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Building MERN application

Introduction

Overview of the MERN Stack

The MERN stack is a good mix of strong technologies designed to bootstrap modern web apps. Its components work together seamlessly, providing developers with an efficient full-stack solution:

  1. MongoDB: A flexible schema-less, JSON-like document for easy scalability and easy data manipulation database system.
  2. Express.js:  It’s a lightweight and fast back-end web framework for Node.js to build APIs and server-side logic.
  3. React.js: It’s a frontend consisting of dynamic, interactive, reusable UI components  in a javascript library. 
  4. Node.js: It is a runtime environment for running JavaScript code on the server side, well suitable for scalable and high-performance apps.

Step-by-Step Process for Building a MERN Application

1. Start to build: We have 3 ways to start - Start with Template, Start from Scratch or Import from Swagger. We'll move forward with Start from Scratch. In addition, there’s another option, Generate with AI, which simplifies the app-building process.

2. Choose Frontend Framework : Choose any one from 6 available frontend options to build a dynamic and responsive UI. For this tutorial, let's select React Ant Design.

3. Choose back-end (Node.js) : Choose Node.js as your back-end technology to handle server-side logic.

4. Select Database (MongoDB) : Choose MongoDB to manage your application's data, ensuring scalability and flexibility.

5. Setup New Application : Provide details for your app (name, display name, tenant mode). Options include Single, Multi, Flexible, and Multi Subdomain depending on your requirements.

 6. Review Information and Complete : Review the provided information and click "Complete" to finalize the setup.

7. Add Entities : Once your project setup is complete, you will be directed to add entities to your application.

8. Use Predefined Templates or Custom Entities : Choose from predefined templates, import from Swagger, or generate templates using AI to suit your needs.

9. Apply Predefined Template : If you’re using a predefined template, apply it and customize the fields accordingly.

10. Create Custom Entity : If creating a custom entity, give it a name and submit it. A new entry will be created.

11. Add New Fields : Select the field type and add new fields to your entity as required.

12. Finalise and Move to Home Page : After finalising edits, click "I'm Done" to return to the home page. From there, preview your application and move ahead by clicking “Next”.

13. Code Generation : Click “Build Source Code” to generate your source code. Please note that code generation may take a few minutes, and entities cannot be edited afterward.

14. Build Progress : The build process will start, and you will be notified once it is complete. During this time, you can:

  • Connect to GitHub: Link your GitHub account for version control.
  • Earn Credit: Continue development by earning additional credits.
  • Refer to a Friend: Invite others and enjoy shared benefits.

15. Application Ready : Once the build is complete, your application will be ready for download. Start exploring its features.

16. View and Download Source Code : You can view the generated source code and download it for local development.

17. Preview Application : To preview your application, click on “Preview”, sign in/sign up through your email. Your application will be available for both desktop and mobile views, ensuring it meets your requirements.

Conclusion

Fab Builder finally puts MERN stack development in your hands. Following the code management, scalability and security, best practices will help developers efficiently build and deploy applications and be successful and perform long term.