IntermediateBackend Development12 weeks

Complete Node.js & Express.js Course

Master Node.js and Express.js from scratch. Build real-world applications, APIs, and deploy to production.

Instructor: julekgwa
Published: 8/3/2025
Free

Complete Node.js & Express.js Course

Welcome to the most comprehensive Node.js and Express.js course! This course is designed to take you from a beginner to an advanced developer capable of building production-ready applications.

What You'll Build

Throughout this course, you'll build several real-world projects:

1. Task Management API

  • RESTful API with full CRUD operations
  • User authentication and authorization
  • Database integration with MongoDB

2. E-commerce Backend

  • Product catalog management
  • Shopping cart functionality
  • Payment integration
  • Order management system

3. Real-time Chat Application

  • WebSocket implementation
  • Real-time messaging
  • User presence indicators
  • File sharing capabilities

Course Structure

This course is structured in a progressive manner, starting with the fundamentals and gradually building up to advanced concepts.

Week 1-2: Node.js Foundations

We'll start by understanding what Node.js is and how it differs from traditional server-side technologies.

// Your first Node.js server
const http = require('http');
 
const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.writeHead(200, { 'Content-Type': 'text/plain' });
  res.end('Hello, Node.js!');
});
 
server.listen(3000, () => {
  console.log('Server running on port 3000');
});

Week 3-5: Express.js Mastery

Express.js makes building web applications and APIs much easier and more organized.

const express = require('express');
const app = express();
 
// Middleware
app.use(express.json());
 
// Routes
app.get('/api/users', (req, res) => {
  res.json({ message: 'Getting all users' });
});
 
app.listen(3000, () => {
  console.log('Express server running on port 3000');
});

Prerequisites

Before starting this course, make sure you have:

  • JavaScript Fundamentals: Understanding of variables, functions, objects, arrays, and ES6+ features
  • Basic Web Development: Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and how web applications work
  • Command Line Basics: Comfortable using terminal/command prompt
  • Git Basics: Understanding of version control (optional but recommended)

Tools You'll Need

  • Node.js (v18 or higher)
  • Code Editor (VS Code recommended)
  • Database Tools (MongoDB Compass, pgAdmin)
  • API Testing Tool (Postman or Thunder Client)

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

  1. Build Scalable APIs: Create robust RESTful APIs that can handle thousands of requests
  2. Database Management: Work confidently with both SQL and NoSQL databases
  3. Security Implementation: Implement proper authentication, authorization, and security measures
  4. Testing: Write comprehensive tests for your applications
  5. Deployment: Deploy your applications to various cloud platforms
  6. Performance Optimization: Optimize your applications for speed and efficiency

Support and Community

  • Discord Community: Join our active community of learners
  • Office Hours: Weekly Q&A sessions with the instructor
  • Code Reviews: Get feedback on your projects
  • Lifetime Access: Access to all course materials and updates

Get Started

Ready to begin your Node.js journey? Let's start with setting up your development environment and writing your first Node.js application!

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course and all projects, you'll receive a certificate of completion that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume.


This course is regularly updated to include the latest Node.js and Express.js features and best practices.

What You'll Learn

  • Build REST APIs with Express.js
  • Work with databases (MongoDB & PostgreSQL)
  • Implement authentication and authorization
  • Deploy applications to production
  • Test your applications
  • Handle file uploads and processing

Prerequisites

  • Basic JavaScript knowledge
  • Understanding of HTML/CSS
  • Familiarity with command line

Course Modules

Introduction to Node.js

2 weeks

  • What is Node.js and why use it?
  • Setting up your development environment
  • Understanding the Node.js runtime
  • Working with modules and npm

Express.js Fundamentals

3 weeks

  • Introduction to Express.js
  • Routing and middleware
  • Request and response objects
  • Error handling

Database Integration

3 weeks

  • Working with MongoDB
  • Using Mongoose ODM
  • PostgreSQL with Sequelize
  • Database design patterns

Authentication & Security

2 weeks

  • JWT authentication
  • Password hashing
  • Security best practices
  • Rate limiting and CORS

Testing & Deployment

2 weeks

  • Unit and integration testing
  • Deployment strategies
  • CI/CD pipelines
  • Monitoring and logging

Tags

Node.jsExpress.jsJavaScriptBackendAPIDatabase