Are you looking to become a master of web development and create robust, scalable, and feature-rich web applications? Look no further than the MERN stack! The MERN stack is a powerful combination of MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js that can take your web development skills to the next level. In this article, I will provide a complete roadmap to guide you in your journey to becoming a pro in MERN stack.
As a beginner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of technologies and tools that are used in web development. That’s why it’s essential to have a structured approach and a roadmap to guide you. In this article, I will take you through the key technologies in the MERN stack and the steps you need to follow to become a pro.
What is MERN STACK about?
To begin with the roadmap to mastering the MERN STACK, let’s take a look at what MERN STACK really entails.
MERN stack is a popular web development stack that combines four powerful technologies: MongoDB, Express, React, and Node.js. It has gained significant traction in recent years and is now widely used by developers to build dynamic and robust web applications. The stack’s popularity is due to its ability to simplify the development process by providing developers with a full-stack solution. MERN stack developers are in high demand due to the increasing need for web applications, and the stack’s efficiency in building these applications.
In today’s digital age, web applications have become an essential component of many businesses, from startups to large corporations. As a result, there is a high demand for skilled web developers who can build and maintain these applications. MERN stack has become a popular choice for many companies, and the demand for MERN stack developers is on the rise.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a MERN stack developer in the United States is around $97,000 per year.
However, this salary can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and skills. As MERN stack continues to grow in popularity, the demand for skilled developers is expected to increase, leading to even higher salaries for those with the necessary skills.
Complete Roadmap to MERN STACK
Step 1: Learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Before diving into the MERN stack, you need to have a strong foundation in the basics of web development. This includes HTML for creating the structure of web pages, CSS for styling the pages, and JavaScript for adding interactivity and functionality to the web pages.
To learn HTML, you can start with basic tags and gradually move on to more complex ones. It’s essential to have a good understanding of semantic HTML and the box model in CSS. For JavaScript, you should learn the basics of the language, including variables, data types, functions, and control structures.
Here are some recommendable resources:
- W3Schools’ HTML Tutorial: https://www.w3schools.com/html/
- Codecademy’s HTML & CSS Course: https://www.codecademy.com/learn/learn-html-css
- Codecademy’s JavaScript Course: https://www.codecademy.com/learn/introduction-to-javascript
- Mozilla Developer Network’s JavaScript Guide: https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript/Guide
Step 2: Learn Node.js
Node.js is a JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to run JavaScript on the server-side. This technology is essential for building server-side applications and APIs with MERN stack. You should learn Node.js thoroughly, including its built-in modules, event-driven architecture, and asynchronous programming.
To get started with Node.js, you can install it on your computer and start by writing simple scripts. You should learn how to use Node.js modules, including the file system module and the HTTP module. It’s also essential to understand the event-driven architecture of Node.js and how it handles I/O operations asynchronously.
Step 3: Learn MongoDB
MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data in a JSON-like format. It is used to store data in MERN stack applications. To become a pro in MERN stack, you should learn the basics of MongoDB, including data modelling, querying, and aggregation.
To learn MongoDB, you can start by installing it on your computer and using the MongoDB shell to create databases and collections. You should learn how to create and update documents, how to query data using various operators, and how to use aggregation to perform complex queries.
Here are some recommended resources to learn from
- MongoDB’s Official Documentation: https://docs.mongodb.com/
- MongoDB University’s Free Online Courses: https://university.mongodb.com/
Step 4: Learn Express
Express is a framework for Node.js that simplifies the process of building web applications and APIs. It provides a set of tools and features that make it easier to handle HTTP requests, route requests to the appropriate controller, and manage middleware. You should learn Express and its features, including routing, middleware, and error handling.
To learn Express, you can start by creating a simple server and adding routes to handle HTTP requests. You should learn how to use middleware to handle cross-cutting concerns such as authentication and logging. It’s also essential to learn how to handle errors and return appropriate error messages to clients.
Here are some recommended resources.
- Node.js’ Official Documentation: https://nodejs.org/en/docs/
- Udemy’s The Complete Node.js Developer Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-nodejs-developer-course-2/
Step 5: Learn React
React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It allows developers to build interactive and dynamic user interfaces using reusable components. To become a pro in MERN stack, you should learn React and its concepts, including JSX, components, props, state, and lifecycle methods.
To get started with React, you can create a simple project and use the create-react-app tool to scaffold your project. You should learn how to create components, use props to pass data between components, and manage state to create dynamic user interfaces. It’s also essential to learn about React’s lifecycle methods and how to use them to optimize the performance of your applications.
Here are some recommended resources.
- React’s Official Documentation: https://reactjs.org/docs/getting-started.html
- Udemy’s React – The Complete Guide (include Hooks, React Router, Redux): https://www.udemy.com/course/react-the-complete-guide-incl-redux/
Step 6: Learn to use MERN stack together.
Once you have a good understanding of each technology in the MERN stack, it’s time to learn how to use them together to build real-world applications. Here are some tips on how to use MERN stack together:
Set up your development environment: You need to have all the tools and technologies installed on your computer before you can start building MERN stack applications. You can use tools like npm, yarn, and create-react-app to make the process easier.
Plan your project: Before starting to code, you should plan your project and decide on the features and functionality you want to include. You can use tools like Trello or Asana to create a project plan and keep track of your progress.
Build the backend: Start by building the backend of your application using Node.js, Express, and MongoDB. You should create routes for handling HTTP requests, use middleware to handle authentication and logging, and use MongoDB to store and retrieve data.
Are you thinking of some best fit beginner friendly projects to start with? Worry not! I’ve got you. Find below some best MERN STACK projects to try your hands on
Top 5 MERN STACK projects to improve your practical understanding🚀
Build the frontend: Once you have the backend in place, it’s time to build the frontend using React. You should create reusable components, use props to pass data between components, and use state to create dynamic user interfaces.
Connect the frontend and backend: To create a complete MERN stack application, you need to connect the frontend and backend. You can use Axios or Fetch to send HTTP requests from the frontend to the backend and receive data from the backend.
Test and deploy your application: Finally, you should test your application thoroughly to ensure that it works as expected. You can use tools like Jest and Enzyme to write unit tests for your components and use tools like Postman to test your backend APIs. Once you’re satisfied with your application, you can deploy it to a hosting service like Heroku or AWS.
Testing is one important aspect of your developing process. Here are some resources to guide you
- Jest’s Official Documentation: https://jestjs.io/docs/getting-started
- Enzyme’s Official Documentation: https://enzymejs.github.io/enzyme/docs/guides/jest.html
Also, here are some sites to help deploy your projects for free. Both Server and Client.
- Vercel: https://vercel.com/
- Render Cloud Application hosting: https://render.com/
- Heroku’s Official: https://devcenter.heroku.com/start
- AWS’ Official Documentation: https://aws.amazon.com/getting-started/hands-on/deploy-nodejs-web-app/
In conclusion, becoming a pro in MERN stack takes time and effort, but it’s a rewarding journey that can open new opportunities in web development. By following this roadmap and learning the key technologies in MERN stack, you can develop the skills you need to create powerful and feature-rich web applications. So, start learning and have fun building!
Happy Hacking!