Node Backend Foundations
Learn how servers actually work: requests, routing, REST APIs, middleware, databases, auth, and errors -- using plain Node.js concepts.
0 of 10 lessons complete
About this course
A practical, beginner-first introduction to backend web development. You will learn what a server does under the hood, how HTTP requests and responses work, how routing and REST resources are designed, how to shape JSON APIs, how middleware chains process requests, how to validate input, how databases fit in, the basics of authentication, and how to handle errors and logging like a professional backend developer.
Syllabus
Servers, Requests, and Routing
How a server receives a request and decides what to do with it.
- What a Server Actually DoesLevel 1 · Complete beginner · Pass the quick check to continue10m
- The Request/Response CycleFinish the lesson and pass the quick check in "What a Server Actually Does" to unlock this lesson.12m
- Routing: Matching Requests to HandlersFinish the lesson, Pass the quick check and pass the coding challenge in "The Request/Response Cycle" to unlock this lesson.14m
Building JSON APIs
Designing REST resources, status codes, JSON responses, and middleware.
- REST Resources: Modeling Your APIUnlimitedFinish the lesson, Pass the quick check and pass the coding challenge in "Routing: Matching Requests to Handlers" to unlock this lesson.12m
- Choosing the Right Status CodeUnlimitedFinish the lesson, Pass the quick check and pass the coding challenge in "The Request/Response Cycle" to unlock this lesson.12m
- Shaping JSON APIsUnlimitedFinish the lesson and pass the quick check in "REST Resources: Modeling Your API" to unlock this lesson.12m
- Middleware: Chains of Request ProcessingUnlimitedFinish the lesson, Pass the quick check and pass the coding challenge in "Routing: Matching Requests to Handlers" to unlock this lesson.14m
Data, Auth, and Reliability
Validating input, talking to a database, authentication basics, and handling errors.
- Reading and Validating InputUnlimitedFinish the lesson, Pass the quick check and pass the coding challenge in "Shaping JSON APIs" to unlock this lesson.14m
- Authentication Basics: Who Is Making This Request?UnlimitedFinish the lesson, Pass the quick check and pass the coding challenge in "Middleware: Chains of Request Processing" to unlock this lesson.12m
- Connecting to a DatabaseUnlimitedFinish the lesson, Pass the quick check and pass the coding challenge in "Reading and Validating Input" to unlock this lesson.15m
- Build a Validated, Authenticated REST APIUnlimitedComplete "Connecting to a Database" to unlock this project.~6h