Range of MERN applications

Given the unique features attributed to each technology, along with the ease of extending functionalities of this stack by integrating other technologies, the range of applications that can be built with this stack is actually quite diverse.

These days, web applications are, by default, expected to be rich client apps that are immersive, interactive, and don't fall short on performance and availability. The grouping of MERN strengths makes it perfect for developing web applications that meet these very aspects and demands.

Moreover, novel and upcoming attributes of some of these technologies, such as low-level operation manipulation with Node, large file streaming capabilities with MongoDB GridFS, and virtual reality features on the web using React 360, make it possible to build even more complex and unique applications with MERN.

It may seem reasonable to pick specific features in the MERN technologies, and argue why these don't work for certain applications. But given the versatile nature of how a MERN stack can come together and be extended; these concerns can be addressed in MERN on a case-by-case basis. In this book, we will demonstrate how to make such considerations when faced with specific requirements and demands in the application being built.

MERN applications developed in this book

To demonstrate the breadth of possibilities with MERN and how you can easily start building a web application with varying features, this book will showcase everyday use web applications alongside complex and rare web experiences:

The preceding screenshot gives a glimpse of the four different MERN applications developed in the rest of this book 

Social media platform

For the first MERN application, we will build a basic social media application inspired by Twitter and Facebook. This social media platform will implement simple features such as post sharing, liking and commenting, following friends, and an aggregated news feed.

Online marketplace

E-commerce web applications of all sorts are abundant on the internet, and these will not go out of style anytime soon. Using MERN, we will build an online marketplace application covering core aspects, such as support for seller accounts, product listings, a shopping cart for customers, and payment processing.

Media streaming application

To test out some advanced MERN capabilities, a more immersive application, such as a media streaming application, is the next pick. Inspired by features from Netflix and YouTube, this application will implement content uploading and viewing capabilities with a media content upload feature for content providers, and real-time content streaming for viewers.

VR game for the web

The release of React 360 makes it possible to apply web VR capabilities to React user interfaces. We will explore how to create rare web experiences with React 360 in MERN by putting together a basic virtual reality game application for the web. Users will be able to make and play VR games, where each game will have animated VR objects that the player can collect to complete the game.