Learn and Understand NodeJS from Udemy

NodeJS is a rapidy growing web server technology, and Node developers are among the highest paid in the industry. Knowing NodeJS well will get you a job or improve your current one by enabling you to build high quality, robust web applications.

In this course you will gain a deep understanding of Node, learn how NodeJS works under the hood, and how that knowledge helps you avoid common pitfalls and drastically improve your ability to debug problems.

In this course we'll look at how the C++ written V8 Javascript engine works and how NodeJS uses it to expand the abilities of Javascript. You'll learn how to structure your code for reuse and to be easier to understand, manage, and expand using modules and understand how modules really work.

You'll learn how asynchronous code works in Node and the Node event loop, as well as how to use the event emitter, streams, buffers, pipes, and work with files. We'll see how that leads to building a web server in Node.

We'll dive into web sites, web apps and APIs with Express and learn how Express can save us time as Node developers.

You'll also gain an understanding of npm, connecting to databases, and the MEAN stack.

During it all you'll gain a deep understanding of the Javascript concepts and other computer science concepts that power Node.

NodeJS doesn't have to be hard to learn. The biggest mistake most coding tutorials make is expecting someone to learn simply by imitating others' code. Real world situations are never exactly like the tutorial.

I believe the best way to learn is to understand how a tool works and what it does for you, look at examples, and then try it yourself. That's how this course is built, with the goal to help you both learn and understand NodeJS.

Note: In this course you'll also get downloadable source code. You will often be provided with 'starter' code, giving you the base for you to start writing your code, and 'finished' code to compare your code to.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Grasp how nodejs works under the hood
Understand the javascript and technical concepts behind nodejs
Structure a node application in modules
Understand and use the event emitter
Understand buffers, streams, and pipes
Build a web server in node and understand how it really works
Use npm and manage node packages

Build a web application and api more easily using express
Connect to a sql or mongo database in node
Understand how the mean stack works
Be the coder that explains nodejs to everyone else because you understand it better than anyone else
Show more
Show less

Grasp how nodejs works under the hood
Understand the javascript and technical concepts behind nodejs
Structure a node application in modules
Understand and use the event emitter
Understand buffers, streams, and pipes
Build a web server in node and understand how it really works
Use npm and manage node packages
Build a web application and api more easily using express
Connect to a sql or mongo database in node
Understand how the mean stack works
Be the coder that explains nodejs to everyone else because you understand it better than anyone else
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction and Setup

Introduction and the Goal of this Course

Big Words and NodeJS

Watching this Course in High Definition

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Anthony Alicea, who has a strong background in Node, open source, and Javascript

Examines NodeJS, which is a widely used backend framework for building scalable, fast web applications

Develops skills in Node, which is highly relevant in an industry and academic setting

Covers essential Node concepts such as modules, the event loop, asynchronous code, and more

Builds a strong foundation in Node fundamentals for beginners with no prior experience

Provides downloadable source code and starter code to aid in practice and understanding

Includes hands-on exercises and assignments

Teaches how to use Node to build web applications, APIs, and connect to databases

Reviews summary

Deep dive into node.js internals

According to learners, this course offers a deep and invaluable understanding of how Node.js works under the hood. Students particularly praise the clear explanations of complex core concepts like the event loop, buffers, streams, and libuv. Many find the insights into internal workings significantly improve their debugging skills and ability to build more robust applications. While the foundational knowledge provided is considered excellent, some learners note that certain sections, particularly those on databases and specific libraries, use examples that are becoming outdated, potentially requiring supplementary resources for modern development practices. Despite this, the course is highly recommended for its strong focus on fundamental understanding rather than just surface-level application building.

Understanding internals helps debugging.

"Knowing NodeJS well will get you a job or improve your current one by enabling you to build high quality, robust web applications."

"...understand how NodeJS works under the hood, and how that knowledge helps you avoid common pitfalls and drastically improve your ability to debug problems."

"It made debugging much easier."

Excellent for building core knowledge.

"Solid foundation building course. Covers the core concepts very well."

"This is a must-take for anyone serious about understanding Node."

"Good course with excellent explanations of Node's internals. The first half is particularly strong."

"Useful for the fundamental understanding..."

Complex topics are explained clearly.

"The instructor is clear and explains complex topics like libuv and the event loop in a way that makes sense."

"The explanations on the event loop, buffers, and streams were particularly insightful."

"Coming from a front-end background, Node.js seemed intimidating. This course broke it down beautifully..."

"Provides a solid understanding of Node.js fundamentals. The explanations are clear."

Course provides deep internal insights.

"This course is fantastic! It really helped me understand how Node.js works internally, which is exactly what I needed after struggling with other tutorials..."

"Absolutely loved this course... the focus on understanding 'under the hood' concepts is invaluable. It's not just about building apps, but understanding *why* and *how*..."

"Best Node.js course I've taken. The focus on understanding how things work under the hood is what sets this apart. It made debugging much easier."

Some sections need modern updates.

"While the explanation of core concepts like the event loop is good, the course is seriously outdated. Many libraries and practices shown are no longer standard."

"Some parts, especially the database sections, felt a little dated with technology versions, but the core principles are still relevant."

"However, some of the examples and library versions are quite old. It would be better if it were updated more frequently..."

"I found myself spending a lot of time trying to figure out version differences."

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 Learn and Understand NodeJS with these activities:

Review Javascript

Show steps

Refresh Javascript knowledge to make for a stronger base to build on in this course.

Browse courses on JavaScript

Show steps

Review Javascript fundamentals, data types, variables, and operators.
Review Javascript control flow, functions, and arrays.
Review Javascript DOM manipulation, events, and AJAX.

Learn about V8 and the Javascript Engine

Show steps

Explore V8 and the Javascript Engine under the hood to gain a deeper understanding of how NodeJS works.

Show steps

Review the V8 Javascript Engine documentation.
Read articles and blog posts about V8 and NodeJS.
Follow along with a tutorial on using V8 to debug NodeJS applications.

Participate in a NodeJS Study Group

Show steps

Join a NodeJS study group to connect with fellow learners, share knowledge, and reinforce understanding.

Browse courses on NodeJS

Show steps

Find or create a NodeJS study group.
Attend regular study group meetings.
Actively participate in discussions and code reviews.

One other activity

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all four activities

Build a NodeJS Project

Show steps

Build a NodeJS project to apply new skills, reinforce core concepts, and gain hands-on experience.

Browse courses on NodeJS

Show steps

Design and plan the NodeJS project.
Write and test the NodeJS application.
Deploy the NodeJS application.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn and Understand NodeJS will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Node.js Developer

Node.js Developers are responsible for developing and maintaining Node.js applications. They are proficient in JavaScript and Node.js, and understand the underlying principles of how Node.js works. This course will provide the Node.js knowledge needed for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Node.js Developer

JavaScript Developer

JavaScript Developers develop and maintain web and mobile applications. They can work on front-end or back-end development, and are proficient in JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. This course will help build the skills necessary to be a successful JavaScript Developer by covering JavaScript in great depth.

See salaries and explore the career path for JavaScript Developer

Front-End Engineer

Front End Engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and usability of what a user sees in a web browser. They handle the 'front end', or client-side, components of a web or mobile application. This course's coverage of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS are used by front end engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They are proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and may also have experience with other web technologies such as PHP and MySQL. This course will help develop the necessary skills to become a Web Developer by providing a deep understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the essential technologies for building websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Full-Stack Developer

Full Stack Developers work on both the front and back end of web and mobile applications. They are proficient with a wide array of programming languages, from front-end technologies like HTML and CSS, to back-end technologies like Python and Node. The NodeJS knowledge and practice from this course will contribute towards preparing for a Full Stack Developer position.

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

Database Administrator

Database Administrators keep databases optimized for performance. They have knowledge of database structures, indexing, and query resolution. They also know network security and data encryption. The database structures that this course covers, like SQL and NoSQL, help build a foundation for what a database administrator encounters on the job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software applications. They work on a variety of projects, from small personal apps to large enterprise systems. Software Engineers must be proficient in at least one programming language, and typically need experience with several. This course will teach Node.js, a popular and powerful programming language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for keeping data safe. They monitor computer networks, perform security audits, and can plan and implement new security systems. This course goes over NodeJS security best practices that these professionals will need to understand and implement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Webmaster

Webmasters are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of websites. They ensure that websites are running smoothly and that content is up-to-date. Webmasters may also work on website design and development. This course may be useful as it goes over HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, the technologies used to build websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Webmaster

Data Engineer

Data Engineers design, build, and maintain the systems that store and process data. They work with a variety of data sources, including databases, data warehouses, and big data platforms. This course may be useful to Data Engineers as it covers databases and data structures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data 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. This course may be helpful for Cloud Architects as it provides a deep understanding of how web servers work and how to build one in Node.js.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They work with clients to understand their business needs and then design and implement solutions. This course may be useful for Computer Systems Analysts as it covers a variety of computer science concepts, including data structures, algorithms, and operating systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work with a variety of network technologies, including routers, switches, and firewalls. This course may be somewhat useful for Network Administrators as it covers the basics of networking, including TCP/IP and HTTP.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from security threats. They work with a variety of security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and anti-malware software. This course may be somewhat useful for Cybersecurity Analysts as it covers the basics of network security and web server security.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the operations of an organization's IT department. They work with a variety of IT technologies, including hardware, software, and networks. This course may be somewhat useful for IT Managers as it provides a broad overview of computer science concepts, including programming, databases, and networking.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager