The PERN stack is the all-rounder: PostgreSQL gives you a reliable and powerful database, Express handles HTTP and server-side logic elegantly, React delivers the user interface with style - and Node.js ties everything together in a smooth JavaScript flow.

Imagine building an app where you write frontend logic in React, call APIs through Express/Node, and let PostgreSQL handle complex data and transactions - all within the same language. That means fewer context switches and a more consistent development experience.

What sets PERN apart is the database: PostgreSQL brings ACID guarantees, advanced queries and strong schema capabilities, combined with modern developer ergonomics and helpful libraries. It's a practical choice when you want robust data handling without giving up a unified JavaScript stack.