# What is Express? — Express.js Fundamentals: Routing, Middleware and APIs

Source: https://www.skillbyai.com/en/expressjs/ex-intro

> 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.