Unit 04: Express Server and JSON APIs

Overview

The focus of this unit is:

• Introducing web fundamentals
• Server-side development
• Introducing web accessibility
• Application deployment
• Testing server functions

This unit we will start our journey of server-side development. We will build servers that can respond to requests dynamically and use data from files located on the server. We will also accept data from our users, save the data, and display it on other pages. Once we're happy enough with the application, we'll deploy it so it can be used by anyone on the internet.

Core concepts

The Web

• The web
• Networking
• HTTP methods
• Using methods correctly
• API keys
• CORS

Exercises

*Note: If any of these exercise links are sending you to a 404, it means the challenge hasn't been made available yet. You will get access to challenges alongside the material in bootcamp. Please let an instructor know if something should be available that isn't.

• consuming-server-apis (select your cohort for a link)

Express Servers

• Express
• Serving static files
• Express Router
• Accepting user data

Exercises

• express-server (select your cohort for a link)

The Filesystem

• The filesystem

Exercises

• pupparazzi (select your cohort for a link)

Testing

• Testing routes
• Testing post routes
• Testing API routes

Exercises

• art-gallery (select your cohort for a link)

User Stories

• User stories

Deployment

• Deploying a full-stack web appplication

Learning Outcomes

Tech Skills

Core

I can...

• Build server-side GET and POST routes
• Use route parameters (e.g. /puppies/:id)
• Write promises

Core+

I can...

• Use JSON.parse and JSON.stringify

Stretch

I can...

• Test GET and POST routes