Best Web Application Ideas using MERN Stack
Developers prefer to use a full stack technology while trying to create web applications, as it is a one stop solution to develop, design, debug and test the application. The MERN stack is one such suite of technologies whose adoption is on the rise due to the many benefits it offers to both, businesses and the consumers. The MERN stack enables web apps to be developed quickly, whilst delivering a high performance and reducing the overall business investment in developing this application.
The MERN is made up of the following open source technologies: MongoDB, Express.JS, React.JS and Node.JS. Let’s take a brief look at the technologies along with the benefits they hold.
#1 MongoDB
- MongoDb is a noSQL database that indexes and queries documents using JSON
- Documents of any size and type can be stored in this database as MongoDB is schema less
- MongoDB supports the concept of ‘Sharding’, where data is replicated across multiple servers to avoid a single point of failure
- MongoDB can scale horizontally as the load on the database increases
- There is a huge community backing this technology, where developers can find quick responses to any queries/bugs/problems they face while developing the application
#2 Express.JS
- Express is a JavaScript server-side web application framework used for backend development
- Express is known for its minimal architecture that can create robust APIs
- Express supports code reusability. The code written in one part of the application can be reused again- thereby reducing the development time.
#3 React.JS
- React is a JavaScript library developed by Facebook and known for creating easy to navigate user interfaces in single page applications
- React supports code reusability, where the code written in one part of the application can be reused again- greatly reducing the development effort
- React uses the concept of creating a virtual ‘Document Object Model’ (DOM) which is a copy of the original DOM. When a change has to be made in the code, it is done in the virtual DOM. This change is then replicated on the original DOM. This is done to avoid the unnecessary load required to refresh the entire page when a single change is made.
#3 Node.JS
- Node.JS is built on Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine and is known for its ability to build scalable network applications
- Node.JS uses a non-blocking, I/O model that increases CPU performance
- Node.JS has the ability to handle multiple requests and cater to prompt code execution
Top 5 Web Application Ideas Using the MERN Stack
Let’s take a look at some popular web application ideas that can be created using the MERN Stack.
#1 e-commerce Store
Every business needs an online presence. This not only helps them gain exposure among a bigger customer base, but also helps them expand their channels of revenue. A reliable suite of technologies can ensure that the store functions seamlessly, without any performance glitches. A MERN stack is a perfect fit to build an e-commerce application as the load of increasing traffic can be easily managed by MongoDB in the backend. Node.JS and Express.JS can help in maintaining a good performance.
#2 Social Networking Applications
You can build a social media application specific to a particular topic to spread brand awareness. For instance, if you are a small business dealing with selling thrifted clothes, you can start a social media application to connect with like minded people. You can showcase your products, post and reshare pictures, read comments on what your audience is saying and establish a firm footing in the retail industry. React.JS can help you have a clean UI, while MongoDB can manage the media storage load on the application.
#3 Game Application
Just like whatsapp, you can create a game application to enable people from different parts of the globe to connect and play. A MERN stack can enable you to introduce advanced features like private game/chat rooms, one-to-one chat, group chat creation, media sharing, live competition streaming, game participation and much more. Express.JS can help in creating robust APIs for a seamless communication between two end points, while Node.JS can be used to optimize application performance. React.JS can create a simple and engaging UI, while MongoDB bears the brunt of the data being exchanged on the platform (game scores, game position, chat messages, media elements, etc.)
#4 Entertainment Application
Wouldn’t it be great if customers can view current events happening in their city using a single mobile application? The application can be updated in real-time regarding different events in the city, movies playing at different theaters, re-creation activities being held for various age groups and much more- on a daily or even hourly basis! Users can also view trailers and previews of upcoming shows to increase their anticipation. They can view reviews and ratings and check out user experiences before proceeding to book a slot for their own entertainment activity, To power such an application that can host such a volume of data as well as be updated in real time- the MERN stack is the best option. While MongoDB can scale on the go, React can be used to create a clean UI- displaying only the required data as per the user’s search criteria. Express and Node can be used to ensure the application does not lag providing optimal performance.
#5 Sports Application
An application to live stream sports and tournaments happening world-wide is bound to be a hit among the audience. Customers can login to the application, choose a sport of choice and watch live streams or archives of past tournaments. They can live chat with fellow fans and even purchase official player merchandise- all from a single web application. The MERN stack technologies are a perfect fit for such an application that has a chance to lag when live streams go on. These technologies will ensure the user has the best viewing experience at any time of the day. Additionally, since the MERN can be connected to the cloud, the archives of tournaments can be safely saved and accessed using the advantages of the cloud.
Final Thoughts
The MERN stack has innumerable benefits that can help any business grow and thrive. Not only are the technologies easy to learn and adapt to (thanks to the backing provided by Javascript), but also, all the technologies in this stack are completely open source! This means that your business does not have to worry about licensing issues. Additionally, you only need to hire developers proficient in JavaScript. These developers can work in all the stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC)- right from web application development to testing and debugging. You do not have to worry about hiring and training individuals for separate stages of the development process. The MERN stack can enable developers to create the front-end, back-end as well as the middleware of the application without having to search for compatible technologies and spend time resolving bugs that occur due to the same.
To create a robust web application powered by MERN, you need a team of experts that are proficient in the suite of technologies and can cater to custom application development to help your vision come to reality. FargoWiz team of experts can be your one stop solution for all this technology. For more information on how FargoWiz can help your business grow, visit our website at www.fargowiz.com.
