All You Want to Know about MERN Stack Technology in Blockchain Development

Mathibharathi Mariselvan
6 min readAug 26, 2020

--

Technology is a never-ending process. The technology we use today will be outdated the next day. It is magic. Yes, as per the words of Arthur C Clark, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” So, it is more crucial to know about the technology upgrades to stand out in the competition.

There are different ways to improve the technology. But stack technology up-gradation is a completely different process. It is a sublimation of three to four technology tools to improvise the application software. In this blog, we can get to know about the MERN technology stack and its application in blockchain development.

What is a Technology stack?

A technology stack is an ecosystem of data technology solutions that you can use to function and improvise the entire software. It is a combination of framework and script languages to create well-developed software. A specific technology stack is chosen for specific functioning software. But, the thing that gives significance to the technology stack is that they are hard to hack. Technology stacks are a collaboration of multiple technology tools which makes it rare for hackers as they would have expertise in hacking individual tools. As per the words of John Macfee “ Hackers rarely have the full knowledge of the technology stack of a target”.

Why do you require a Technology Stack?

Apart from the Hacking stuff, there are other benefits that you can enjoy if you use the technology stack.

  • The performance of your software will be firm and effective if you use stack technology. It can function without any interruptions or technical hassles.
  • The developer will find it easier to manage the stack technology than independent tools. The coding is easy to develop.
  • It will reduce the maintenance expenses as the stack technology works interdependently. So, the right codebase can prevent all sorts of petty and unnecessary expenses providing a completely reliable application functioning.
  • Despite taking a long time, the coding and construction of the software using a Technology stack are more effective and difficult to hack.
  • It is easier to fix bugs or technical glitches as the stack technology documents each and every function.

MERN Technology stack and its usage in Blockchain development:

MERN is one kind of technology stack that is used in a wide variety of use cases including blockchain and cryptocurrency trading software. The MERN stack helps you to construct a three-tier website or application using script languages like Javascript and JSON. If

Mern Stack comprises four technology tools — Mongo DB, Express.js, React.js, and Node.js.

MongoDB is a document database. Express.js is a web framework of Node.js, and Node js is the javascript web server and React.js is the client-side framework. Let us know about each technology tool in brief:

MongoDB - MongoDB is a technology platform that works on NoSQL framework databases. It is known for its high volume of data storage efficiency. MongoDB differs from other similar database technologies as it uses documents and the collection of data instead of the traditional way of relational databases. MongoDB collects documents and segregates them in different collections. So, each database contains different collections and documents.

This is similar to the blockchain concept of storing different information in different blocks. So, if you want to have a database with perfect scalability and flexibility for your website application, you need to choose MongoDB. Blockchain needs MongoDB as it deals with a high amount of data storage and ledger formalities.

Express.js — It is a website application framework for the js webserver “node.js” You can use this javascript for template languages like Jade, EJS, etc. It is a backend application that helps you in various applications like routing, and handling the requests in the website and views. It is used with Node.js as you need not repeat the coding again and again but using the core modules. For instance, you need not re-deploy certain things like cookies, and payload if you integrate Express.js with Node.js. Many Node.js frameworks are built on the Express.js platform only. Blockchain needs routing and needs to connect with targeted servers for sharing information securely.

React.js — You cannot have a structural user interface without React.js. It was introduced by Facebook in 2013, three years after Google came up with AngularJS. But, React.js stands out as the best one compared to AngularJS. One of the prime advantages of React.js is its simple design features that combine Javascript and HTML. It is faster and more efficient as it is inducted with virtual DOM implementation and optimization techniques. It helps to modulate the design and reuse the code so that the app can be easily built upon. React.js is used in several blockchain development software and in cryptocurrency trading platforms like Binance, Coinbase, etc.

Node.js — Node.js is a server-side script in which the script is written by JavaScript outside the website server. It is an open-source platform that runs the scripts to produce a dynamic web page. It is used to determine the scalability and flexibility of the website applications and in many input or output operations. Node.js can help developers develop event-driven programming in which they can create scalability servers without threading. Express.js, a website application framework, works with Node.js to create certain features like Eventloop, cookies management, etc.

These four technologies together constitute a stacking technology that can provide an advanced technology feature to the website or application. But there are certain differences between the MERN and MEAN. Logically speaking, MERN is similar to MEAN other than the UI framework — React.js instead of AngularJS. They are free and open-source and have community developers and an expert team to craft technology streams. The significance of MERN over MEAN is that they support MVC architecture and pre-built extensive testing tools. If you are developing a codebase for social media websites and content management systems, then you should definitely need MERN.

How Does the MERN stack work?

It works on a three-tier architectural pattern. It is divided into three phases — client-side, server-side, and database. The Client-side is front-end development and the server-side is backend development. The user operates the front-end tool React.js which is supported and managed by the backend server Express.js and Node.js. If there is any need for any data change or management, Node.js will revert the information to the MongoDB database. MongoDB will gather the data change request and send it to the backend server which in turn will reflect in the frontend used by the user. This will run within a fraction of a second. So, all three tiers are interdependent for running a faster and more efficient website or application.

MERN Stack in Blockchain functioning:

It is similar to the normal website function. The user who uses the blockchain will get access through the client-side server and tNode.js and Express.js will run the codebase for operation. If the user needs to access protected information, then the MongoDB database will need the private key and digital signature to access the information. After confirmation, the information of that particular block will be accessed by the user through Node.js to React.js.

This is the brief about the MERN stack technology in blockchain development.

Final Thoughts

This is just a brief about the MERN Stack Technology I have got for you. If you still have doubts about MERN Stack technology functioning in blockchain development, you can approach a popular Blockchain Development Company to understand more. Their vast knowledge can be helpful in solving a number of problems. Remember, choosing MERN Stack technology is a wise choice during blockchain development.

--

--

Mathibharathi Mariselvan
Mathibharathi Mariselvan

Written by Mathibharathi Mariselvan

Co-Founder and Director - Pixel Web Solutions Helping blockchain startups bring ideas to life.

No responses yet