A guide to the best resources to learn Express.js for free in 2023.
There’s a framework for everything these days, and not just on the frontend.
When it comes to the backend and full-stack JavaScript development, Express.js (or simply Express) is a popular choice.
With its minimalist design, Express simplifies key web development tasks like routing, middleware, and request/response handling for Node.js applications.
Learning Express allows you to use Node.js across the full stack, from frontend to backend. By utilising a unified language across client and server, Express streamlines full-stack web development workflows.
This guide will provide an overview of Express and its core capabilities.
And will point you to great free resources to master this lightweight framework and see how its simplicity can accelerate building web apps and APIs.
Why Learn Express.js?
Learning Express opens up the full potential of Node.js for web development. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Streamlined routing system for building APIs and web apps
- Easy middleware integration for extended functionality
- Template engines support for rendering dynamic web pages
- A flexible approach that fits many project needs and coding styles
- Full-stack JavaScript simplifies development with front-end and back-end in one language
- Large ecosystem of middleware modules to tap into
- Popular in the industry and key for Node.js jobs
Key Features of Express
Now we’ve seen the benefits of Express, let’s take a brief look into some of those great key features it has for rapid web development:
Flexible Routing
Easily define routes and endpoints for APIs, pages, error handling and more. Use handy path params, route matching, and chained route handlers.
Built-In Middleware
Use Express middleware for request parsing, static file handling, error catching, and more. Third-party middleware is also simple to integrate.
Template Engine Integration
Configure and render templates like EJS, Pug, Mustache to generate HTML views. Shared templates and layouts keep things DRY.
Handy Utilities
Express includes utils like res.redirect() and req.get() that simplify common tasks when working with HTTP requests and responses.
With these capabilities, Express makes it enjoyable to build Node.js apps quickly.
Now let’s explore some of the best free resources for learning and mastering Express in 2023:
#1 - The Official Express Docs
The Official Express Docs provide a nice introductory guide to using Express.js. From the docs, you can learn about setting up Express, routing, middleware, error handling, and more.
It is designed to help developers build web and mobile applications and provides a robust set of features to facilitate this.
The documentation is well-structured and includes information on the latest release, Express 5.0 beta, alongside various guides and API references to assist both new and experienced developers in mastering the framework.
#2 - MDN Web Docs
The MDN Web Docs Express tutorial, titled "Local Library," guides you through developing a website to manage a local library's catalogue.
It covers using the Express Application Generator for initial setup, managing the Node web server, database utilisation for data storage, creating routes and rendering data via templates, working with forms, and deploying the application to production.
By the end of this tutorial series, you'll acquire enough knowledge to build basic Express apps independently.
#3 - Mastering Backend
The Mastering Backend's Express.js tutorial, titled "The Ultimate Guide (2023)," offers a thorough walkthrough of Express.js from basics to advanced levels.
This tutorial teaches how to install Node.js, set up an Express.js server, and delves into creating a simple Todo API.
It progresses to advanced Express.js concepts and demonstrates connecting MongoDB with Express.js to build and deploy a full-fledged application.
This structured approach makes it a valuable resource for learning Express.js, regardless of your current proficiency level.
#4 - TutorialsPoint
The TutorialsPoint Express.js tutorial is a great starting point for beginners with some basic HTML, JavaScript, and website knowledge who want to learn how to build the backends of websites and mobile apps.
It covers important topics like setting up routes, integrating middleware, creating templates that generate dynamic HTML, interacting with databases, adding authentication, and more.
While some background in JavaScript and HTML is recommended, you can pick up concepts like HTTP and MongoDB along the way.
By completing the broad range of lessons, you'll gain a solid understanding of Express.js fundamentals enabling you to work on creating your own web applications and APIs.
#5 - Simplilearn
The Simplilearn's Express.js tutorial is a certification training course that delves into key concepts of Express.js, Node Packet Manager (NPM), REST, and database operations with MongoDB and SQLite.
It not only gives you theoretical knowledge but also provides practical experience in building an HTTP server using Node.js and Express.js.
Through this course, you can gain a good understanding and hands-on experience necessary for web development projects.
#6 - Java T Point
The Java T Point's Express.js tutorial caters to both beginners and professionals, covering fundamental and advanced concepts of Express.js.
The tutorial has a range of topics including installation on different operating systems, handling requests and responses, utilising GET and POST methods, cookie management, scaffolding, file uploads, and templating, making it a detailed resource if you’re looking to master Express.js.
#7 - GeeksForGeeks
The GeeksForGeeks Express.js tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on creating Express.js applications, covering foundational topics like Express.js functions, applications, requests, responses, and router functionalities.
It goes into practical scenarios like expiring sessions, server-client responses, and creating a basic application with Express.
Additionally, it covers advanced topics like implementing JWT authentication and error handling, all while explaining the organisational structure of Express 'app' and 'server' files.
This tutorial, which recommends prerequisite knowledge of Node.js, offers a well-rounded understanding of Express.js, making it suitable if you’re aiming to master both basic and advanced concepts of the framework.
Bonus - YouTube Videos
With almost any topic, there are always going to be some great videos available on YouTube. Here are a few cool tutorials for learning Express:
- Learn Express JS In 35 Minutes - by Web Dev Simplified
- Node.js and Express.js - by freeCodeCamp
- Node.js and Express.js: Complete Course for Beginners - by Dipesh Malvia
As we’ve seen, Express is a popular framework that makes it easier to build websites and apps with Node.js. And this guide went through free resources to learn Express from beginning to advanced.
The official docs provide an overview to get started. Tutorials on MDN, Mastering Backend, TutorialsPoint, Simplilearn, Java T Point, and GeeksForGeeks take you step-by-step to build apps.
With these free options, you can go from Express basics to expert. Now you know where to start learning this useful framework.
The key is to just dive in and build projects with Express. As you code more, your skills will improve. Express lets you make web apps fast thanks to its simple but powerful features.
Start learning Express today if you want an easy way to make backends and full-stack JavaScript apps.
It's popular for a reason - give it a try and Express yourself!
From your fellow ever-growing dev,
Cherlock Code
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