MERN Stack Development Services – 5 Things You Must Know

The demand for MERN stack development services is constantly on the rise. Especially as organizations discover the advantages of scalable, interactive web applications – be they simple websites or complex enterprise systems.  

If you’re wondering why MERN has such a high appeal, the following lines will explain everything you need to know. And more.

1) What MERN Stack Development is All About

MERN stack development services entail the use of four technologies to build modern, responsive, and efficient web applications. 

1. MongoDB – This is a NoSQL database that stores data in a flexible, JSON-like format. This makes it well-suited for handling unstructured or semi-structured data.
2. Express.js – A back-end web application framework for Node.js, it simplifies the process of building robust and scalable web applications by providing a range of features and tools.
3. React – React is a JavaScript library for building user interfaces. It allows developers to create interactive and dynamic front-end components, making it a key player in single-page applications (SPAs).
4. Node.js – This is a server-side JavaScript runtime environment that allows developers to execute JavaScript code on the server. It’s commonly used for building server-side applications and APIs. (More details)

Together, these technologies enable developers to build full-stack web applications where MongoDB serves as the database.

Meanwhile, Express.js handles server-side logic, React handles the front-end user interface, and Node.js facilitates server-side scripting.

2) The Advantages of MERN Stack Development Services

There are many reasons that make MERN a popular choice for web application development. However, here are the top benefits it has to offer.  

MERN delivers the strengths of JavaScript

MERN is entirely based on JavaScript, which means developers can use JavaScript for both the front-end (React) and back-end (Node.js).

This results in code reusability and consistency, making it easier to maintain and streamline the development process.

MERN stack development services are quicker

The MERN stack is known for its rapid development capabilities. React’s component-based architecture enables the creation of reusable UI components, reducing development time.

Meanwhile, Node.js and Express provide a straightforward and flexible server-side framework for building APIs and handling requests.

You can develop Real-time applications efficiently

With its non-blocking, event-driven architecture, Node.js is well-suited for real-time applications like chat applications or live dashboards.

The technology effectively handles concurrent connections and data updates, making it ideal for modern, dynamic web applications.

Cross-platform development is quite easy with MERN

If you need your app to run on different platforms, MERN development is a great idea.

React Native, which is a framework built on React, allows developers to build applications that run on iOS and Android using the same codebase.

This compatibility can save time and resources, making the overall development process cost-effective.

MERN stack development services offer scalability and flexibility

If scalability and flexibility are a must for you, MERN is perfect.

MongoDB offers horizontal scalability, allowing your apps to accommodate growing amounts of data and traffic.

Similarly, Node.js and Express can handle a large number of simultaneous connections. Therefore, MERN is suitable for scaling up as your application grows.

MongoDB is also responsible for MERN apps’ flexibility through its schema-less structure.

Therefore, you can adapt your data structure easily without extensive schema migrations. This, in turn, is beneficial in Agile development environments.

Performance is a given in MERN applications

Choosing MERN stack development services for your next web app ensures its performance.

Node.js’ lightweight and efficient architecture allows it to handle a high number of concurrent connections with low resource usage.

Also, React’s virtual DOM improves front-end rendering performance by minimizing DOM manipulation. This, in turn, ensures faster UI updates.

Your applications enjoy higher security if configured right

The right MERN stack development services provider can maximize the security of your apps.

There are numerous libraries and frameworks that developers can combine with security best practices to ensure authentication, authorization, and data validation.

The app’s SEO won’t be a challenge for you

SEO is vital for web apps because it improves online visibility, drives organic traffic, and expands your user base. This, in turn, leads to increased brand awareness, user engagement, and potential conversions.

While single-page applications (SPAs) built with React may initially face SEO challenges, server-side rendering (SSR) and tools like Next.js can counter this issue.

SSR allows search engines to crawl and index your content, making MERN stack applications SEO-friendly.

3) MERN Development Limitations You Should Keep in Mind

Unfortunately, many MERN stack development services don’t share our commitment to transparency. So, you may not discover some of the tech stack’s limitations early on.

With that in mind, here are the limitations you should be aware of:

• While Node.js helps with real-time applications, building complex real-time features can still be a challenge without additional libraries or frameworks.
• Improper architecture or database design can lead to performance bottlenecks in large-scale applications.
• Developers need to be thorough when it comes to security. Otherwise, they risk vulnerabilities like data breaches or unauthorized access.
• Deploying a MERN app is relatively more complicated than traditional stacks. That’s because it involves setting up and configuring different components and services.
• Node.js applications can be more resource-intensive than some other server-side technologies. Without the right team guiding you, you may incur higher hosting costs.
• If your MongoDB’s NoSQL design isn’t well-thought of, you may face data consistency challenges when dealing with complex relationships or transactions.
• Managing dependencies across the stack’s components can be complex and demand careful version control.

Thankfully, most of these can be avoided with a tech partner with your best interest in mind. Which brings us to the fourth factor you should know.

4) How to Hire MERN Stack Development Services

There are certain steps you should take to select the best MERN stack development services for your next project. These steps will also ensure you don’t end up spending more time and money. So, here goes.

Step 1) Define your project and its requirements

Clearly outline your project’s objectives, scope, and requirements. This will make it easier to communicate your needs to potential development companies.

Some of the aspects to cover in the scope are:

• The purpose of the application
• Features and functionalities
• Design preferences (if any)
• Project’s budget and timeline

Step 2) Decide on a hiring strategy

Before hunting for MERN stack development services providers, you should decide which of the following strategies is best for you.

• Outsourcing – Outsourcing can be a great option if you’re hiring MERN stack development services on a project basis. You get to avoid HR overhead, cost of equipment, and other expenses. This strategy also allows you access to the latest technology while reducing recruitment time.
• Staff Augmentation – If you’d rather not hire a whole team or in-house, staff augmentation is your best bet. The developers will become an extension of your own team at a cost-effective price.

Step 3) Start looking for potential tech partners

You can now start looking for MERN development teams. You can search online, ask for referrals from your network, or check review sites such as Clutch.

Here are some factors to help you decide who’ll work with you –

• A strong track record of MERN stack development
• Technical expertise
• Previous experience with companies in your industry
• Effective communication skills
• References
• Expected timeline
• Support and maintenance services
• Innovation
• Value for money

Step 4) Iron out legal considerations

To formalize your partnership, you need to address legal considerations. So, get the contracts and agreements ready, preferably with the help of legal counsel.

You should also discuss the project’s intellectual property as well as implement confidentiality agreements.

5) Your MERN Stack Development Services Provider is Already Close

In fact, you’re on its page right now.

DPL has established a strong reputation in the global IT industry with its MERN stack development services. You can check out our portfolio and case study for details.

Or simply connect with us via the form below so we can start working on your next hit web application.