Course Description
Unlock the power of server-side JavaScript with this ultimate guide to Node.js. This course is meticulously designed to take you from the fundamentals of Node to building and deploying enterprise-grade backend services. Whether you're a front-end developer looking to go full-stack or a newcomer to programming, this is your comprehensive roadmap to becoming a backend professional.
We start with the core concepts: understanding the Node.js runtime, the event loop, and its asynchronous nature. You'll master the module system, work with files, and build your first servers. The course then transitions to the Express.js framework, where you'll learn to build robust REST APIs, handle complex routing, and implement middleware. We cover everything from database integration (both SQL and NoSQL), secure user authentication with JWT, to handling file uploads and real-time communication with WebSockets.
Beyond the basics, you'll dive into advanced topics like structured application design, performance optimization, automated testing, API documentation, security best practices, and containerization with Docker. By the end, you won't just know how to build Node.js applications—you'll know how to build them the right way: scalable, secure, and ready for production.
What You'll Learn:
- Node.js architecture, the V8 engine, and the event loop.
- Asynchronous programming with callbacks, Promises, and Async/Await.
- Working with Node.js core modules and NPM.
- Building scalable REST APIs with Express.js.
- Database integration with both MongoDB (Mongoose) and PostgreSQL (Sequelize).
- Secure user authentication and authorization using JSON Web Tokens (JWT).
- Implementing API security best practices (Helmet.js, CORS, Rate Limiting).
- Real-time applications with WebSockets and Socket.IO.
- Handling file uploads and email sending.
- Structuring Node.js applications with best practices (e.g., MVC, services).
- Testing your backend with Jest and Supertest.
- Documenting your APIs with tools like Swagger/OpenAPI.
- Optimizing Node.js application performance and scalability (caching, clustering).
- Containerizing applications with Docker for easy deployment.
- Deploying Node.js applications to cloud platforms.
- An introduction to TypeScript for type-safe Node.js development.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for JavaScript developers who want to master the backend. It's also perfect for students, career-changers, and anyone looking to build a strong foundation in server-side development. While basic JavaScript knowledge is beneficial, the course starts from the ground up to ensure no one is left behind.
Prerequisites:
- Solid JavaScript Fundamentals: A strong understanding of core JavaScript (including ES6+ features, basic object-oriented concepts, and a conceptual understanding of asynchronous programming).
- Basic Understanding of HTTP & REST: Familiarity with HTTP methods, status codes, and the concept of RESTful APIs.
- A Computer/Laptop: A working computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with Node.js and NPM installed.
- Command Line Basics: Comfort with basic terminal commands (e.g., `cd`, `ls`, `npm install`).
- A Willingness to Learn: Enthusiasm for building robust backend systems.
Features multiple in-depth projects, including a full REST API and a real-time chat app, plus a certificate of completion. Available in English and Hindi.
1. What is Node.js? (Key Features and Use Cases)
15min
2. How Node.js Works: The V8 Engine, Libuv, and the Event Loop (Fundamentals)
30min
3. Setting Up Your Node.js Development Environment
20min
4. Your First Node.js Application: 'Hello World' Server
15min
5. Recap & Practical Task: Run a Basic Node.js Server
30min
6. The Module System: CommonJS (`require`/`module.exports`) and ES Modules (`import`/`export`)
25min
7. The Node Package Manager (NPM) and `package.json`
20min
8. Core Modules: File System (`fs`) for File Operations
35min
9. Core Modules: Path, OS, and Events (`EventEmitter`)
30min
10. Recap & Practical Task: Build a Simple File Reader/Writer
45min
11. Understanding Asynchronicity: Callbacks and Callback Hell
20min
12. The Modern Approach: Promises for Cleaner Async Code
30min
13. Simplifying Async Code with Async/Await
30min
14. Error Handling in Asynchronous Code (Callbacks, Promises, Async/Await)
25min
15. Recap & Practical Task: Refactor an Async Operation Using Promises and Async/Await
50min
16. Introduction to Express.js: The Fast, Unopinionated, Minimalist Web Framework
20min
17. Basic Routing and Handling HTTP Methods (GET, POST, etc.)
30min
18. Understanding and Writing Middleware (`req`, `res`, `next`)
35min
19. Using Built-in and Third-Party Middleware (e.g., `express.json()`, Morgan)
25min
20. Error Handling with Express Middleware
30min
21. Recap & Practical Task: Create a Simple Express Web Server with Custom Middleware
1hr
22. Serving Static Files (CSS, Images, HTML)
15min
23. Organizing Routes with Express Router
25min
24. Route Parameters and Query Strings
20min
25. Structuring Express Applications: MVC Pattern for APIs
30min
26. Separating Business Logic into Services/Managers
25min
27. Managing Configuration and Environment Variables (`dotenv`)
25min
28. Recap & Practical Task: Refactor an Express App into a Modular Structure
1hr
29. Principles of RESTful API Design
20min
30. Implementing GET Endpoints (Read All & Read One)
35min
31. Implementing POST Endpoints (Create Resources)
30min
32. Implementing PUT/PATCH Endpoints (Update Resources)
30min
33. Implementing DELETE Endpoints (Remove Resources)
20min
34. Sending Proper JSON Responses and HTTP Status Codes
25min
35. Recap & Practical Task: Build a Complete CRUD API for a Resource
1hr 15min
36. Introduction to MongoDB and Document Databases
20min
37. Setting up MongoDB (Local or Atlas) and Connecting with Mongoose (ODM)
30min
38. Defining Schemas and Models with Mongoose
30min
39. Performing CRUD Operations on MongoDB with Mongoose
40min
40. Advanced Mongoose Queries and Data Validation
35min
41. Recap & Practical Task: Integrate MongoDB into Your API
1hr
42. Introduction to Relational Databases and SQL Concepts
20min
43. Setting up PostgreSQL and Connecting with Sequelize (ORM)
30min
44. Defining Models and Migrations with Sequelize
35min
45. Performing CRUD Operations on SQL Database with Sequelize
35min
46. Defining Associations (Relationships) in Sequelize
30min
47. Recap & Practical Task: Integrate PostgreSQL into Your API
1hr
48. Understanding User Authentication vs. Authorization
20min
49. Password Hashing with `bcrypt.js`
25min
50. Introduction to JWT (JSON Web Tokens): Structure and Purpose
30min
51. Creating and Signing JSON Web Tokens
35min
52. Creating Middleware to Verify and Protect Routes with JWT
30min
53. Implementing Refresh Tokens (Conceptual Overview)
20min
54. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) in APIs
25min
55. Recap & Practical Task: Implement User Registration, Login, and JWT Protected Routes
1hr 30min
56. Securing HTTP Headers with Helmet.js
20min
57. Enabling CORS (Cross-Origin Resource Sharing) for API Access
25min
58. Implementing Rate Limiting to Prevent Abuse
25min
59. Data Validation and Sanitization (e.g., with Joi or Express-Validator)
30min
60. Preventing SQL Injection (with ORMs) and XSS (Output Encoding)
25min
61. Handling Sensitive Data (Environment Variables, Secret Management)
20min
62. Recap & Practical Task: Secure Your API with Helmet.js, CORS, and Rate Limiting
1hr
63. Handling File Uploads with Multer (`multipart/form-data`)
35min
64. Validating and Processing Uploaded Files
25min
65. Storing Files Locally vs. Cloud Storage (e.g., AWS S3, Cloudinary - Conceptual)
30min
66. Sending Automated Emails with Nodemailer
30min
67. Recap & Practical Task: Implement a User Profile Picture Upload and a Welcome Email
1hr 15min
68. Introduction to Real-time Applications and WebSockets
20min
69. Integrating Socket.IO with an Express Server
35min
70. Emitting Events and Broadcasting Messages to Clients
30min
71. Handling Socket.IO Events (Connection, Disconnect, Custom Events)
25min
72. Recap & Practical Task: Build a Simple Chat Application Backend
1hr
73. Testing Fundamentals & Setup (Jest for Unit/Integration Testing)
25min
74. Writing Unit Tests for Controllers and Services
35min
75. Writing Integration Tests for API Endpoints with Supertest
40min
76. Mocking Services and Database Interactions for Tests
30min
77. Test Driven Development (TDD) Approach (Conceptual)
20min
78. Recap & Practical Task: Write Tests for Authentication and CRUD Endpoints
1hr 30min
79. Importance of API Documentation
15min
80. Automating Documentation with Swagger/OpenAPI (`swagger-ui-express`)
35min
81. Caching Strategies with Redis for Performance
30min
82. Scaling on Multi-Core Machines with the Cluster Module
25min
83. Using a Process Manager like PM2 (Clustering, Monitoring)
20min
84. Recap & Practical Task: Add Swagger Docs and Implement Caching for an Endpoint
1hr 15min
85. Introduction to Docker and Containers
25min
86. Creating a Dockerfile for a Node.js App
30min
87. Managing Multi-Service Applications with Docker Compose
30min
88. Preparing for Production: Environment Variables and Security Checklist
25min
89. Deploying to PaaS (Heroku, Render - Conceptual Overview)
30min
90. Deploying to IaaS (AWS EC2, DigitalOcean - Conceptual Overview)
40min
91. Setting up Nginx as a Reverse Proxy (Conceptual)
20min
92. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Overview
20min
93. Recap & Practical Task: Dockerize Your API and Prepare for Deployment
1hr 30min
94. An Introduction to TypeScript with Node.js
30min
95. Building a Basic GraphQL API (Overview)
45min
96. Working with Microservices (Conceptual Overview)
30min
97. Recap & Practical Task: Explore a GraphQL Schema
45min
98. Project Planning, Data Modeling, and API Design (for Final Project)
45min
99. Implementing All API Endpoints (CRUD, Authentication, Authorization, File Uploads)
3hr
100. Integrating Database, Error Handling, and Security Best Practices
1hr 30min
101. Final Testing, Documentation, and Deployment Preparation
1hr 30min
102. Recap & Final Project Submission
1hr 30min
