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At Code the Dream, we envision a world in which tech innovation comes from all of us and benefits all of us.

Node.js/ Express

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Learn to build a back-end Javascript environment using Node.js and Express.js for routing and middleware
Express
JavaScript
Node

What’s covered in our Node.js/ Express course:

Node, short for Node.js, is an implementation of the Chrome JavaScript engine, but one that runs outside of the browser, so that it can be used to write standalone programs as well as web serving applications. Express is a framework for Node that makes the creation of web applications very easy. These are complemented by a vast library of NPM packages to make adding common functions easy. The combination is a leading framework throughout the IT industry, and continues to grow in adoption. All programming in Node and Express is in JavaScript, so the back end engine for an application can be written in the same language as the front end.

Topics in this course include:

  • NPM and Async Patterns
  • Middleware, REST Methods, Postman
  • Query Parameters 
  • JWT Basics
  • Building/Attaching a Front End for your API
  • Server Side Rendering with EJS
  • Authentication with Passport
  • Using EJS in a Database Application
View Lesson-by-Lesson Objectives (PDF)

What you should know before starting this course:

Note: The Intro to Programming Course is a prerequisite for this class unless you have tested out of Intro to Programming by successfully completing the Advanced class pre-work assignment when applying to our program. React.js is a companion course to Node/Express and can be taken before or after this one.

  • Standard HTML tag set (ex. DOCTYPE, html, head, body, h1-h4, p, a, etc.)
  • HTML forms (how they work and the various parts that make up a form)
  • Creating and applying CSS styles (including layouts such as Flexbox and Grid)
  • Strong foundation of JavaScript basics (arrays, objects, methods, functions, loops, conditional statements, etc) 
  • API fetch and how to parse the data returned 
  • JavaScript DOM Manipulation (how to use JavaScript to alter the DOM)
  • git/GitHub (how to use git commands in your terminal, how to use a GitHub repository for version control including how to fork, clone, push, making a pull request) NOTE: experience in source control with another version control system like gitlab or bitbucket is also acceptable

Supplies you need before starting this course:

  • Laptop or Desktop computer of any variety listed below.  Chromebooks or similar two-in-one machines are not suitable for this course.  100GB hard disk space should be available regardless of what type of machine you have.
    • Mac: Catalina OS version or later with:
      • 8GB memory minimum, 16GB memory recommended
      • Administrative access
    • PC / Windows: Windows 10 64-bit version or later with:
      • 8GB memory minimum, 16GB memory recommended
      • Administrative access
    • PC / Linux: Linux with a recent version of Ubuntu:
      • 8GB memory minimum, 16GB memory recommended
      • Administrative access
  • Webcam is preferred for attending mentor sessions
  • Reliable Internet Connection
  • GitHub account.  If you do not have one, you can sign up for a free account here
  • An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) such as Visual Studio Code, Atom, or similar.

What Node.js/Express Students Have to Say

“
Photo of - Iryna, Node.js Student
Starting with Code The Dream and learning Node.js/Express was super exciting for me. This course didn’t just teach me techie stuff; it made me feel really confident as a developer. The mentors were so into the subject, and every class felt like we were exploring cool stuff in Node.js and Express. // The lessons were awesome because they mixed theory with practical tasks, making it easy to understand the tricky parts. What’s cool is that we didn’t just learn on our own; we chatted with classmates and did projects together. It not only helped me get better at tech stuff but also made me better at working in a team and talking with others—a surprise bonus! // Friends from class and the teachers were always there to help out. It felt like a team that pushed me to learn more. This course made me realize that learning can be fun, and with the support around, you can achieve a lot.
– Iryna, Node.js Student
“
Photo of - Yelena, Node.js Student
In CTD bootcamp I have acquired the new technical skills such as Node.js. It can help me to open up new career possibilities in tech industry. By gaining coding skills and completing CTD bootcamp can increase my chances of securing job opportunities in the technology sector. In CTD I have found a supportive and collaborative environment, excellent mentorship, access to learning resources, ongoing support during the learning journey. I appreciate a lot the courses and CTD staff, it is a wonderful journey with them!
– Yelena, Node.js Student