN stack, learn about RESTful APIs, implement best practices, use third-party libraries, build a portfolio, take part in open-source projects, join online communities, and stay updated with the latest trends.
What Is The Salary Of A MERN Stack Developer?
The salary of a MERN stack developer can vary based on experience, location, company size, and industry.
As of 2021, according to Glassdoor, a MERN stack developer in the United States earns a base salary of $92,000 per year. However, this salary can range between $65,000 to $135,000 per year based on the above mentioned factors.
In other nations, the salary range may be different due to variations in the cost of living and demand for MERN stack developers. For instance, in India, the average salary for a MERN stack developer is around INR 6-10 lakhs per year, approximately $8,000 to $14,000.
It's important to note that these salary figures are only estimates and can differ based on individual circumstances.
Conclusion
MERN stack developers are in great demand in the job market, especially in web development. This implies that a wide range of job opportunities are available, and you can earn a good salary. Therefore, becoming a MERN stack developer can be a great choice if you are interested in web development, wish to begin working on modern and versatile technology, and are looking for a career with plenty of opportunities.
FAQs
Is It A Good Idea To Become A MERN Stack Developer?
The MERN stack is a popular web development stack with components like MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js. As a result, MERN stack developers are in high demand as many organizations adopt this technology stack for their web development projects. This implies there are plenty of job opportunities available for MERN stack developers.
What Is The Future Scope Of Becoming A MERN Stack Developer?
The future scope of becoming a MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js) stack developer is very promising. It is a fast-growing technology, and as a developer, you will have the opportunity to continuously learn and grow your skills as new updates, and versions of the technology are released. In addition, the MERN stack enjoys excellent popularity among startups, and as a MERN stack developer, you can work for or even launch your startup.
What Technologies Should You Know To Become A MERN Stack Developer?
To become a good MERN stack developer, you must know technologies like MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js. In addition to having a core knowledge of these technologies, you should also know other secondary technologies like HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Git and Github, Webpack, RESTful APIs, and tools used for testing and debugging codes.