Designing REST APIs and Connecting Frontends with Express

Build Robust RESTful Backends Using Express.js and Seamlessly Integrate with Modern Frontends like React and Vue

Master REST API design with Express.js and seamlessly integrate with React/Vue. Build scalable backends, implement authentication, and create full-stack applications from development to production dep

Author:

Category: Full-Stack Development

Pages: 479

Language: English

Publication Date:

DSIN: R3N6NCCB66V6

About This Book

**Designing REST APIs and Connecting Frontends with Express** is the definitive guide for developers who want to master the art of building robust, scalable web applications using modern JavaScript technologies. This comprehensive resource takes you through the complete journey of designing professional-grade REST APIs with Express.js and seamlessly integrating them with popular frontend frameworks like React and Vue.js. Whether you're transitioning from frontend development to full-stack or looking to strengthen your backend API design skills, this book provides the practical knowledge and real-world expertise needed to create production-ready applications. You'll learn to think beyond basic functionality and focus on designing systems that are maintainable, secure, and scalable. The book emphasizes practical application through hands-on examples, culminating in a complete Notes application that demonstrates enterprise-level patterns for authentication, database integration, and deployment. Each chapter builds progressively, ensuring you develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills that you can immediately apply to your own projects. With sixteen comprehensive chapters and five detailed appendices, this book covers everything from fundamental REST principles to advanced production deployment strategies. You'll master critical topics including JWT authentication, MongoDB integration, middleware patterns, input validation, file uploads, and environment configuration. Perfect for JavaScript developers ready to take their skills to the next level and create the robust, professional web applications that modern businesses demand.

Quick Overview

Master REST API design with Express.js and seamlessly integrate with React/Vue. Build scalable backends, implement authentication, and create full-stack applications from development to production dep

Key Topics Covered

  • REST API design principles
  • Express.js framework mastery
  • MongoDB database integration
  • JWT authentication implementation
  • React frontend integration
  • Vue.js frontend connectivity
  • Middleware patterns and implementation
  • Input validation and sanitization
  • File upload handling
  • Environment configuration
  • Production deployment strategies
  • Security best practices
  • Error handling patterns
  • API testing methodologies
  • Performance optimization techniques

Who Should Read This Book

Frontend developers transitioning to full-stack, Backend developers new to Express.js, Full-stack developers seeking to improve API design skills, Computer science students learning web development, Bootcamp graduates ready for advanced topics, Professional developers building production applications, Technical leads designing system architectures

Prerequisites

Basic JavaScript knowledge, Node.js familiarity, Understanding of HTTP protocols, Basic command line usage, Git version control basics, HTML/CSS fundamentals, JSON data format understanding

Table of Contents

| Chapter | Title | Page | | ------- | ---------------------------------------- | ---- | | 1 | What is a REST API? | 7 | | 2 | Setting Up Express.js | 22 | | 3 | Creating Routes and Controllers | 40 | | 4 | Working with Middleware | 61 | | 5 | Connecting to a Database (MongoDB) | 92 | | 6 | User Authentication with JWT | 116 | | 7 | Creating a Frontend (React/Vue Overview) | 144 | | 8 | RESTful API Integration | 157 | | 9 | Authentication Flow on the Frontend | 186 | | 10 | Validation and Sanitization | 197 | | 11 | Pagination, Filtering, and Sorting | 224 | | 12 | Environment Configuration | 252 | | 13 | File Uploads and Static Files | 273 | | 14 | Preparing for Production | 305 | | 15 | Deploying Express API | 325 | | 16 | Final Project | 355 | | App | HTTP Status Codes Cheat Sheet | 382 | | App | Common Express.js Errors | 403 | | App | REST API Naming Conventions | 420 | | App | Postman Collection for Testing | 447 | | App | Glossary of API Terms | 464 |

About This Publication

This comprehensive guide transforms JavaScript developers into full-stack professionals capable of designing and implementing enterprise-grade web applications. You'll master the complete development lifecycle, from initial API design through production deployment, while learning industry-standard patterns and best practices. The book takes a practical, project-driven approach that emphasizes real-world application. You'll build a complete Notes application with user authentication, CRUD operations, file uploads, and responsive frontend integration. Every concept is reinforced with hands-on coding exercises and practical examples that mirror professional development scenarios. Beyond basic functionality, you'll learn to design APIs that are intuitive, maintainable, and scalable. The book covers advanced topics like middleware patterns, security implementation, performance optimization, and deployment strategies that separate amateur projects from professional applications. By completion, you'll have the confidence and expertise to architect full-stack applications, make informed design decisions, and implement solutions that meet both current needs and future scalability requirements.

Book Details

Format
PDF
File Size
2.6 MB
Chapters
16
Code Examples
99
Exercises
99
Difficulty Level
beginner
Reading Time
32-34

Special Features

• 16 comprehensive chapters with progressive skill building • Complete Notes application project with authentication • 5 detailed appendices with quick reference materials • Hands-on coding exercises in every chapter • Real-world examples and professional patterns • Production deployment and configuration guides • Postman collection for API testing • HTTP status codes and error handling reference • REST API naming conventions and best practices • Comprehensive glossary of API terminology • Modern JavaScript ES6+ syntax throughout • Industry-standard security implementation patterns

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Designing REST APIs and Connecting Frontends with Express