As a web developer, you've probably heard a lot about APIs and microservices over the last few of years. This Learning Path shows you exactly how to get started with building out your own API, which you can remix and extend to seamlessly integrate with other services.
After a refresher on Node.js, you will take a look at the asynchronous programming model, which is key to understanding why Node.js is a good fit for API development. You will then dive right into building out your example API. You will also learn how to create companion unit tests to make sure everything is set for production. This serves as a great starting point for adaptation and extension for personal projects.
Moving ahead, this Learning Path introduces you to various sets of patterns that you can use to efficiently solve your everyday development and design problems. You will understand what different traditional design patterns look like in Node.js, and how to design modules that focus on performing a single task at a time. You will gain an understanding of the basic building blocks and principles of writing large and well-organized Node.js applications. Next, you will see how to use JavaScript and Node.js to build highly scalable APIs that work well with lightweight cross-platform client applications.
By the end of this Learning Path, you will have exposure to the Node.js ecosystem, its set of solutions, and will develop the skills required to get hands-on with your own API development projects.
About the Authors
Tamas Piros is a full-stack web developer turned technical trainer who has a decade of experience working with the prestigious organization throughout the world including Credit Suisse, Verizon, BBC and Accenture to mention a few. In his professional career, he has delivered presentations and workshops all over the world to a mix of technical and non-technical audiences. He has recently launched a blog dedicated to developers wishing to read articles around the latest & greatest tech. He also owns a training business in London, UK called Full Stack Training Ltd. You can follow him on Twitter by searching for @tpiros.
Glenn Dayton has been a full stack developer for several years now with a strong passion for teaching spanning an even longer amount of time. He works at NASA JPL as a Backend Developer helping build tools that modernize the way spacecraft are tested.