Getting Started with Express.js: A Beginner's Guide
Written on
Chapter 1: Introduction to Express.js
Express.js is a robust framework built on Node.js designed to simplify the development of web and mobile applications. This article will guide you through the process of using Express to create your web applications.
Prerequisites
Before diving into Express, ensure you have a basic understanding of JavaScript and familiarity with Node.js.
Starting Your Project
Begin by creating a new directory for your project. You can name this folder anything you prefer. Open your terminal and execute the following command:
npm init
You will be prompted to enter information about your module. Simply fill in the required fields and confirm with 'yes'.
After running the previous command, a package.json file will be generated in your directory, indicating that your project has been initialized.
Installing Express
Next, you will need to install Express in your project. In the terminal, run:
npm install express
This command will create a node_modules folder within your project directory, setting you up for your first Express application.
Setting Up Your Express App
Now, open the app.js file and set up your Express application. You can start writing your code here.
The highlighted code is essential for any Express application to function. You can modify the remaining sections and change the port number to any available option, like 80, 3000, or 3300.
Running Your Application
To start your application, execute the following command in the terminal:
node app.js
Next, open your web browser and enter localhost:80 (the port number may vary on your system) in the address bar.
Congratulations! You have successfully created your first Express application. Feel free to experiment and explore its features.
Chapter 2: Learning Resources
To further enhance your understanding of Express.js, consider watching the following tutorials:
This tutorial titled "Learn Express JS In 35 Minutes" provides a quick overview of the framework, perfect for beginners looking to grasp the basics rapidly.
Additionally, the "Node JS Express Beginner Tutorial - Getting Started" video offers detailed insights for those new to Node.js and Express, guiding you through the initial setup and application development.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this guide on Express.js. I hope you found it informative and helpful. If you have any questions or encounter issues while setting up your Express application, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Happy Coding!