Node JS Full Course 2024 | Complete Backend Development Course | Part 1

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to guide you through the key concepts and practical skills of Node.js development as covered in the Node.js Full Course by Sangam Mukherjee. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your backend development skills, this comprehensive guide will help you understand and implement essential Node.js features.

Step 1: Install Node.js

To start using Node.js, you need to install it on your machine.

1. Visit the Node.js official website.
2. Download the LTS (Long Term Support) version for your operating system.
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
4. Verify the installation by running the following command in your terminal:

   node -v
   

   This should display the installed version of Node.js.

Step 2: Run JavaScript Files with Node.js

After installation, you can execute JavaScript files using Node.js.

1. Create a new JavaScript file (e.g., app.js).
2. Write a simple program, such as:

   console.log("Hello, Node.js!");
   

3. Open your terminal and navigate to the directory where your file is located.
4. Run the file using the command:

   node app.js
   

   You should see the output in the terminal.

Step 3: Understand the Node Module System

Node.js uses modules to organize code efficiently.

1. Create a new file to define a module, e.g., myModule.js:

   const greeting = () => {
       console.log("Hello from my module!");
   };
   module.exports = greeting;
   

2. In another file (e.g., app.js), import and use the module:

   const greet = require('./myModule');
   greet();
   

Step 4: Use NPM for Package Management

NPM (Node Package Manager) simplifies package management for Node.js applications.

1. Initialize a new project by running:

   npm init -y
   

   This creates a package.json file.
2. Install a package, for example, express, by running:

   npm install express
   

3. Check package.json to see the installed package listed under "dependencies".

Step 5: Work with Core Modules

Node.js provides several core modules essential for backend development.

1. Path Module: Use it to handle file and directory paths.

   const path = require('path');
   console.log(path.join(__dirname, 'file.txt'));
   

2. File System Module: To read and write files.

   const fs = require('fs');
   fs.writeFileSync('example.txt', 'Hello, World!');
   

3. HTTP Module: To create web servers.

   const http = require('http');
   const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
       res.writeHead(200, {'Content-Type': 'text/plain'});
       res.end('Hello, HTTP!');
   });
   server.listen(3000);
   

Step 6: Handle Asynchronous Programming

Asynchronous programming is crucial in Node.js for handling operations without blocking the execution.

1. Callbacks: A function passed as an argument to another function.

2. Promises: Use them to handle asynchronous operations more gracefully.

   const promise = new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
       // Perform async operation
       resolve("Success!");
   });
   promise.then(result => console.log(result));
   

3. Async/Await: Simplifies working with promises.

   const asyncFunction = async () => {
       const result = await promise;
       console.log(result);
   };
   asyncFunction();
   

Step 7: Build a Web Application with Express.js

Express.js is a minimal and flexible Node.js web application framework.

1. Set up a basic server:

   const express = require('express');
   const app = express();
   app.get('/', (req, res) => {
       res.send('Hello, Express!');
   });
   app.listen(3000);
   

2. Use middleware for handling requests.

Step 8: Develop RESTful APIs

Build RESTful APIs using Express.js.

1. Define routes for CRUD operations:

   app.post('/api/items', (req, res) => {
       // Code to create an item
   });
   

Step 9: Integrate with MongoDB and Mongoose

Use MongoDB for data persistence and Mongoose for schema modeling.

1. Install Mongoose:

   npm install mongoose
   

2. Connect to MongoDB:

   const mongoose = require('mongoose');
   mongoose.connect('mongodb://localhost/mydatabase', { useNewUrlParser: true, useUnifiedTopology: true });
   

Step 10: Implement Authentication and Authorization

Secure your application using JWT (JSON Web Tokens).

1. Install JWT:

   npm install jsonwebtoken
   

2. Create and verify tokens during user authentication.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you will have a solid foundation in Node.js development, covering everything from installation to building web applications and APIs. To further your learning, explore advanced topics such as GraphQL, TypeScript integration, and deployment strategies. Keep practicing by building your projects and experimenting with new features!