We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Jonathan Mills

Node.js is a simple and powerful tool for backend development. When combined with Express, you can create lightweight, fast, scalable APIs quickly and simply. With REST, those APIs become simple and user-friendly to make your APIs more usable.

Read more

Node.js is a simple and powerful tool for backend development. When combined with Express, you can create lightweight, fast, scalable APIs quickly and simply. With REST, those APIs become simple and user-friendly to make your APIs more usable.

At the core of Node.js application development is a thorough knowledge of RESTful APIs. In this course, RESTful Web Services with Node.js and Express, you will learn how to create lightweight, fast, scalable APIs quickly and simply. First, you will discover what REST APIs are and how to implement the REST verbs. Next, you will explore how to build unit tests for your application. Finally, you will learn how to expose API navigation through hypermedia. When you are finished with this course, you will understand how to build real backend REST APIs with Node.js that will help you as you move forward to build web applications. Software required: Node.js; MongoDB

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Node.js Express.js REST APIs API Development Unit Testing Hypermedia Web Services

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
What Is REST?
Getting Data
Posting Data
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches RESTful APIs, which are core skills for backend developers
Taught by Jonathan Mills, who is recognized for their work in backend development
Develops skills in building fast, scalable, RESTful APIs
Covers testing and hypermedia navigation
Requires MongoDB and Node.js
Requires understanding of 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

Essential guide to restful node.js apis

According to students, this course offers a strong, practical foundation for building RESTful web services with Node.js and Express. Learners commend the instructor's clarity and the hands-on approach, including demos and exercises, which solidify understanding. It's viewed as an ideal introduction for beginners, covering essential concepts like REST verbs, unit testing, and HATEOAS, fostering immediate skill application. However, some learners, especially novices, encountered initial environment setup difficulties. While content is largely current, a minority sought more advanced topic exploration or additional assignments.
Effectively covers essential REST principles and related tools.
"I particularly appreciated the section on unit testing, which is often overlooked in other courses."
"The explanations of REST verbs were concise and easy to grasp."
"One of the best Node.js API courses I've taken. I specifically liked how HATEOAS was introduced – it’s a concept that many courses skip."
Ideal starting point for those new to Node.js/Express APIs.
"This course is an excellent introduction to building RESTful APIs with Node.js and Express."
"Good for absolute beginners to Node/Express REST, but perhaps not for intermediate developers..."
"Absolutely brilliant! As a complete beginner to Node.js, this course eased me into building APIs."
Instructor has likely improved content based on past feedback.
"The instructor explains concepts clearly and the hands-on demos are very helpful. I feel confident building my own APIs now."
"Fantastic course! It breaks down complex topics into digestible chunks. The practical exercises really cemented my understanding."
"One of the best Node.js API courses I've taken. The instructor's pacing is perfect and the examples are relevant."
Focuses on practical application and real-world examples.
"The practical exercises really cemented my understanding."
"Very practical and to the point. I needed to quickly get up to speed with REST APIs for a project..."
"The hands-on coding really helps reinforce the learning. I've built several small APIs since taking this course..."
Instructor's teaching style is highly effective and easy to follow.
"The instructor explains concepts clearly and the hands-on demos are very helpful."
"Fantastic course! It breaks down complex topics into digestible chunks."
"Amazing instructor! Very articulate and makes complex topics easy to understand."
Some learners faced hurdles with environment setup instructions.
"I found the initial setup a bit challenging. The instructions for Node.js and Express installation could be more detailed for complete beginners."
"I'd suggest more comprehensive troubleshooting for common setup issues, as that was a hurdle for me initially."
"The setup instructions were also a pain. I had to frequently pause and re-watch sections."
Pacing felt rushed to some; desire for more advanced content.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially towards the end with HATEOAS. Would have loved a deeper dive or more complex examples."
"It felt a bit too basic for someone with some prior development experience. I was hoping for more advanced topics or challenges."
"I wish there were more assignments to practice, as the concepts covered are crucial."

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 RESTful Web Services with Node.js and Express with these activities:
Review backend development basics
Reinforce your foundational knowledge of backend development to better prepare you for the concepts covered in this course.
Browse courses on Backend Development
Show steps
  • Go over your notes from previous backend development courses
  • Review online tutorials on Node.js fundamentals
Connect with experienced Node.js developers
Accelerate your learning by seeking guidance from experienced Node.js developers.
Show steps
  • Attend industry events and meetups
  • Reach out to Node.js developers on LinkedIn
  • Join online communities and forums
Build a simple RESTful API with Node.js
Solidify your understanding of RESTful API development by practicing building a simple API using Node.js.
Show steps
  • Create a new Node.js project
  • Set up routing and controllers
  • Define RESTful API endpoints (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow a tutorial on unit testing in Node.js
Gain confidence in testing your Node.js applications by following a guided tutorial.
Show steps
  • Find a reputable tutorial on unit testing in Node.js
  • Work through the tutorial step-by-step
  • Implement unit tests in your own Node.js project
Read 'RESTful Web Services' by Leonard Richardson
Expand your knowledge of RESTful web services by reading a respected book on the topic.
View RESTful Web APIs on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts
  • Apply the concepts you learn to your own RESTful API projects
Develop a full-stack web application using Node.js and Express
Apply your knowledge by building a real-world web application that incorporates both Node.js and Express.
Show steps
  • Design the application's architecture
  • Implement the backend using Node.js and Express
  • Create the frontend using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
  • Integrate the frontend and backend
  • Deploy the application to a hosting platform
Mentor junior developers in Node.js
Enhance your understanding by teaching others and providing guidance to those new to Node.js.
Show steps
  • Identify junior developers who need guidance
  • Offer your support and mentorship
  • Provide technical guidance and answer their questions

Career center

Learners who complete RESTful Web Services with Node.js and Express will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
API Developer
This course was designed to help you become an API Developer. It covers the fundamentals of REST APIs, as well as how to build, test, and expose them. With a strong foundation in REST APIs, you will be able to develop and maintain robust and scalable APIs.
RESTful API Developer
As a RESTful API Developer, you will be responsible for the backend development of web applications. This course will give you the skills and knowledge you need to build RESTful APIs that are efficient, scalable, and secure.
Back-End Developer
As a Back End Developer, your job will largely be building out APIs for a web application. Knowing REST APIs and how to implement them is a critical part of being a Back End Developer. This course will help give you the foundational knowledge to become a Back End Developer.
Node.js Developer
This course will help you build the skills needed to become a Node.js Developer. You will be able to create lightweight, fast, and scalable APIs quickly and simply.
Express Developer
This course will help you build the skills needed to become an Express Developer. You will be able to create lightweight, fast, and scalable APIs quickly and simply.
Full-Stack Developer
As a Full Stack Developer who wants to take on new challenges and get into the developing of APIs, this course can be the proper initial step. A large part of this course is building up your knowledge on how to build APIs. This makes this course a great fit for someone wanting to understand the back end of a web application.
Web Developer
Web Developers often need to integrate APIs into their web application. Gaining knowledge of this course can help you become a more well-rounded full stack Web Developer.
Solutions Architect
Solutions Architects typically work on system-level design. As many systems involve integration with third-party APIs, taking this course will make you a stronger candidate.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers are often required to integrate APIs into their applications. Taking this course would help build a foundation for becoming a Software Engineer.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers will often take data from an API and integrate it into some downstream application. This course will provide you with the fundamentals of REST APIs.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations. In this role, you would be creating and maintaining systems to develop, test, and deploy software. Having a strong understanding of REST APIs, which this course provides, can prepare you for becoming a DevOps Engineer.
Cloud Architect
Cloud Architects often need to work with APIs in their day to day tasks. A strong understanding of REST APIs, which this course provides, can make you a stronger candidate.
Database Administrator
Database Administrators may need to build and manage APIs for their databases. This course would provide a good foundation for a DBA in need of such knowledge.
Mobile App Developer
Mobile App Developers may need to pull data from an API for their application. Gaining foundational knowledge of REST APIs like this course provides will make you a more well-rounded Mobile App Developer.
Information Security Analyst
Information Security Analysts may need to evaluate and assess APIs as part of their day-to-day job. This course provides a good foundation in APIs to aid in this process.

Reading list

We've selected ten 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 RESTful Web Services with Node.js and Express.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Node.js, including how to use it to build RESTful web services. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Node.js and how to use it for web development.
Provides a set of best practices for designing RESTful APIs. It covers topics such as URI design, HTTP status codes, and error handling.
Great introduction to design patterns. It uses a visual approach to explain how design patterns can be used to solve common software development problems.
Provides a quick start guide to Node.js. It covers the basics of Node.js, as well as how to build a simple web application.
Classic guide to JavaScript. It covers the good parts of JavaScript, and how to avoid the bad parts.
Great guide to building RESTful web APIs with Python and Flask. It covers all of the basics of RESTful web APIs, as well as more advanced topics such as security and performance.
Great guide to API design. It covers all of the basics of API design, as well as more advanced topics such as versioning and documentation.
Comprehensive guide to HTTP, the protocol that is used to transfer data on the web. It covers all of the basics of HTTP, as well as more advanced topics such as security and performance.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
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