Building a REST API with Node.js

Building a REST API is a fundamental skill for any backend developer. In this guide, we'll walk through building a scalable REST API using Node.js and Express.

Setting Up the Project

First, let's initialize our project and install the necessary dependencies:

Basic Server Setup

Create an index.js file with a basic Express server:

Creating Routes

Organize your routes in separate files for better maintainability:

Error Handling

Create a centralized error handler:

Middleware

Add useful middleware like CORS and request logging:

Environment Variables

Use environment variables for configuration:

Conclusion

This is a basic structure for a REST API. As your API grows, consider adding:

• Authentication and authorization
• Input validation
• Rate limiting
• API documentation (Swagger/OpenAPI)
• Testing
• Logging and monitoring

Happy coding!