Building RESTful APIs Using Node.js and Express

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/building-restful-apis-using-nodejs-and-express

Introduction

### Course Review: Building RESTful APIs Using Node.js and Express In the fast-evolving landscape of web development, proficiency in creating RESTful APIs has become an essential skill for backend developers. The **Building RESTful APIs Using Node.js and Express** course on Coursera is a comprehensive program designed for both novices and those looking to enhance their skill set in backend development. This course not only addresses the theoretical aspects but also emphasizes practical applications, making it an excellent choice for aspiring developers. #### Course Overview REST APIs, or Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interfaces, provide a flexible and efficient way to integrate applications, especially in distributed systems. Given their widespread use, understanding how to build and document REST APIs is crucial for any backend developer. This course focuses on providing participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to construct REST APIs effectively. It covers a range of important topics and technologies, guiding learners through the process from the ground up. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Documenting and Building REST APIs using Vanilla Node.js** This section lays the groundwork for understanding REST APIs. The course introduces participants to the fundamentals of building REST APIs using Vanilla Node.js. It emphasizes a lightweight approach, making it easier for developers to grasp the core principles of RESTful design. By the end of this learning sprint, learners will be equipped with the skills to create simple yet effective REST APIs without relying on external frameworks. 2. **Building REST APIs using ExpressJS** ExpressJS is a well-respected framework within the Node.js ecosystem, known for its efficiency and flexibility. This part of the course delves into using ExpressJS to build RESTful services that can easily handle requests from the frontend. The emphasis on scaling applications highlights the framework's capabilities in real-world development scenarios. During this segment, participants will also learn to document their APIs using tools like Swagger, which is invaluable for maintaining clear and concise API documentation. 3. **Securing REST APIs using JSON Web Tokens and OAuth** With the increasing number of cyber threats, ensuring the security of web applications has become paramount. This section tackles the crucial topic of securing REST APIs. Students will learn about JSON Web Tokens (JWT) and OAuth2, exploring how to implement these security measures to protect sensitive information. The focus on authorization with external APIs is particularly relevant for developers integrating third-party services into their applications. #### Recommendations If you are passionate about backend development and wish to expand your skill set, the **Building RESTful APIs Using Node.js and Express** course is highly recommended. It is ideal for both beginners and intermediate developers looking to solidify their knowledge in creating and securing REST APIs. The course's structured approach, combined with practical applications, ensures that participants can implement what they learn directly into their projects. Additionally, the inclusion of popular tools and frameworks such as ExpressJS and Swagger not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students for real-world challenges in the development landscape. ### Final Thoughts This Coursera course offers a strong foundation for anyone interested in backend development, particularly in the area of API creation and management. Its focus on practicality, security, and documentation makes it a standout choice for learners eager to adapt to modern web standards. Enrolling in this course will undoubtedly equip you with the necessary skills to build and document robust REST APIs, setting a solid groundwork for further advancement in your technological journey.

Syllabus

Documenting and Building REST API's using Vanilla Node.js

For newly emerged technologies, REST APIs offer a flexible, lightweight process to integrate applications. These API's have emerged as the most common method used for connecting components of the distributed system. For a backend developer building REST APIs is one of the basic requirements. The skills acquired in this learning sprint will enable you to build REST APIs using Vanilla JS.

ExpressJS is one of the best backend development JavaScript Framework. It is primarily used of creating Restful API’s that accept request from frontend and send appropriate responses. With ExpressJS you will be able to scale your application quickly. This learning sprint will enable you to build REST APIs using Express JS and document the REST API using tools like Swagger.

Every day millions of users put out sensitive information on the internet. Keeping this information safe is one of the biggest challenges faced by the developers. For a developer, it is crucial to build secure applications. It is important to secure REST API with basic authentication using JWT or JSON Web Tokens. In this learning sprint, you will learn to authorize applications with external APIs using OAUTH2.