JavaScript Programming/Node.js REST API

This lesson introduces Node.js, Express.js and REST APIs.

Objectives and Skills

Objectives and skills for this lesson include:

• Understand Node.js concepts
• Understand Express.js concepts
• Use Node.js and Express.js to implement a simple REST API

Readings

1. Wikipedia: Node.js
2. Wikipedia: Express.js
3. Wikipedia: REST API

Examples

• W3Schools: Node.js Tutorial
• W3Schools: RESTful Web Services
• Hello World
• REST API

Activities

1. Install Node.js
   • Review Medium: Building a simple REST API with NodeJS and Express.
   • Download and install Node.js
   • Use a command prompt or terminal window to verify Node.js installation:
         node -v
    npm -v
2. Configure and test Express.js
   • Create a new folder for your REST server application. In that folder, run the following command to generate an Express.js template:
         npm install express-generator
   • Install Express and CORS using the following commands:
         npm install express --save
    npm install cors --save
   • Copy the Hello World example code to create a simple Express.js website.
   • Start the website using the command:
         node server.js
   • Test your server by using your web browser to navigate to:
         http://localhost:3000
3. Create a simple REST API
   • Copy the REST API example code to create a REST API website.
   • Start the website using the command:
         node server.js
   • Revise your JavaScript Programming/AJAX and JSON project to send data to your Express.js server.

Lesson Summary

• Bullet points

Key Terms

term

definition

References

← Libraries and Frameworks

JavaScript Programming