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Backend Development with Node.js and Express.js
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Backend Development with Node.js and Express.js

Backend Development with Node.js and Express.js

1. Introduction
Backend Role in WebWhat is Node.js?Key Advantages of Node.js Installing Node.jsCreating Your First Node.js AppChallenge: First Node App"Introduction" Section Sum Up
2. Console Applications
OverviewWhat are Console Applications?Introduction to the FileSystemChallenge: FileSystemCommand Line Interface (CLI) AppsCommander ModuleReadline ModuleConsole App: Guessing GameWorking with DirectoriesConsole App: DirInspect Pro"Console Apps" Section Sum Up
3. Express.js Framework
OverviewRole of Express.js in Web DevelopmentHTTP RequestsSetting up an Express AppCreating RoutesTesting with PostmanMiddlewareBuilt-in MiddlewareCustom Middleware"Express.js Framework" Section Sum Up
4. Developing REST API
OverviewREST API Main ConceptsProject StructureSetting Up the Entry PointImplementing the "GET ALL POSTS" RouteImplementing the "GET POST BY ID" RouteImplementing the "CREATE POST" RouteImplementing the "UPDATE POST BY ID" RouteImplementing the "DELETE POST BY ID" RouteStarting and Testing the APIConclusion and Next Steps

bookREST API Main Concepts

Let's dive deeper into what a REST API is and how it works, since we are about to build it. Understanding these fundamental concepts will lay a solid foundation for the rest of our project.

Plan

  • 🤔 What is a REST API?
  • 🔍 Key Principles of REST;
  • 🤷‍♂️ How REST APIs Operate.

🤔 What is a REST API?

REST, or Representational State Transfer, is an architectural style for designing networked applications. REST APIs are a set of rules for creating and interacting with web services, facilitating seamless data exchange and operations across software systems.

🔍 Key Principles of REST

To grasp the essence of REST APIs, it's essential to remember these core principles:

  • Statelessness: In REST, each client and server interaction is self-contained. All the necessary information must be included in the request itself;
  • Resource-Centric: REST treats everything as a resource, uniquely identifying each resource by a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier). These resources interact through standard HTTP methods like GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE;
  • Representation: Resources in REST can have multiple representations, such as JSON or XML. This flexibility allows clients to choose their preferred format for data exchange.

🤷‍♂️ How REST APIs Operate

Now, let's take a closer look at how REST APIs operate. The process involves several key steps:

  1. Request: Clients initiate requests by providing all necessary details within each request. This includes the HTTP method, URI, and required parameters or data;
  2. Resource: The API processes the request based on the resource's unique URI. This URI serves as the address for the requested resource;
  3. HTTP Methods: Standard HTTP methods determine the operation type to perform. For example, GET is used for retrieval, POST for creation, PUT for updating, and DELETE for removal;
  4. Response: After processing the request, the server sends a response in the chosen representation format, typically JSON or XML. This response contains the requested data or confirmation of the action performed;
  5. Statelessness: REST interactions are designed to be stateless, meaning no session data is stored between requests. Each request is independent and self-sufficient.
1. What does REST stand for?
2. In REST, how are resources uniquely identified?
What does REST stand for?

What does REST stand for?

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In REST, how are resources uniquely identified?

In REST, how are resources uniquely identified?

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Section 4. Chapter 2
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