Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Newsletter Hub
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
timer SALE ENDS IN
0 Days
:
00 Hours
:
00 Minutes
:
00 Seconds
Beginning API Development with Node.js
Beginning API Development with Node.js

Beginning API Development with Node.js: Build highly scalable, developer-friendly APIs for the modern web with JavaScript and Node.js

eBook
€6.99 €10.99
Paperback
€12.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at €18.99p/m

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Beginning API Development with Node.js

Building the API - Part 1

This chapter is meant to introduce the students to API building using Node.js. We will start by building a basic HTTP server to gain an understanding of how Node.js works.

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Implement a basic HTTP server using the Node.js built-in http module
  • Implement a basic Hapi.js setup for an API
  • Describe the basic HTTP verbs and how they differ from each other
  • Implement various routes for the API, making use of the different HTTP verbs
  • Implement logging the web application
  • Validating API requests

Building a Basic HTTP Server

Let's begin by looking at the basic building blocks of a Node.js web application. The built-in http module is the core of this. However, from the following example, you will also appreciate how basic this can be.

Save the following code in a file called simple-server.js:

const http = require('http');
const server = http.createServer((request, response) =>
{
console.log('request starting...');
// respond
response.write('hello world!');
response.end();
});
server.listen(5000);
console.log('Server running at http://127.0.0.1:5000');

Use the simple-server.js file for your reference at Code/Lesson-2.

Now, let's run the file:

node simple-server.js

When we go to the browser and visit the URL in the example, this is what we get:

Setting up Hapi.js

Hapi.js (HTTP API), is a rich framework for building applications and services, focusing on writing reusable application logic. There are a number of other frameworks; notable among them is Express.js. However, from the ground up, Hapi.js is optimized for API building, and we will see this shortly when building our application.

Exercise 1: Building a Basic Hapi.js Server

In this exercise, we're going to build a basic HTTP server like the one before, but now with Hapi.js. You will notice how most of the things are done for us under the hood with Hapi.js. However, Hapi.js is also built on top of the http module.

For the rest of the exercises, from the first exercise of Chapter 3, Building the API...

Understanding Requests

Let's have a look at the concept of request and the different HTTP request methods.

A Look at HTTP Request Methods

Having set up our server, we are ready to start building our API. The routes are basically what constitute the actual API.

We will first look at HTTP request methods (sometimes referred to as HTTP verbs), then apply them to our API using a simple todo list example. We will look at five major ones:

  • GET: Requests a representation of the specified resource. Requests using GET should only retrieve data, and should not be used to make changes to resources.
  • POST: Is used to submit an entry to a specified resource, often causing a change of state.
  • PUT: Replaces all current representations...

Summary

This chapter has covered initial part of building our API with Node.js. We started by looking at a basic HTTP server built with only the built-in HTTP module, for us to appreciate the basic building blocks of a Node.js web application. We then introduced doing the same thing with the Hapi.js framework.

We then went through various HTTP verbs (request methods) by example as we built our basic API with Hapi.js. Those were GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE.

We also covered some fundamental concepts of web applications, such as logging, using good and request validation, and using Joi.

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Key benefits

  • Build web APIs from start to finish using JavaScript across the development stack
  • Explore advanced concepts such as authentication with JWT, and running tests against your APIs
  • Implement over 20 practical activities and exercises across 9 topics to reinforce your learning

Description

Using the same framework to build both server and client-side applications saves you time and money. This book teaches you how you can use JavaScript and Node.js to build highly scalable APIs that work well with lightweight cross-platform client applications. It begins with the basics of Node.js in the context of backend development, and quickly leads you through the creation of an example client that pairs up with a fully authenticated API implementation. By the end of the book, you’ll have the skills and exposure required to get hands-on with your own API development project.

Who is this book for?

This book is ideal for developers who already understand JavaScript and are looking for a quick no-frills introduction to API development with Node.js. Though prior experience with other server-side technologies such as Python, PHP, ASP.NET, Ruby will help, it’s not essential to have a background in backend development before getting started.

What you will learn

  • Understand how Node.js works, its trends, and where it is being used now
  • Learn about application modularization and built-in Node.js modules
  • Use the npm third-party module registry to extend your application
  • Gain an understanding of asynchronous programming with Node.js
  • Develop scalable and high-performing APIs using hapi.js and Knex.js
  • Write unit tests for your APIs to ensure reliability and maintainability

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Jul 24, 2018
Length: 100 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781789539660
Languages :
Concepts :
Tools :

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing

Product Details

Publication date : Jul 24, 2018
Length: 100 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781789539660
Languages :
Concepts :
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
€18.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
€189.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just €5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
€264.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just €5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total 70.97
Advanced Node.js Development
€32.99
Beginning API Development with Node.js
€12.99
RESTful Web API Design with Node.js 10, Third Edition
€24.99
Total 70.97 Stars icon

Table of Contents

4 Chapters
Introduction to Node.js Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Building the API - Part 1 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Building the API - Part 2 Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Other Books You May Enjoy Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon 4.2
(5 Ratings)
5 star 60%
4 star 20%
3 star 0%
2 star 20%
1 star 0%
adetayo Sep 20, 2023
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Awesome
Subscriber review Packt
Amazon Customer Oct 23, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Great introduction to node js. Loved it!
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Amazon Customer Aug 22, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Gentle but effective learning curve.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Ephraim Malinga Aug 22, 2018
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
It's a good book for anyone looking to understand the concepts around backend development. I already glued to it. I've read similar books before but Anthony makes it look simple with this one.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Akhil Sep 20, 2023
Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 2
&nbsp is coming in the audio when we play the book
Subscriber review Packt
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is included in a Packt subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

A subscription provides you with full access to view all Packt and licnesed content online, this includes exclusive access to Early Access titles. Depending on the tier chosen you can also earn credits and discounts to use for owning content

How can I cancel my subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

To cancel your subscription with us simply go to the account page - found in the top right of the page or at https://subscription.packtpub.com/my-account/subscription - From here you will see the ‘cancel subscription’ button in the grey box with your subscription information in.

What are credits? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Credits can be earned from reading 40 section of any title within the payment cycle - a month starting from the day of subscription payment. You also earn a Credit every month if you subscribe to our annual or 18 month plans. Credits can be used to buy books DRM free, the same way that you would pay for a book. Your credits can be found in the subscription homepage - subscription.packtpub.com - clicking on ‘the my’ library dropdown and selecting ‘credits’.

What happens if an Early Access Course is cancelled? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Projects are rarely cancelled, but sometimes it's unavoidable. If an Early Access course is cancelled or excessively delayed, you can exchange your purchase for another course. For further details, please contact us here.

Where can I send feedback about an Early Access title? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

If you have any feedback about the product you're reading, or Early Access in general, then please fill out a contact form here and we'll make sure the feedback gets to the right team. 

Can I download the code files for Early Access titles? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We try to ensure that all books in Early Access have code available to use, download, and fork on GitHub. This helps us be more agile in the development of the book, and helps keep the often changing code base of new versions and new technologies as up to date as possible. Unfortunately, however, there will be rare cases when it is not possible for us to have downloadable code samples available until publication.

When we publish the book, the code files will also be available to download from the Packt website.

How accurate is the publication date? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The publication date is as accurate as we can be at any point in the project. Unfortunately, delays can happen. Often those delays are out of our control, such as changes to the technology code base or delays in the tech release. We do our best to give you an accurate estimate of the publication date at any given time, and as more chapters are delivered, the more accurate the delivery date will become.

How will I know when new chapters are ready? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We'll let you know every time there has been an update to a course that you've bought in Early Access. You'll get an email to let you know there has been a new chapter, or a change to a previous chapter. The new chapters are automatically added to your account, so you can also check back there any time you're ready and download or read them online.

I am a Packt subscriber, do I get Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Yes, all Early Access content is fully available through your subscription. You will need to have a paid for or active trial subscription in order to access all titles.

How is Early Access delivered? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is currently only available as a PDF or through our online reader. As we make changes or add new chapters, the files in your Packt account will be updated so you can download them again or view them online immediately.

How do I buy Early Access content? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is a way of us getting our content to you quicker, but the method of buying the Early Access course is still the same. Just find the course you want to buy, go through the check-out steps, and you’ll get a confirmation email from us with information and a link to the relevant Early Access courses.

What is Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Keeping up to date with the latest technology is difficult; new versions, new frameworks, new techniques. This feature gives you a head-start to our content, as it's being created. With Early Access you'll receive each chapter as it's written, and get regular updates throughout the product's development, as well as the final course as soon as it's ready.We created Early Access as a means of giving you the information you need, as soon as it's available. As we go through the process of developing a course, 99% of it can be ready but we can't publish until that last 1% falls in to place. Early Access helps to unlock the potential of our content early, to help you start your learning when you need it most. You not only get access to every chapter as it's delivered, edited, and updated, but you'll also get the finalized, DRM-free product to download in any format you want when it's published. As a member of Packt, you'll also be eligible for our exclusive offers, including a free course every day, and discounts on new and popular titles.