OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
Coursera logo

Build an Online Auction Server with ExpressJS

Harrison Kong

Have you ever wanted to learn about backend (server) development and become a "full-stack" developer (someone who can do front-end and back-end development)? It is not as complicated as you think! In this 1.5 hours class, you will dive right in, learn the basics of one of the most popular web server frameworks, and write a server process to serve a simulated online auction website!

Recommended background: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, RESTful API.

Enroll now

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until March 12, 2027
Save 40% Off 3 Months
Access thousands of top-rated learning programs with a Coursera Plus monthly subscription and take 40% off 3 months for a limited time.
Take
40%
off
Get offer

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on teaching the fundamentals of back-end (server) development
Relevant to individuals aspiring to become full-stack developers
Provides hands-on practice through the creation of a simulated online auction website
Assumes learners have some background knowledge in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and RESTful APIs

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Concise expressjs backend introduction

According to learners, this course provides a concise, hands-on introduction to building an online auction server with ExpressJS. Students appreciate the focus on fundamental server concepts (like GET/POST requests and ecosystem integration) and found the practical project highly beneficial for applying knowledge. While newer reviews indicate a largely positive experience and praise its directness, some found the pacing too fast for complete beginners and wished for more advanced topics or deeper database integration. An older review pointed out outdated code and a lack of context, suggesting potential improvements have been made, as recent feedback is significantly better.
Clearly explains the core principles of server development.
"This is a great course for learning how to develop a simple server that runs on ExpressJS."
"I especially liked how the instructor explained the fundamental concepts of what a server does, how it responds to different types of requests (GET vs. POST)..."
"It's concise and gets straight to the point, which is good for a quick overview."
Offers hands-on coding experience that is directly applicable.
"The hands-on project was very helpful for solidifying my understanding."
"I was able to apply these concepts to my own projects and even started building a small e-commerce application."
"The project is a good way to see Express in action."
The fast pace may challenge complete beginners without prior backend knowledge.
"The pacing was a bit too fast for a complete beginner, and I felt I needed some prior understanding of backend concepts to fully keep up."
"I found myself constantly searching external resources because explanations felt rushed and lacked context."
Provides a basic introduction but some desire more advanced topics.
"The content feels a little basic, and I wish it covered more advanced topics or even just a brief mention of database integration beyond just the server part."
"I did find that the course could be a little more in-depth about error handling and security, but for an introduction, it's excellent."
"While good for an introduction, I would have liked more depth in areas like error handling and security."
An older review reported significant issues with outdated and non-functional code.
"This course is outdated and the code provided simply does not work."
"I spent more time debugging than learning."
"Needs a serious update."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Build an Online Auction Server with ExpressJS with these activities:
Review basic programming concepts
Strengthen your foundation by reviewing core programming concepts to ensure a solid understanding before diving into server-side development.
Browse courses on Programming Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Go through your notes or textbooks from previous programming courses
  • Solve simple coding exercises to test your understanding
Review RESTful API best practices
Review RESTful API design best practices to ensure your server-side code is well-structured and easy to maintain.
View RESTful Web APIs on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapter 2 of the book "RESTful Web Services Cookbook"
  • Summarize the key principles of RESTful API design
  • Identify common pitfalls and anti-patterns in RESTful API design
Build a simple server with Node.js and Express
Gain hands-on experience by creating a simple server using popular web development tools, Node.js and Express.
Browse courses on Node.js
Show steps
  • Install Node.js and Express.js
  • Create a new Node.js project
  • Add Express.js to your project
  • Create a simple route handler
  • Run your server and test the route
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend a workshop on server-side development
Benefit from in-person learning and networking opportunities by attending a workshop focused on server-side development.
Browse courses on Server-Side Development
Show steps
  • Research and find a workshop that aligns with your learning goals
  • Register for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate
  • Follow up with the workshop organizers or attendees to continue learning
Solve coding challenges related to server-side development
Sharpen your problem-solving skills by tackling coding challenges spezifcally designed for server-side development.
Show steps
  • Find a platform or website that offers coding challenges
  • Select challenges that are relevant to server-side development
  • Attempt to solve the challenges on your own
  • Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement
Follow tutorials on advanced server-side techniques
Expand your knowledge by exploring advanced server-side concepts and techniques through guided tutorials.
Browse courses on Serverless Architectures
Show steps
  • Identify areas where you want to improve your server-side skills
  • Search for reputable tutorials or courses on these topics
  • Follow the tutorials and implement the techniques in your own projects
Mentor a junior developer in server-side development
Enhance your own understanding and solidify your skills by mentoring a junior developer and sharing your knowledge and experience in server-side development.
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify a junior developer who is interested in learning about server-side development
  • Set up regular meetings to provide guidance and support
  • Share your knowledge and expertise in server-side development
  • Provide feedback and encouragement to help the mentee grow
Participate in a hackathon or coding competition focused on server-side development
Challenge yourself and push your limits by participating in a hackathon or coding competition where you can apply your server-side skills in a competitive environment.
Show steps
  • Find a hackathon or coding competition that aligns with your interests
  • Form a team or participate individually
  • Develop a project that showcases your server-side development skills
  • Submit your project and present it to the judges

Career center

Learners who complete Build an Online Auction Server with ExpressJS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Backend Developer
Backend Developers are responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining the server-side of applications, including databases, web services, and APIs. This course would help introduce learners to the basics of backend web development and would be helpful for Backend Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Backend Developer
Full-Stack Developer
Full Stack Developers build software and applications for a variety of clients using both front-end and back-end technologies. This course introduces learners to backend development which would help allow them to build a better foundation as a Full Stack Developer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer
IT Architect
IT Architects design and implement IT systems and infrastructure. As such, they may have knowledge about the front-end and backend of web technologies. This course would be helpful to introduce IT Architects to backend technologies and teach them how to build and maintain web services.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Architect
Product Manager
Product Managers plan and manage the development and launch of new software products and features. Product Managers often work with and oversee Web Developers, Software Engineers, Backend Developers and Quality Assurance Analysts, as well as other technology-related roles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, organize, and manage software development projects. Like Product Managers, they often work with and oversee the work of Web Developers, Software Engineers, Backend Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and other technology-related roles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Network Administrator
Network Administrators install, configure, and maintain computer networks. As such, they may need to build and maintain web services just like Web Developers, Software Engineers, Database Administrators, and Data Engineers. As such, a Network Administrator may find this course helpful in learning about backend development and building a simulated online auction website.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
Security Analyst
Security Analysts identify, assess, and mitigate security risks. As such, they may need to build and maintain web services just like Web Developers, Software Engineers, Database Administrators, and Data Engineers. As such, a Security Analyst may find this course helpful in learning about backend development and building a simulated online auction website.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. As such, they may need to build and maintain web services just like Web Developers, Software Engineers, Database Administrators, and Data Engineers. As such, a Cybersecurity Analyst may find this course helpful in learning about backend development and building a simulated online auction website.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
Software Tester
Software Testers test software systems and applications to ensure that they are working correctly. As such, they may need to build and maintain web services just like Web Developers, Software Engineers, Database Administrators, and Data Engineers. As such, a Software Tester may find this course helpful in learning about backend development and building a simulated online auction website.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Tester
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analysts ensure that software systems and applications are meeting quality standards. As such, they may need to build and maintain web services just like Web Developers, Software Engineers, Database Administrators, and Data Engineers. As such, a Quality Assurance Analyst may find this course helpful in learning about backend development and building a simulated online auction website.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators install, configure, and maintain computer systems. As such, they may need to build and maintain web services just like Web Developers, Software Engineers, Database Administrators, and Data Engineers. As such, a Systems Administrator may find this course helpful in learning about backend development and building a simulated online auction website.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. As such, they may need to build and maintain web services just like Web Developers. As such, a Software Engineer may find this course helpful in learning about backend development and building a simulated online auction website.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Database Administrator
Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. As such, they may need to build and maintain web services just like Web Developers and Software Engineers. As such, a Database Administrator may find this course helpful in learning about backend development and building a simulated online auction website.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data pipelines and data architectures. As such, they may need to build and maintain web services just like Web Developers, Software Engineers, and Database Administrators. As such, a Data Engineer may find this course helpful in learning about backend development and building a simulated online auction website.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Web Developer
A Web Developer builds and maintains websites and web applications. Web Developers would need to know how to build the backend of a website when they are creating web services. This course introduces learners to the backend of a web service and teaches you to create a server to serve web services. As such, this course may be useful to Web Developers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Build an Online Auction Server with ExpressJS.
Cover image
Express in Action
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Express.js, the web framework used in the course. It covers everything from setting up your development environment to deploying your application to production.
Express in Action: Writing, building, and testing...
Paperback
$$
Express in Action: Writing, building, and testing...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition
Save
Comprehensive and interactive introduction to JavaScript. It covers both core concepts and advanced topics such as object-oriented programming, functional programming, and event-driven programming. The interactive nature of the book makes it a great choice for self-paced learning.
Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern...
Paperback
$$
Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Web Development with Node and Express
Save
Covers the basics of Node.js, Express.js, and MongoDB, and provides a practical guide to building web applications using these technologies.
Web Development with Node and Express: Leveraging...
Paperback
$$
Web Development with Node and Express: Leveraging...
Paperback
$$
(中文) Node与Express开发 (图灵程序设计丛书) (Chinese Edition)
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Head First JavaScript Programming
Save
JavaScript is the language Node.js is written in. provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the language, covering both core concepts and advanced topics such as functional programming and event-driven programming.
Head First JavaScript Programming
Paperback
Check
Head First JavaScript Programming
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Save
Comprehensive textbook on database systems. It covers both the theoretical foundations of databases and practical aspects such as database design and implementation.
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Kindle Edition
$$$
Database Systems The Complete Book
Paperback
$$
Database Systems: The Complete Book
Hardcover
$$$$
Goal Student Access Code Card for Database Systems:...
Printed Access Code
$$
Cover image
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Save
Comprehensive textbook on computer networking. It covers both the theoretical foundations of networking and practical aspects such as network protocols and network security.
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Paperback
Check
Computer Networking [Global Edition]
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Engineering Software Products
Save
Comprehensive textbook on software engineering. It covers both the theoretical foundations of software engineering and practical aspects such as software design and development.
Engineering Software Products: An Introduction to...
Paperback
$$$
(中文) Modern Software Engineering: Facing Software...
Paperback
$$
(中文) Modern Software Engineering: Facing Software...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition
Save
Classic textbook on algorithms and data structures. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject and valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the foundations of computer science.
Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition
Hardcover
$$$$
Introduction to Algorithms, fourth edition
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Operating System Concepts
Save
Classic textbook on operating system concepts. It covers the fundamental principles of operating systems and provides a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Operating System Concepts
Paperback
Check
Operating System Concepts
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Build an Online Auction Server with ExpressJS.
Fundamentals of NuxtJS
Most relevant
App Deployment, Debugging, and Performance
Most relevant
Front-End Web UI Frameworks and Tools
Most relevant
Introduction to Web Development
Most relevant
Crafting User Interface - End to End Web Development
Most relevant
HTML, CSS and JavaScript
Most relevant
JavaScript Security Refreshers
Most relevant
Single Page Web Applications with AngularJS
Most relevant
Interactivity with JavaScript
Most relevant

Coursera Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Accredited University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

7-Day Free Trial & Free Audit

7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions; free audit option available on most individual courses to explore video lectures and readings at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Refund Guarantee

14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus subscriptions and single-course purchases prior to certificate issuance. Monthly subscriptions do not offer refunds once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Accredited university and industry certifications (e.g. Stanford, Google, IBM, Yale), secure SSL payment processing, and verifiable digital certificate links.

Key Purchase Protections
14-day refund window on annual Coursera Plus and single courses
7-day free trial on monthly Coursera Plus subscriptions
Free course audit option for lectures and readings
Verified certificates from top universities & companies
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Effort
1.5 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Coursera Project Network
Instructor
Harrison Kong
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on teaching the fundamentals of back-end (server) development
Relevant to individuals aspiring to become full-stack developers
Provides hands-on practice through the creation of a simulated online auction website
Assumes learners have some background knowledge in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and RESTful APIs
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Build an Online Auction Server with ExpressJS.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser