Build a real API step by step with Node, Express, and MongoDB. You start with an empty folder and work toward a clean, tested, and deployed API. You learn core skills through a clear project: a bootcamp directory app.
What You Will Learn
You work through each part of the API in small pieces. Each topic builds on the last so you see how the full system fits together.
Core HTTP and API Skills
- HTTP basics and the request/response cycle
- REST design and resource paths
- Postman for testing routes
Server With Express
- Route setup and controller methods
- Custom middleware
- Error handling patterns
Data With MongoDB
- Atlas and Compass setup
- Mongoose models and schema design
- Model links and relationships
- Advanced queries like filter and pagination
- Aggregation pipelines
Extra Features
- GeoJSON and geospatial index work
- Geocoding lookups
- Photo upload
- Seeding data from JSON
Auth and Security
- JWT and cookie-based login
- User roles and access checks
- Password hashing and reset tokens
- Guarding against NoSQL injection and XSS
- Rate limiting
Docs and Deployment
- Clear API documentation
- Deploy with PM2 and NGINX
- Set up SSL
Requirements
- Modern JavaScript (ES6)
- Basic programming concepts
- Some Node knowledge helps
Who This Course Is For
- People who want to learn backend web work with Node
- Frontend devs who want full‑stack skills
