We usually focus on software creation when we hear about renowned development companies. What ends up happening is that we gloss over the efforts many software development companies make on Web Application Development. The new wave of shifting from a pure website to a web application format is helping developers. Can MERN stack be a viable way to get there? Let’s find out.

What is a Web Application?

A web app is essentially a mobile application but on a desktop. Like iOS and Android, web apps get built on web technologies such as HTML5 and CSS3. These technologies store and manipulate data (CRUD) when needed.  Web apps use the resources of a computer and a browser to perform tasks over the internet. However, stating such a simpler version of what web apps do might be a disservice to the technology.

Web Application Development Process

You might see various ways developers go about making web apps. The most traditional route is to utilize backend languages such as Python or Ruby for web app functionality control, HTML5 and CSS3 for frontend, and GitHub or Jenkins for DevOps. 

The other way is to use a builder as a shortcut. Web app builders such as Budibase, Adalo, DrapCode, and Shopify are some of the familiar names in the industry. These builders are perfect for someone who wants to learn to code but isn’t that efficient in the craft. Or if someone is not familiar with coding at all. No one says that you need to build web apps only if you know how to code. 

Here’s how to build a web app:

1. Have your idea validated by market research. Are people searching for the solution to a problem you think you have solved? 
2. What is the functionality of your app?
3. How will your web app look to the end-user (designing phase)?

The defining functionality part is the most crucial part of web application development. Many developers get carried away in this phase. Remember your app does not need to be a single stop-shop for everyone. Keep in mind the goal you sought out. Stick to it!

Also, during the design phase, developers spend quite a bit of time on wireframing and sketching. Once done with it (and it will not take some days only, mind you), you will go ahead with the user POV. Questions such as how to sign-up, change the password or cancel the subscription, etc., get resolved here. 

So, What is MERN Stack?

And now to the grand finale: MERN stack. MERN is an abbreviation for the following terms:

• MongoDB: a document-based open-source database with top-quality scalability and flexibility features
• Express.js: a minimalist framework for Node.js
• React:  JavaScript frontend library for user interface development
• Node.js: brings JavaScript to the server using Chrome’s V8 JavaScript Engine

Before moving ahead, you need to understand all four MongoDB, Express, React, and Native technologies necessary for Web App Development. You should also have npm installed on your system; npm stands for Node Package Manager. 

Remember that the MERN stack is identical to the traditional MEAN stack, except that MEAN uses Angular to bring the front-end web app development. MERN, on the other hand, uses React.  

Web App Development using MERN

If not, install Node.js on your system before anything else. After that, a developer will have to add the Bootstrap framework to the project. Use the import “bootstrap/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css”; command to ensure that the Bootstrap file is imported into the App.js.

Add React Router package: react-router-dom: afterward, and rearrange it by adding folders inside the root. You should also take care of the routing configuration in App.js. Build your own JSX code and see the magic unfold. 

To run your MERN web application, you need to bundle the React front-end and Node backend. You can use Webpack for this, as it is the most popular choice. Be sure to test the functionality of the app before formally launching it. 

Web App Development – In a Nutshell

We now know that web app development companies can use the MERN stack to make their browser apps. If the app demands, use CRUD operations for each React component. If you still have queries about creating a web app using the MERN stack, please consult a web development company in your vicinity.

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