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Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express

4.2

Based on 83 ratings

, see reviews

Upkar Lidder

Please Note: Learners who successfully complete this IBM course can earn a skill badge — a detailed, verifiable and digital credential that profiles the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired in this course. Enroll to learn more, complete the course and claim your badge!

In this course, you will focus on Node.js and Express. Specifically, you will

develop applications using asynchronous callbacks and promises
create REST APIs and perform CRUD operations
implement authentication and session management

Read more

Please Note: Learners who successfully complete this IBM course can earn a skill badge — a detailed, verifiable and digital credential that profiles the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired in this course. Enroll to learn more, complete the course and claim your badge!

In this course, you will focus on Node.js and Express. Specifically, you will

develop applications using asynchronous callbacks and promises
create REST APIs and perform CRUD operations
implement authentication and session management

Throughout the course, you will complete numerous hands-on labs to gain practical experience. At the end of the course, you will demonstrate your Node skills with a final project to build your portfolio.

This course will help you succeed as a back-end or full-stack developer. It suits those in IT looking to step up in their careers or new graduates seeking to establish their server-side skills. This course suits those who need to manage cloud-centric projects.

Note: This course requires knowledge of JavaScript and Git.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Create server-side applications using the node.js javascript runtime.
Extend your node.js applications with third-party packages, including express.

Use npm to manage node.js packages in your node.js application.
Write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

Create server-side applications using the node.js javascript runtime.
Extend your node.js applications with third-party packages, including express.
Use npm to manage node.js packages in your node.js application.
Write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for backend and full-stack developers

Builds a foundation in Express.js

Emphasizes asynchronous programming

Guided labs provide hands-on experience

Requires JavaScript and Git knowledge

May not be suitable for beginners

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

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Reviews summary

Practical node.js & express back-end development

According to learners, this course provides a solid and practical foundation for back-end application development using Node.js and Express. Many highlight the value of the hands-on labs and practical projects, noting their direct applicability to real-world scenarios and usefulness for building a portfolio. Students find the coverage of topics like REST APIs, CRUD operations, and asynchronous programming to be clear and well-explained. While generally positive, some learners note occasional challenges with lab environment setup or perceive certain content, particularly older reviews, as potentially outdated regarding specific package versions. The course is widely recommended for those seeking to establish or strengthen their server-side skills.

Excellent for establishing core backend development skills.

"A solid introduction to Node.js and Express..."

"Excellent course for Node.js backend. As a junior developer, I learned so much about structuring applications, handling databases, and securing APIs."

"This course provided a fantastic foundation for building server-side applications."

"I feel confident building full-fledged backend applications after taking this course."

Practical labs and projects are a major strength.

"The hands-on labs were well-structured and directly applicable to real-world scenarios."

"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."

"The final project really helped me integrate all the concepts learned and build a portfolio piece."

"Absolutely brilliant! The hands-on labs are the core strength. I now feel confident building RESTful APIs."

Best for beginners, less for advanced topics.

"I found some parts a bit fast-paced, especially if you're not super comfortable with JavaScript promises..."

"If you already have some experience, you might find some modules a bit too basic."

"I was looking for more advanced topics in Node.js, and this felt more like a basic introduction."

"Good course for absolute beginners in Node, perhaps."

Certain package versions or practices may seem dated.

"I felt some parts were a bit outdated, especially with certain package versions or practices."

"I wish they had updated some of the external library versions used in the examples, as some are quite old now."

"The course content feels a bit stale. Node.js and Express evolve quickly..."

"I had to consult external resources frequently to get the latest approaches."

Some learners faced technical challenges with lab setups.

"A few lab environments felt a bit clunky, but manageable."

"I encountered a few issues with the provided lab environment setup, which took some time to debug on my own."

"Also, the labs had some issues with dependencies that weren't immediately obvious, requiring extra time to fix."

"Lab setup was also a minor headache for me."

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 Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express with these activities:

Review JavaScript and Git

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Review foundational knowledge of JavaScript and Git to strengthen understanding of Node.js concepts

Browse courses on JavaScript

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Revisit basic JavaScript syntax and data structures
Explore Git commands and concepts, including version control and collaboration

Follow Tutorials on Node.js and Express

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Enhance comprehension by following guided tutorials to build hands-on projects and reinforce concepts

Browse courses on Node.js

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Find tutorials on Node.js and Express from reputable sources
Work through tutorials step-by-step, implementing code and troubleshooting

Participate in Node.js Study Groups

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Enhance learning through peer discussions, sharing knowledge, and collaborating on Node.js projects

Browse courses on Node.js

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Find or create study groups focused on Node.js
Attend group meetings regularly and actively participate in discussions

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Solve Node.js Coding Challenges

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Sharpen Node.js skills by solving coding challenges to improve problem-solving abilities

Browse courses on Node.js

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Identify online platforms or books with Node.js coding challenges
Attempt to solve challenges independently, debugging and optimizing code

Develop a Node.js REST API

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Deepen understanding by creating a Node.js REST API, applying concepts of request handling, data manipulation, and response formatting

Browse courses on Node.js

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Design the API endpoints and data structure
Implement CRUD operations using Node.js modules
Test API functionality with tools like Postman

Mentor Junior Developers in Node.js

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Reinforce learning by sharing knowledge with others, providing guidance, and fostering their growth in Node.js

Browse courses on Node.js

Show steps

Identify opportunities to mentor junior developers in Node.js
Provide guidance on Node.js concepts, best practices, and career development

Build a Full-Stack Application with Node.js and MongoDB

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Integrate Node.js with MongoDB to create a comprehensive full-stack application, demonstrating real-world implementation

Browse courses on Node.js

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Design the application architecture and data model
Develop Node.js endpoints to handle user input and database interactions
Deploy the application and test its functionality

Career center

Learners who complete Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Backend Developer

Backend Developers work on the server-side of a software application. They are responsible for the logic and functionality of the application, as well as the data that is stored and processed. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express provides a solid foundation for a career as a Backend Developer. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Backend Developer

Full-Stack Developer

Full Stack Developers are responsible for both the front-end and back-end of a software application. They work on the user interface, the server-side logic, and the data that is stored and processed. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express can help Full Stack Developers build a strong foundation in back-end development. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal projects to large enterprise systems. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express can be helpful for Software Engineers who want to build a strong foundation in back-end development. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects design and manage cloud computing systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design and implement cloud solutions that meet those needs. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express may be useful for Cloud Architects who want to build a strong foundation in back-end development. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers work to bridge the gap between development and operations teams. They help to automate and streamline the software development process, and they ensure that applications are deployed and maintained efficiently. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express may be useful for DevOps Engineers who want to build a strong foundation in back-end development. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve business problems. They work with data to identify trends, patterns, and insights that can help businesses make better decisions. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express may be useful for Data Scientists who want to build a strong foundation in back-end development. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts work with businesses to analyze their systems and processes. They help businesses to identify areas for improvement and then design and implement solutions that meet their needs. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express may be useful for Systems Analysts who want to build a strong foundation in back-end development. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. They work on the front-end of a website, which is what users see and interact with. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express may be useful for Web Developers who want to build a strong foundation in back-end development. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve business problems. They help businesses to understand their needs and then design and implement solutions that meet those needs. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express may be useful for Business Analysts who want to build a strong foundation in back-end development. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and manage projects. They work with teams to define project goals, develop project plans, and track project progress. This course in Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express may be useful for Project Managers who want to build a strong foundation in back-end development. It teaches the skills needed to develop and manage server-side applications, including how to use Node.js and Express, as well as how to write asynchronous callback functions and promises to complete asynchronous operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

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 Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express.

Cover image

Cover image

Practical Node.js

Save

Focuses on building fast and scalable Node.js applications. It covers topics such as performance optimization, caching, and microservices, providing practical guidance for developing high-performance Node.js systems.

Practical Node.js

Practical Node.js

Cover image

Cover image

Advanced Node.js Development

Save

This advanced guide covers advanced topics in Node.js development, including cluster computing, performance optimization, and building RESTful APIs. It is suitable for experienced Node.js developers looking to deepen their skills and knowledge.

Advanced Node.js Development

Advanced Node.js Development

Cover image

Cover image

Get Programming with Node.js

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Focuses on testing Node.js applications using Mocha and Chai testing frameworks. It covers topics such as unit testing, integration testing, and mocking, providing a comprehensive guide to writing effective tests for Node.js applications.

Get Programming with Node.js

Get Programming with Node.js

Cover image

Cover image

Node.js Web Development

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Covers the fundamentals of web development using Node.js. It provides a step-by-step approach to building web applications, including topics such as routing, templating, and database integration.

Node.js Web Development - Fifth Edition: Server...

Node.js Web Development - Fourth Edition: Server...

Node.js Web Development - Third Edition: Create...

Node.js Web Development: Server-side web...

Node.js Web Development: Server-side development...

Node.js Web Development: Create real-time server...

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Cover image

A Million And One Random Digits

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Provides a comprehensive overview of JavaScript, including its syntax, semantics, and best practices. It valuable resource for developers who want to improve their JavaScript skills and build more effective Node.js applications.

A Million And One Random Digits

A Million And One Random Digits

Cover image

Cover image

React: Up & Running

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Provides a comprehensive guide to object-oriented programming in JavaScript. It covers topics such as classes, inheritance, polymorphism, and design patterns. It valuable resource for developers who want to build more maintainable and extensible Node.js applications.

React: Up & Running

React: Up & Running

Cover image

Cover image

Effective JavaScript

Save

Provides a collection of tips and techniques for writing more effective JavaScript code. It covers topics such as performance optimization, debugging, and refactoring. It valuable resource for developers who want to improve the quality of their Node.js applications.

Effective JavaScript: 68 Specific Ways to Harness...

Effective JavaScript (Effective Software...

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Cover image

Modern JavaScript

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Provides a collection of best practices for developing Node.js applications. It covers topics such as code organization, testing, and security.

Modern JavaScript

Modern JavaScript

Cover image

Cover image

Node.js in Action

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Provides comprehensive and practical coverage of Node.js, focusing on building real-world applications. It covers topics such as HTTP, databases, and real-time communication.

Node.js in Action

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Rating

4.2

Effort

4 to 6 hours per week for 3 weeks

Level

Intermediate

Via

edX

Institution

IBM

Instructor

Upkar Lidder

Language

English

Transcripts

English Español Français Português Deutsch 中文 العربية हिंदी Türkçe తెలుగు Bahasa Indonesia Kiswahili

Back-end Application Development with Node.js and Express belongs to the following collections:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for backend and full-stack developers

Builds a foundation in Express.js

Emphasizes asynchronous programming

Guided labs provide hands-on experience

Requires JavaScript and Git knowledge

May not be suitable for beginners

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