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Jason Song

Node.js is the environment of choice for many industries, including IT and healthcare, and is used by developers to build fast, scalable network applications.

If you know JavaScript, you can build both front-end and back-end applications using Node.js.

In this hands-on guided project, you will learn how to develop both front end and back end with JavaScript, practice front-end styling with CSS and HTML, and learn how to use npm, a JavaScript package manager. By the end of this guided project, you will have a foundation for full-stack application development.

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Node.js is the environment of choice for many industries, including IT and healthcare, and is used by developers to build fast, scalable network applications.

If you know JavaScript, you can build both front-end and back-end applications using Node.js.

In this hands-on guided project, you will learn how to develop both front end and back end with JavaScript, practice front-end styling with CSS and HTML, and learn how to use npm, a JavaScript package manager. By the end of this guided project, you will have a foundation for full-stack application development.

You’ll have access to a Cloud-based IDE that has all of the required software, including Node.js, pre-installed. All you need is a recent version of a modern web browser to complete this project.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • After completing this project, you will be able to:
  • Run a simple node.js app on your localhost
  • Use npm
  • Add styling to your app using html and css

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds a strong foundation for Node.js application development
Topics include npm, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Well-suited for beginners interested in back-end development
Taught by instructors with expertise in Node.js development
Requires only a modern web browser and an internet connection
Provides hands-on practice through guided projects

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Reviews summary

Hands-on node.js fundamentals for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a highly practical and accessible introduction to Node.js development, making it an excellent starting point for beginners. Students widely praise the hands-on, guided project format and the convenience of the pre-configured Cloud IDE, which significantly saves setup time. While it effectively covers Node.js basics and npm, some learners found the HTML/CSS styling very simple or desired more advanced topics like database integration. The course's V2 iteration is noted as more polished, though a minority of learners found certain instructions confusing or the pacing uneven.
Generally clear, but some found parts confusing.
"I found the explanations clear, and the guided project format worked well."
"The instructions are clear and easy to follow."
"I struggled with the instructions at times. They felt incomplete or assumed too much prior knowledge..."
"I found some parts a bit confusing, especially when moving between different files and understanding the overall structure without a clearer diagram."
The V2 iteration is more polished than previous versions.
"The V2 definitely feels more polished than previous versions."
"The instructions for deploying the app to IBM Cloud were a bit brief, but the core Node.js content was solid."
Ideal for those new to Node.js, providing a solid foundation.
"This course is really good for beginners looking to start with nodejs."
"Amazing for getting familiar with Node.js basics... Good for absolute beginners to web development or those new to backend."
"I've been wanting to learn Node.js for a while and this guided project made it so easy."
"This course is fantastic for getting a practical grip on Node.js fundamentals quickly. It's a perfect springboard for further learning."
Practical, step-by-step guidance with no setup required.
"The Cloud IDE is super helpful, no setup needed."
"Excellent quick project to get started with Node.js and Express. It's truly hands-on and the environment provided saves a lot of time on setup."
"I appreciated that they provide all the tools in the cloud, so I could just focus on coding."
"The hands-on approach really clicked with me. The pre-configured environment was a huge plus."
A foundational course, basic for experienced learners.
"It is a very basic course though as you don't use any database."
"It's a foundational course, so don't expect deep dives."
"The styling with CSS/HTML part felt a bit too simple and could have been expanded or made more engaging."
"The course is quite basic, good for someone with zero prior experience in Node.js. Also, I expected some database integration. It serves its purpose but lacks depth."

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 Guided Project: Build your first Node.js app V2 with these activities:
Review JavaScript basics
Refresh your understanding of JavaScript fundamentals to strengthen your foundation for Node.js, which is built on JavaScript.
Browse courses on JavaScript
Show steps
  • Review JavaScript syntax and concepts
  • Practice writing JavaScript code
Review Node.js tutorial
Start by revisiting Node.js as a refresher before diving into the course to make sure you have the appropriate foundation.
Browse courses on Node.js
Show steps
  • Search for a tutorial on Node.js basics
  • Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises
Join a Node.js study group
Collaborate with peers, discuss course topics, share insights, and work together on assignments or projects to enhance your understanding.
Browse courses on Node.js
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with other Node.js learners
  • Participate in regular study sessions
  • Collaborate on assignments and projects
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Node.js coding exercises
Complete coding drills to gain hands-on practice with Node.js and enhance your understanding of its core concepts.
Browse courses on Node.js
Show steps
  • Identify a coding exercise platform or resource
  • Select exercises appropriate for your skill level
  • Attempt the exercises and debug any errors
Node.js project
Create a practical Node.js project to consolidate your knowledge and gain experience in applying the concepts to real-world scenarios.
Browse courses on Node.js
Show steps
  • Plan and design your project
  • Develop and implement the project
  • Test and debug your application
Write a Node.js blog
Synthesize your learning by creating a blog that summarizes and explains Node.js concepts, allowing you to reinforce and deepen your understanding.
Browse courses on Node.js
Show steps
  • Choose a topic within Node.js that interests you
  • Research and gather information on the topic
  • Write a comprehensive blog post explaining the concepts
Contribute to a Node.js open-source project
Engage with the Node.js community, enhance your skills, and build a portfolio by contributing to an open-source project.
Browse courses on Node.js
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source Node.js project aligned with your interests
  • Read the project documentation and familiarize yourself with the codebase
  • Identify areas where you can contribute and submit a pull request

Career center

Learners who complete Guided Project: Build your first Node.js app V2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 43 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 Guided Project: Build your first Node.js app V2.
Is the official specification for CSS. It comprehensive reference for web developers who want to learn everything about CSS.
This comprehensive guide provides a thorough overview of CSS, covering everything from basic syntax to advanced techniques. It is an essential resource for web developers who want to master CSS and create visually stunning websites.
Provides a comprehensive overview of design patterns in Node.js, covering both fundamental and advanced patterns. It valuable resource for developers looking to improve the design and maintainability of their Node.js applications.
Focuses specifically on responsive web design using HTML5 and CSS3, a crucial contemporary topic. It's ideal for those who have a basic understanding of HTML and CSS and want to learn how to build websites that adapt to different devices. It provides practical examples and techniques for modern web development.
Offers a comprehensive introduction to Node.js, covering everything from the basics to advanced topics such as scaling and performance optimization. It great choice for developers who are new to Node.js or want to deepen their understanding of the platform.
Comprehensive guide to CSS for experienced web developers. It covers advanced topics such as CSS preprocessors, animations, and debugging.
Comprehensive guide to CSS Grid Layout. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques such as auto-placement and named areas.
Classic in the JavaScript community, and it is still one of the best books on the language. Crockford leading expert on JavaScript, and his book is full of insights and best practices.
Following the popular Head First approach, this book uses a visually rich and engaging format to make learning HTML and CSS fun and effective. It focuses on understanding the 'why' behind concepts, which is beneficial for solidifying knowledge. While not the most recent, its teaching methodology makes it a valuable resource for beginners.
Comprehensive guide to responsive web design. It covers everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques such as media queries and flexbox.
Based on the popular online guide, this book provides a structured approach to learning HTML and CSS. Shay Howe's online resources are well-regarded, suggesting this book would offer clear explanations and practical examples for beginners.
Employs a unique, interactive approach with short chapters and exercises designed for better retention. It focuses on building a strong understanding of the fundamentals of HTML and CSS. It's particularly useful for those who prefer a hands-on learning style.
A well-regarded book that provides a comprehensive introduction to web design, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It's structured like a textbook with exercises and quizzes, making it suitable for structured learning. is great for gaining a broad understanding of the web development landscape.
Known for its clear and concise style, Murach's books are often used in educational settings. provides a solid reference and training guide for HTML5 and CSS3, covering essential concepts and responsive design. It's a good resource for both learning and looking up specific topics.
A quick and accessible guide for beginners to grasp the core concepts of HTML and CSS. It provides a simplified approach to building a coding foundation and understanding responsive design. is good for a rapid introduction to the subject.
Emphasizes an interactive approach to learning HTML and CSS, likely with hands-on exercises and projects. It's good for learners who want to actively practice coding while they learn and solidify their understanding through building.
This textbook focuses on responsive web design, building upon HTML5 and CSS concepts. It's likely used in educational settings and provides a structured approach to learning how to create websites that work across various devices. It's a solid resource for a deeper dive into responsive design.
This comprehensive book aims to teach HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in a structured, time-based format. It's a valuable reference for beginners and intermediate learners looking for an all-in-one resource. While it covers a lot, the depth on HTML might be less than a dedicated HTML book.
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Great introduction to CSS for beginners. It covers the basics of CSS, as well as more advanced topics such as responsive design and media queries.
Comprehensive guide to Node.js, a popular JavaScript runtime environment. It covers all the basics, as well as more advanced topics such as scaling and testing. It's a great book for anyone who wants to learn Node.js in depth.
Fast-paced guide to JavaScript for experienced programmers. It covers all the basics, as well as more advanced topics such as closures and functional programming. It's a great book for anyone who wants to learn JavaScript quickly.
Great introduction to CSS for web designers. It covers the basics of CSS, as well as more advanced topics such as responsive design and media queries.
Collection of practical recipes for using CSS to solve common web development problems. It great resource for web developers who want to learn how to use CSS to create more effective and efficient websites.
Offers a jargon-free introduction to HTML5, covering its new features and capabilities. It's helpful for beginners who want to understand the specifics of the latest HTML standard. While it might not cover every aspect in extreme detail, it's a great guide for getting started with HTML5.
Part of the 'In Easy Steps' series, this book provides a straightforward and easy-to-follow guide to learning HTML. It's suitable for beginners and covers the essential elements of HTML. It can be a good supplementary resource for getting a clear understanding of basic HTML.
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A visually oriented guide that uses clear examples and step-by-step instructions to teach HTML5 and CSS3. It's a good resource for learners who benefit from visual aids and want a quick way to get started or reference specific tasks.
Explores performance optimization techniques for Node.js applications. It covers topics such as profiling, caching, and clustering.
Provides a visual guide to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, aiming to help users build for the web. It likely focuses on practical application and visual examples, making it suitable for beginners who prefer a visual learning style.
Explores data-intensive applications in Node.js. It covers topics such as data storage, query processing, and data analytics.
Collection of recipes for common React development tasks. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use React to build web applications in a practical way.
Comprehensive guide to JavaScript, covering all the basics for beginners. It is well-written and easy to follow, making it a great starting point for anyone who wants to learn JavaScript.
Aimed at a younger audience (ages 9-12), this book offers a fun and project-based introduction to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It's excellent for absolute beginners, including younger learners, to get hands-on experience building simple web projects.
Focuses on Node.js web development, covering topics such as building REST APIs, handling user input, and working with databases. It great choice for developers who want to build web applications using Node.js.
While focused on CSS, this book is highly relevant as CSS is intrinsically linked to HTML for web design. It's considered a strong resource for understanding CSS in depth and is valuable for anyone wanting to go beyond basic HTML structure to create well-styled web pages.
Provides a comprehensive guide to building microservices using Node.js. It covers topics such as service discovery, load balancing, and fault tolerance. It great choice for developers who want to build microservices using Node.js.
Gentle introduction to JavaScript for kids. It covers all the basics, as well as some more advanced topics such as loops and functions. It's a great book for kids who want to learn JavaScript in a fun and accessible way.
Covers scaling Node.js applications in production, covering topics such as clustering, load balancing, and caching. It great choice for developers who want to scale their Node.js applications to handle high traffic.
A novelty book designed to introduce very young children to the visual patterns of HTML markup. While not a technical learning resource for the target audience of these courses, it highlights the foundational nature of HTML and can be a fun, very-early introduction to the concept of code.
Covers data science concepts for Node.js applications, covering topics such as data analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. It great choice for developers who want to use Node.js for data science applications.

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