Industry best practices for MERN Stack
be ready as a MERN developer for the industry
Hello Geeks, In this blog, I will tell you the best practices you should use as a developer when developing an app using the MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js) stack.
To write this article, I interviewed Mr. Senura Vihan Jayadeva (a professional who has been using the MERN stack for years)
This article will be a summary of that interview.
Why Should we use the MERN stack for industry applications?
“The MERN Stack is a popular choice for industry work because it uses full-stack javascript. All the technologies in the MERN stack are open source, and it offers efficient ways to build applications which can handle large amount of traffic and data”
Industry best practices for MERN stack
After the interview, I categorized those practices into three different sections.
- Best practices when file and folder creation.
- Best practices when coding.
- Best practices after coding.
Best practices for File and Folder Handling
- Proper file naming
Component-related files should match the component name, and non-component files should be named with their purpose.
2. Proper folder structure
A well-organized folder structure should be used, separating the frontend and backend. Use subfolders to separate components, pages, utilities, and API routes.
3. Use a proper architecture
Before coding, you should always find a proper architecture for your app.
4. Research about best libraries and pattern
Researching libraries and packages before creating an app can save time and add useful features. It ensures compatibility and access to developer support. You should always research your packages and libraries, which helps improve your app's performance.
Best practices when coding
- Always try to write reusable codes
Writing reusable components is crucial in creating efficient and effective user interfaces for web and mobile applications. Reusable components allow developers to save time and effort by creating a set of components that can be used across different parts of an application. This approach also promotes consistency in the application’s design, making it easier to maintain and update.
2. Use comments when needed.
When using comments, you might feel like they are useless, but it makes both you and other developers understand the code better
3. Proper error handling
Implement proper error handling for both the backend and front end. Use try-catch blocks for serverside and error boundaries for clientside.
4. Use good security practices
Always validate user inputs and implement CSRF protection
5. Use robust deployment
Always do continuous integration. Use a version control system like Git and Docker to automate the deployment process
6. Use a linter to enforce coding standards and catch errors
Best practices after coding
- Write comprehensive unit tests for both frontend and backend code.
Unit testing is essential for ensuring the quality and reliability of a MERN app. It catches bugs early, makes refactoring easier, and gives developers confidence in the app's stability.
2. UI testing
UI testing is critical for a MERN app’s success as it ensures a positive user experience and compatibility across various devices and browsers and catches regression errors. In short, UI testing can help create a polished, reliable app that meets user expectations.
3. Performance optimization
Implement performance optimization techniques and improve user experience and reduce load times.
3. Write good documentation, including API documentation, installation instructions, and usage guidelines.
Now I’m going to wind up my article. I hope you got to know some industry best practices for the MERN stack. I want to thank Mr. Senura Jayadeva for his support in writing this article. Let’s meet again for another exciting piece.
