Complete MERN Stack Roadmap for 2026

The MERN stack remains one of the most popular choices for building web applications. It's JavaScript all the way down, making it easy to learn and versatile to use.

1. Foundation

Start with HTML, CSS, and modern JavaScript (ES6+). Understanding the basics is crucial before jumping into frameworks.

2. Frontend with React

Learn components, props, state, and hooks. Then, level up with Next.js for routing and server-side rendering.

3. Backend with Node & Express

Learn how to build RESTful APIs, handle JSON data, and manage authentication.

4. Database with MongoDB

Understand NoSQL databases, schema design with Mongoose, and data aggregation.