2001 Nissan Sentra Mass air flow valve.

I received a diagnosis by a mechanic, after much stalling, that my vehicle's mass air flow valve was bad and needed replacement. The cost quoted was ridiculous so I got online and purchased a cheaper non-Nissan brand, but identical, mass air flow valve and housing. Can I simply replace the valve myself to finally correct the stalling? Or does the internal computer need to be re-programmed to function with the new part? If so, how do I re-program the computer?