Web Applications, HTTP, Node.

js, and Express Overview

Different Types of Web Applications (Frontend & Backend)

- Frontend: Client-side of web applications that users interact with, typically built using HTML, CSS,

and JavaScript frameworks like React.js, Angular, or Vue.js.

- Backend: Server-side that processes data and manages databases, typically built using Node.js,

Python (Django/Flask), Java (Spring), or Ruby on Rails.

What is HTTP?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the protocol used to transfer data over the web. It is the

foundation for data communication between clients (browsers) and servers. HTTP operates as a

request-response protocol.

Role of URL in HTTP

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the address used to identify resources on the web. It tells the

browser where to send HTTP requests and is used to retrieve resources such as HTML pages,

images, and other files from servers.

Parts of a URL (Example: https://localhost:5000/users/profile?username=mountblue)

- Protocol: https - indicates the use of HTTPS protocol (secure HTTP).

- Host/Domain: localhost - the domain or IP address of the server.

- Port: 5000 - the port number on which the server listens.

- Path: /users/profile - identifies the resource on the server.

- Query String: ?username=mountblue - additional parameters sent to the server

(username=mountblue).
Commonly Used HTTP Request Methods

- GET: Retrieve data from a server.

- POST: Send data to a server (e.g., form submissions).

- PUT: Update existing data on the server.

- DELETE: Delete data on the server.

- PATCH: Partially update data on the server.

HTTP Status Codes

HTTP status codes indicate the result of the request:

- 1xx: Informational responses (e.g., 101 Switching Protocols).

- 2xx: Success (e.g., 200 OK, 201 Created).

- 3xx: Redirection (e.g., 301 Moved Permanently).

- 4xx: Client errors (e.g., 404 Not Found, 403 Forbidden).

- 5xx: Server errors (e.g., 500 Internal Server Error).

Ways of Passing Information Over HTTP

- Query Parameters: Sent in the URL (e.g., ?name=value).

- Request Body: Sent in the body for POST/PUT requests (usually in JSON or form data format).

- Headers: Metadata sent with requests (e.g., authentication tokens).

- Cookies: Stored in the client's browser, used for session management.

Default Status Code Sent with Each Response

The default status code is usually 200 OK for a successful response unless otherwise specified.

Content-Length Property in Response Headers

The Content-Length header indicates the size (in bytes) of the response body. It helps the client
know how much data to expect.

Difference Between Path and Pathname in a Requested URL

- Path: Refers to the entire string following the domain, including the query string.

- Pathname: Only the path to the resource, excluding the query string (e.g., /users/profile).

What is Node.js?

Node.js is a runtime environment that allows you to run JavaScript on the server. It uses an

event-driven, non-blocking I/O model, making it ideal for building scalable applications.

How Node.js Executes Asynchronous I/O Operations

Node.js uses an event loop and callback mechanism. When an I/O operation (like reading a file) is

initiated, it doesn't block the execution. Instead, it registers a callback, continues executing other

code, and once the I/O is done, the callback is executed.

Core Node Modules in Node Environment

Core modules are pre-built into Node.js. Examples include:

- http: For creating HTTP servers.

- fs: For working with the file system.

- path: For handling file paths.

- url: For URL parsing and manipulation.

Creating a Server in Node.js

const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {

res.write('Hello, World!');
 res.end();

});

server.listen(3000, () => console.log('Server running on port 3000'));

Core Node Module for Parsing URLs

The url module is used to parse requested URLs in Node.js.

What is NPM and Why Do We Use It?

NPM (Node Package Manager) is a tool for managing JavaScript packages and dependencies in

Node.js projects. It allows you to install, update, and share libraries.

Importance of package.json in Node Projects

package.json contains metadata about the project, including dependencies, scripts, and version

information. It helps manage project configurations and dependencies.

What is Express?

Express is a minimal and flexible Node.js web application framework that provides tools to build web

applications and APIs.

Creating a Server Using Express

const express = require('express');

const app = express();

app.get('/', (req, res) => res.send('Hello, World!'));

app.listen(3000, () => console.log('Server running on port 3000'));

Scripts Property in package.json

the server).

"scripts": {

"start": "node app.js"

What are Middlewares in Express Applications?

Middlewares are functions that execute during the request-response cycle. They can modify the

request, response, or terminate the request-response cycle.

Built-in Middlewares in Express

- express.static(): Serves static files.

- express.json(): Parses incoming JSON payloads.

Use of next() in Middlewares

The next() function passes control to the next middleware in the stack. Without it, the request would

hang.

Use of express.static() Middleware

It serves static files (e.g., images, CSS, JavaScript) from a directory.

app.use(express.static('public'));

express.json() Middleware

This middleware parses incoming JSON request payloads, making it accessible via req.body.
Error Handler Middleware in Express

Error-handling middleware has four arguments (err, req, res, next) and is used to handle errors. It's

different from other middlewares because it specifically catches errors during request processing.

Extracting Query Parameters in Express

Query parameters can be accessed via req.query:

app.get('/search', (req, res) => {

const username = req.query.username;

res.send(`Searched for: ${username}`);

});