How to Learn MERN Stack

The MERN stack is a compilation of different JavaScript frameworks that allow developers to build full stack web infrastructures. The stack includes React for front end development, Node.js and Express.js for back end development, and MongoDB for database organization. The number of options for learning the MERN stack might be overwhelming at first glance. There are books, video tutorials, classes, and more to choose from; it all depends on your learning style and personal preferences. 

Here, we’ll discuss the various methods of learning the MERN stack so you can decide how you’d like to get started.

What is the MERN Stack?

The MERN stack is a colloquial name given the full stack JavaScript development framework consisting of MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js. As a full stack framework, the MERN stack covers front end operations with React, server infrastructure with Express.js and Node.js, and database operations with MongoDB. MERN is quickly becoming one of the most commonly used full stack development frameworks owing to its versatility and the integration between the stack's various elements. Learning to use the MERN stack will let users build complex websites and applications.

Each aspect of the Stack serves a different function. Still, they are all built off the JavaScript programming language, meaning skilled JavaScript users can easily pick up each aspect of the stack. React is used to build client-side assets and component bundles of code that can be replicated and repurposed as developers see fit. This framework is built to improve workflow and create more dynamic single-page applications. Node.js and Express.js provide the infrastructure for programs to query and access server-side requests, allowing those applications to run JavaScript code outside a web browser. MongoDB is used for sorting, analyzing, and querying databases as part of a web application. Taken together, MERN stack training will let users design all aspects of complex web design projects.

Read more about what the MERN stack is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with the MERN Stack?

Using the MERN stack, skilled programmers can develop and maintain all aspects of a web application. Using these four JavaScript frameworks, you can build the front end, back end, and database infrastructure for complex webpages, including the increasingly in-demand single-page applications and internet-enabled devices we use daily. The more complex a web application is, the more complex its programming will need to be, and learning the MERN stack offers students an accessible way to learn full stack web development skills. Learning the MERN stack will also let users take advantage of the functionalities of each framework for their non-full stack web development projects.

The most significant advantage of learning the MERN stack is that it allows you to do full stack web development projects without combining multiple programming languages. Since MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js are all JavaScript frameworks, MERN stack training will let users build the entire infrastructure of a web application in a single programming language, JavaScript. This is ideal both for making a student’s JavaScript training more versatile and for improving workflow since developers can be confident that there won’t be any problems owing to the server and client-side elements of the application running off of different languages. MERN is an ideal skill set for users hoping to build complex, multi-functional web applications without learning multiple programming languages.

In-Person MERN Stack Training

Many students find that the best way to learn a new skill is in a live classroom environment under the supervision of an experienced instructor. These students will want to consider their options for in-person MERN stack training. These courses are taught at specialized training centers and offer all the advantages students would expect from learning in a dedicated classroom environment. Skilled instructors are on-hand to provide students with assistance. Students will be able to work alongside a cohort of like-minded colleagues, which is particularly useful when learning an advanced set of skills like the MERN stack. The drawback to these courses is that they require students to handle logistical issues, particularly the commute to the training center. On a broader level, since these classes are taught at specific training centers, students will only be able to attend the training programs they can physically reach, which can be very limiting for students outside of major cities.

Noble Desktop offers comprehensive in-person MERN stack training at their state-of-the-art training facility in Manhattan. Students taking these courses will be able to learn MERN stack skills from professional instructors in small classes, all while taking advantage of Noble’s on-site computer labs. This makes them ideal for students near the greater NYC metropolitan area who want to learn the MERN stack. Students who don’t live near Manhattan may wish to consult Noble’s Classes Near Me tool to find options in their local areas, such as Ironhack in Miami or LearningFuze in Los Angeles.

Live Online MERN Stack Training

Students who aren’t located near a training facility, who can’t commute, or who simply want to learn the MERN stack from their own workspace can explore their options for live online MERN stack classes. These courses maintain many of the important advantages of classroom instruction. Class sizes remain small and live instructors are present to provide students with feedback and assistance as challenges arise directly. While students lose out on a local cohort of fellow students, they gain the ability to work from their workstations, which can be important given that the MERN stack is a computer skills program. The major drawback to living online training is that students lose out on access to training center computer labs, which can be an issue for students who do not have access to reliable technology.

Noble offers all of its MERN classes through live online instruction. Students enrolling in these classes will still have access to Noble’s skilled instructors and benefit from the small class sizes and personalized instruction. Noble even maintains the free retake aspect in their online courses, so any student enrolled in an online MERN class can retake that class within a year for more training and hands-on experience. These courses are ideal for students who want professional MERN training but live outside the Manhattan area. 

Free Online Courses & Tutorials

Students who aren’t ready to dive into an entire MERN stack course may want to consider exploring some free introductory training options. These are well-suited to help students become more comfortable with the basics of full stack web development. They let students become accustomed to the basic features of each framework, making it easier for students to decide what kind of additional training they will want to pursue. These courses won’t replace professional skills training for students who want to use the MERN stack in a professional context, but they are a great place for any student to start.

Noble Desktop offers a wide range of free tutorials and resources for students hoping to learn the MERN stack. Over at their official YouTube page, new students can view their Intro to Full Stack with JavaScript seminar, where they can learn everything they need to know about the essential functions and common uses of MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js. This course will help students understand how these frameworks operate separately and what they can do together. This makes the course ideal for students who are confident that they want to pursue further training but aren’t sure where to begin.

Students may also wish to consider the free course offerings provided by training centers such as Udemy and Coursera. These training centers offer free resources for students interested in learning more about individual MERN stack frameworks or the MERN stack as a whole.

Read about more free MERN stack videos and online tutorials.

On-Demand MERN Stack Classes

Some students may find that they cannot enroll in a live training course because their schedules don’t allow them to attend a training course regularly. Whether this is because of work, family obligations, or other consistency issues, on-demand MERN stack courses provide a productive alternative for students. These courses let students learn at their own pace and give students increased control over the form and priorities of their training. The drawback to these courses is that without a live instructor to assist students, it is easy to become lost when dealing with complex programming frameworks like the MERN stack. This can greatly slow a student’s learning and potentially prevent them from mastering these skills entirely.

Another unique aspect of on-demand MERN stack training courses is that they are ideally suited for students with significant programming backgrounds who want to learn these skills quickly. Many live training seminars teach MERN as a part of a JavaScript curriculum, or they teach it as a complete set of skills. On-demand classes are a good place for students to target and prioritize some aspects of their training so that they can learn the skills they feel are necessary immediately, putting the others off until the time is right. For instance, students can enroll in an on-demand React class to learn the basics of React for a project while still purchasing an Express.js and Node.js training course to take up when they have the time and inclination.

Which Learning Method is Right for Me?

Students may be concerned that there are so many different MERN stack training methods that they won’t be able to find the one that is right for them. Students will have to choose the delivery method of their course and the kinds of skills that the course aims to teach, which can be overwhelming, particularly for students who aren’t used to computer programming skills training. While every student will learn differently, a few general aspects of each course can help students narrow down their training options.

Many students find the best way to learn any new skill is through live instruction. These courses are taught by expert instructors, and their guidance can be incredibly beneficial for students looking to learn complicated skills like the MERN stack. The ability to ask for assistance and feedback can alleviate many challenges of full stack development education. These courses tend to be the most expensive options, but they are also the most immersive way to receive hands-on training and improve your future earning potential.

Students enrolling in live training courses will also need to choose whether they want to learn in person at a dedicated training center or if they want to learn online from their personal workspace. While both courses offer students the chance to learn from live instructors in small classes, there are critical logistical differences to consider. Students’ options for in-person classes will be limited to those courses offered in their area, which can be restrictive for students who don’t live in a major metropolitan area. By contrast, students learning online won’t have access to a dedicated tech lab, which means that they will be in charge of acquiring and maintaining their technology, though they won’t have to worry about a commute.

Students who can’t budget time for a live training course may wish to consider an on-demand training program. These asynchronous courses are designed to give students the freedom to learn at their own pace, which can be vital for students with work or family obligations that prevent them from enrolling in a live training seminar. These courses are also ideal for students looking to prioritize specific training options in their coursework since they will be the ones who choose the kind of class that they enroll in and the pace of their training. However, students should know that since these classes don’t have live instructors, they can be somewhat challenging for students who aren’t very comfortable with JavaScript. In addition, since JavaScript frameworks are updated regularly, even reputable training providers may be working with out-of-date information in their on-demand classes.

Why Learn the MERN Stack?

Students with JavaScript training may want to learn the MERN stack to expand the kinds of web design projects they can work on. MERN is an accessible collection of frameworks that will let users begin full stack web development work. Learning these skills also helps complement existing JavaScript training as they are four of the most commonly used framework libraries for JavaScript (including 3 of the top 6 most commonly used frameworks). Even if you aren’t going to work as a Full Stack Web Developer, learning these frameworks can significantly expand the scope of the projects that you can code with JavaScript. Since this is a full stack framework, learning to use the MERN stack will allow programmers to manage both the front and back end of their web applications, making it easier to maintain them without needing to employ a team of programmers.

MERN compiles many of the most versatile and commonly used JavaScript frameworks and gives its users complete control over every aspect of web development. This makes the MERN stack an ideal place to follow up on JavaScript training. Learning any individual aspect of the MERN stack will pay immediate dividends in your web development career. You won’t have to wait until you’ve mastered all the elements of the MERN stack to use React training to build components front end web assets, nor will you need to learn MongoDB to take advantage of Expres.js and Node.js server-side development functionalities. Students can learn MERN at their own pace since the skills are complementary to one another, but once you have learned JavaScript, no single part of the MERN stack is required to start making practical designs with the other aspects of the stack.

Read more about why you should learn the MERN stack.

Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, & Cost 

The MERN stack is an advanced set of JavaScript frameworks. While they are relatively accessible for skilled programmers to learn, they are still a complex set of full stack development frameworks. Students must be very comfortable with computer programming to use the MERN stack frameworks to their fullest potential. Skilled developers will be able to master them with relative ease. Still, novice or even intermediate programmers may find that they need guided instruction and professional training to become proficient in MERN stack development.

The MERN stack represents a collection of four JavaScript frameworks utilized for full stack web development, so anyone looking to learn the MERN stack must first learn JavaScript. This is why many advanced training courses combined their MERN stack training with JavaScript training. In addition, learning JavaScript will require students to know HTML, CSS, and computer programming fundamentals. Not all training courses include all this, so students should be aware of the many prerequisite skills they will need for MERN training.

All of the MERN stack elements are open-source, meaning they are free for anyone to use. Some of the elements of completing a functional MERN stack development project will cost some money, such as hosting a website or storing MongoDB data, but the process of programming and developing the code won’t cost anything.

Read about how difficult it is to learn the MERN stack.

Learn the MERN Stack with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Students looking to master the MERN stack can turn to Noble Desktop for comprehensive skills training, regardless of their prior programming experience. These courses are taught through live online instruction or in person at Noble’s Manhattan campus. Regardless of which delivery method a student chooses, they will be taught by Noble’s experienced instructors in real-time. Students can ask questions, receive feedback, and get assistance directly from their instructors. Plus, all of Noble’s courses provide students with the chance to retake the class within one year, allowing students to receive extra instruction and more hands-on experience in all of the component frameworks that make up the MERN stack.

Students with prior coding experience who want to learn the extent of the MERN stack should consider enrolling in Noble’s JavaScript Development Certificate program. In this career-focused skills training program, students will learn how to develop web applications using JavaScript and, once comfortable with that training, will learn the functions and uses of each element of the MERN stack. By the conclusion of this class, students will be prepared to enter the workforce as JavaScript Developers. Since this is a career-focused course, students will also benefit from professionalization training seminars, including one-on-one career mentorship and portfolio-building training sessions. This course expects students to have a working knowledge of coding fundamentals and HTML and CSS, so students should consider the requirements before enrolling.

Students looking to become expert coders from scratch will instead want to look into Noble’s Full Stack Web Development Certificate. This immersive training course is designed to take students with no prior coding experience and teach them all of the elements of professional web development. MERN is a relatively advanced set of skills with many prerequisites to learn, and this course will teach students all of those prerequisites, including JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Once that training is out of the way, students will learn MERN stack frameworks and tools like Flex, Git, Virtual Studio Code, and Bootstrap. On top of this, students will also receive the same top-notch professionalization training that they can expect from any Noble certificate program, meaning they will leave the class ready to start working as Full Stack Web Developers.

Students looking for more directed training in some aspects of the MERN stack or wanting to space their training to fit their needs and schedules should explore Noble’s JavaScript classes and bootcamps. These immersive skills courses will teach students the ins and outs of the frameworks that make up the MERN stack, but they are less directly focused on helping students find new careers.

Key Insights

• MERN stack is a full stack development framework using a collection of JavaScript libraries.
• Students have a few different paths to learn the MERN stack, including live online instruction, in-person instruction, and on-demand instruction.
• Live instruction courses are ideal for students seeking guided training in the MERN stack frameworks.
• On-demand training is ideal for students who need to be able to learn on their own schedule or who need to target and prioritize a specific skill.
• Students looking for live online or in-person MERN training should consider the comprehensive training options available through Noble Desktop.