Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Save more on your purchases! discount-offer-chevron-icon
Savings automatically calculated. No voucher code required.
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
$8.99 $13.99
Paperback
$16.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m

What do you get with eBook?

Product feature icon Instant access to your Digital eBook purchase
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Billing Address

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 : 9781789534177
Languages :
Concepts :
Tools :

What do you get with eBook?

Product feature icon Instant access to your Digital eBook purchase
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR
Modal Close icon
Payment Processing...
tick Completed

Billing Address

Product Details

Publication date : Jul 24, 2018
Length: 100 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781789534177
Languages :
Concepts :
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 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
$199.99 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
$279.99 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 $ 93.97
Advanced Node.js Development
$43.99
Beginning API Development with Node.js
$16.99
RESTful Web API Design with Node.js 10, Third Edition
$32.99
Total $ 93.97 Stars icon
Banner background image

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

How do I buy and download an eBook? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Where there is an eBook version of a title available, you can buy it from the book details for that title. Add either the standalone eBook or the eBook and print book bundle to your shopping cart. Your eBook will show in your cart as a product on its own. After completing checkout and payment in the normal way, you will receive your receipt on the screen containing a link to a personalised PDF download file. This link will remain active for 30 days. You can download backup copies of the file by logging in to your account at any time.

If you already have Adobe reader installed, then clicking on the link will download and open the PDF file directly. If you don't, then save the PDF file on your machine and download the Reader to view it.

Please Note: Packt eBooks are non-returnable and non-refundable.

Packt eBook and Licensing When you buy an eBook from Packt Publishing, completing your purchase means you accept the terms of our licence agreement. Please read the full text of the agreement. In it we have tried to balance the need for the ebook to be usable for you the reader with our needs to protect the rights of us as Publishers and of our authors. In summary, the agreement says:

  • You may make copies of your eBook for your own use onto any machine
  • You may not pass copies of the eBook on to anyone else
How can I make a purchase on your website? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

If you want to purchase a video course, eBook or Bundle (Print+eBook) please follow below steps:

  1. Register on our website using your email address and the password.
  2. Search for the title by name or ISBN using the search option.
  3. Select the title you want to purchase.
  4. Choose the format you wish to purchase the title in; if you order the Print Book, you get a free eBook copy of the same title. 
  5. Proceed with the checkout process (payment to be made using Credit Card, Debit Cart, or PayPal)
Where can I access support around an eBook? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
  • If you experience a problem with using or installing Adobe Reader, the contact Adobe directly.
  • To view the errata for the book, see www.packtpub.com/support and view the pages for the title you have.
  • To view your account details or to download a new copy of the book go to www.packtpub.com/account
  • To contact us directly if a problem is not resolved, use www.packtpub.com/contact-us
What eBook formats do Packt support? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Our eBooks are currently available in a variety of formats such as PDF and ePubs. In the future, this may well change with trends and development in technology, but please note that our PDFs are not Adobe eBook Reader format, which has greater restrictions on security.

You will need to use Adobe Reader v9 or later in order to read Packt's PDF eBooks.

What are the benefits of eBooks? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
  • You can get the information you need immediately
  • You can easily take them with you on a laptop
  • You can download them an unlimited number of times
  • You can print them out
  • They are copy-paste enabled
  • They are searchable
  • There is no password protection
  • They are lower price than print
  • They save resources and space
What is an eBook? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Packt eBooks are a complete electronic version of the print edition, available in PDF and ePub formats. Every piece of content down to the page numbering is the same. Because we save the costs of printing and shipping the book to you, we are able to offer eBooks at a lower cost than print editions.

When you have purchased an eBook, simply login to your account and click on the link in Your Download Area. We recommend you saving the file to your hard drive before opening it.

For optimal viewing of our eBooks, we recommend you download and install the free Adobe Reader version 9.