How to Learn MERN Stack Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning the MERN stack is no different. MERN is used to build full stack web infrastructure using only JavaScript. These frameworks allow skilled JavaScript programmers to build front end, back end, and database functionalities into complex web applications. If you’ve always wanted to learn the MERN stack, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your options are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you. 

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.

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. 

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.

Free Intro 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.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

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.

Tips to Succeed when Learning the MERN Stack Online

Moving to an online learning environment may be full of unexpected challenges for some students. It can be a difficult transition for students who don’t prepare themselves for the new learning setup. This isn’t to say that students shouldn’t enroll in online classes, but students should be aware of the differences between online and in-person learning so that they can prepare themselves to succeed online.

The most significant difference between in-person and online learning is the lack of dedicated classroom space. Students often underestimate how important the classroom design is to their learning, as it is built to direct students' attention toward their instructor and minimize the impact of outside distractions. Students learning from their home workstations won’t have this advantage, and they will need to gauge how much work they need to do to ensure that they aren’t becoming distracted by their surroundings. This may be as simple as making sure that windows are closed and roommates know you are in a class, or it may be as complicated as finding someone to take care of a child.

In addition to dealing with external distractions, students will need to ensure they resist internal distractions. Studies frequently show that students are far worse at multitasking than they think. This can be a major problem for students who cause themselves problems by trying to do other things during their online lessons. Students will need to honestly self-assess how likely they are to try and do multiple things during their online training.

Finally, students enrolling in on-demand courses (and even some live online classes) will need to prepare for moments in which they need assistance but don’t have a live instructor to guide them through the process. Students will have to find alternate resources for overcoming difficulties and finding help on challenging aspects of their training. This may be difficult, as reputable, useful assistance can be hard to find without the assistance of a professional instructor.

Learn 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

• The MERN stack is a collection of JavaScript frameworks that allow users to build front end, back end, and database infrastructure for web applications.
• Online learning options are an ideal way to learn the MERN stack, with options available for both live online and on-demand training.
• Live training options are ideal for students looking for professional instruction without having to leave their home workstations.
• On-demand classes are perfect for students with inconsistent schedules or who need to learn specific skills.
• Students looking for professional, live online instruction should consult the comprehensive MERN classes available through Noble Desktop.