What is Express?

Learn what Express is, how it layers routing and middleware over Node's http module and where it is used.

A minimal web framework

Express is a minimal, unopinionated framework built on top of Node's built-in http module. It adds routing, middleware and helpers without hiding Node itself.

Raw Node vs Express

Raw http is like building a house from bricks one at a time. Express hands you pre-fit doors, windows and wiring — routing, JSON parsing, static files — so you build faster.

Where it fits

Express powers REST APIs, server-rendered sites and the backend for SPAs (React/Angular). It's unopinionated — you choose the database, templating engine and structure.

Express.js Fundamentals: Routing, Middleware and APIs

Module 1: Getting Started

Module 2: Routing

Module 3: Middleware

Module 4: Request & Response

Module 5: Handling JSON Bodies

Module 6: Organizing Routes

express.Router()

Module 7: Error Handling