Web development1:1 mentoring

Node.js and Express

Build REST APIs with Node.js and Express, from modules and async code to databases, authentication and deployment.

Level:: Intermediate
Format:: 1:1 online mentoring

Free, no-obligation chat · Affordable plans that fit your budget · Start this week

1:1 personal attentionOne mentor, one student, at your pace.
Flexible timingsSessions that fit your week and time zone.
Affordable plansPlans that fit your budget.
Practise between sessionsShort problems that build confidence.

About this course

Learn Node.js and Express online

Node.js lets you run JavaScript on the server, and Express is the most common framework for building web APIs with it. Learners often struggle with asynchronous code, how middleware fits together, structuring a project and keeping an API secure.

This course follows the standard Node.js and Express curriculum: the Node runtime and modules, npm, the file system and events, asynchronous patterns, HTTP, routing and middleware, REST API design, validation, databases, authentication, error handling, testing and deployment.

Right now our free self-study lessons cover Java and Python, so Node.js and Express is taught through affordable 1:1 online mentoring: a mentor explains each idea, reviews your code and works at your pace. Message us on WhatsApp or email, or fill in the short form, for a free, no-obligation chat. We will suggest a plan that fits your budget and flexible timings in your time zone, and you can start this week.

Who this course is for

JavaScript learners who want to build back ends
Front-end developers moving to full stack
Students building a server for a class or portfolio project
Career changers aiming for backend or full stack roles
Developers who know another back-end language

Outcomes

What you'll learn

Run JavaScript on the server and use CommonJS and ES modules
Handle files, streams and events with Node core modules
Write asynchronous code with promises and async and await
Build routes and middleware with Express
Design and build a REST API with correct status codes
Validate input and handle errors consistently
Connect to a database and run queries safely
Add authentication, secure the API and deploy it

Skills you'll gain

Node.js
Express
REST APIs
Middleware
Async/await
npm
Databases
Authentication
Validation
Error handling
Testing
Deployment

Detailed syllabus

Node.js and Express syllabus

Every module lists its topics and what you will be able to do. Your mentor plans sessions around them and your own goals.

Module 1
Node.js fundamentals
What Node is and how it runs your code.
- Node.js and the V8 engine
- Installing Node and running scripts
- The REPL
- Global objects and process
- Reading command-line arguments
- Environment variables
By the end of this module you can
- Run and debug a Node script
- Explain what Node adds to JavaScript
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 2
Modules and npm
Organising code and using packages.
- CommonJS and ES modules
- package.json and scripts
- Installing and updating dependencies
- Semantic versioning
- Dev dependencies
- The package-lock file
- Publishing basics
By the end of this module you can
- Structure a project into modules
- Manage dependencies safely
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 3
Core modules
Working with files, paths and events.
- fs and fs/promises
- path
- os
- events and EventEmitter
- Streams and buffers
- Reading and writing JSON files
- Handling file errors
By the end of this module you can
- Read, process and write files with Node
- Use events and streams for larger data
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 4
Asynchronous Node.js
Non-blocking code and the event loop.
- The event loop and libuv overview
- Callbacks and their problems
- Promises
- async and await
- Promise.all and concurrency
- Timers
- Handling rejected promises
By the end of this module you can
- Explain why Node does not block on I/O
- Write async code with correct error handling
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 5
HTTP and your first server
How requests and responses work.
- HTTP methods, headers and status codes
- The http module
- Parsing URLs and query strings
- JSON requests and responses
- Why use a framework
- Testing with a REST client and curl
By the end of this module you can
- Build a small server with the core http module
- Read and write HTTP messages
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 6
Express routing and middleware
The heart of an Express app.
- Creating an Express app
- Routes and route parameters
- Query strings and request bodies
- Router and project structure
- Middleware: order and next()
- Built-in and third-party middleware
- Serving static files
By the end of this module you can
- Build routes with the Express Router
- Write your own middleware
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 7
Designing REST APIs
Clear, consistent APIs.
- Resources and URLs
- CRUD with HTTP methods
- Status codes and responses
- Pagination, filtering and sorting
- Versioning
- API documentation
- Idempotency and safe methods
By the end of this module you can
- Design a REST API for a small domain
- Return correct status codes and error shapes
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 8
Validation and error handling
Trusting nothing from the outside.
- Validating bodies and parameters
- Schema validation libraries
- Centralised error-handling middleware
- Custom error classes
- Async errors in Express
- Logging
By the end of this module you can
- Reject bad input with clear messages
- Handle every error in one place
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 9
Databases
Storing data safely.
- SQL and NoSQL overview
- Connecting from Node
- Queries with parameters to prevent injection
- Using an ORM or query builder
- Migrations and seeding
- Transactions overview
- Connection pooling
By the end of this module you can
- Connect an API to a database
- Write safe queries
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 10
Authentication and security
Protecting users and data.
- Password hashing
- Sessions versus tokens
- JSON Web Tokens
- Protecting routes with middleware
- CORS
- Helmet and security headers
- Rate limiting and secrets handling
By the end of this module you can
- Add register and login to an API
- Protect routes and avoid common security mistakes
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 11
Testing
Making sure the API works.
- Unit tests with a test runner
- Testing routes with supertest-style tools
- Test databases and fixtures
- Mocking
- Test structure and coverage
- Manual testing checklists
By the end of this module you can
- Write tests for routes and services
- Run tests before every change
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions
Module 12
Deployment and next steps
Running your API for real.
- Environment configuration
- Process managers and logging
- Containers overview
- Deploying to a hosting platform
- Health checks and monitoring basics
- Connecting a front end to your API
By the end of this module you can
- Deploy an API and connect a front end
- Plan what to learn next
Covered in 1:1 mentoring sessions

Ways to learn

How you can learn Node.js and Express

Node.js and Express mentor, 1:1 online

A mentor who knows this course plans sessions around your goal, explains each idea with fresh examples and checks your understanding. Personal attention, flexible timings in your time zone and affordable plans that fit your budget.

Talk to our team

How it works

Your learning journey

Four simple steps to start Node.js and Express with a mentor. A real person replies to you; there is no booking system.

Step 1: Talk to us
Message us on WhatsApp or email, or fill in the short form. The first chat is free, with no obligation.
Step 2: Get your plan
We listen to your goal, level and deadlines, then suggest a plan that fits your budget and timings.
Step 3: Learn with your mentor
Online 1:1 sessions with a mentor who knows your course, explains clearly and checks your understanding.
Step 4: Practise & track progress
Keep going between sessions with practice, and watch your confidence grow week by week.

Learn by doing

Projects and practice

Notes API
A CRUD REST API with validation, error handling and file or database storage.
Authenticated blog API
Users register and log in with hashed passwords and tokens, and manage their own posts.
URL shortener
An API that creates short links, redirects and records visit counts, with tests.
Full-stack mini app
An Express API with a database and a small front end, deployed with environment-based configuration.

Free practice on MentorNxt

Your progress

What you'll be able to do

Milestones from the start, middle and end of the syllabus.

Run and debug a Node script
Early on
Design a REST API for a small domain
Halfway
Deploy an API and connect a front end
By the end

FAQs

Node.js and Express: frequently asked questions

Is there a self-study option, or is it 1:1 mentoring?

Our free self-study lessons exist only for Java and Python today. Node.js and Express is learned through 1:1 online mentoring, where a mentor teaches live, answers questions as they come up and shapes each session around what you need next.

How much does mentoring cost?

1:1 mentoring is personal online tutoring and is affordable, with plans that fit your budget. Tell us your goals and how often you would like sessions, and our team will suggest an option that works for you.

How do I get started?

Message us on WhatsApp or email, or fill in the short form on this page. Our team replies, talks through your goals and helps you choose a mentor and a schedule. It starts with a free, no-obligation chat, and you can start this week.

Are the sessions 1:1 and can they fit my schedule?

Yes. Every session is one-to-one and online: one mentor, one learner. Timings are flexible in your time zone, so sessions can sit around school, work and family plans.

Do I need to know JavaScript first?

Yes. You should be comfortable with functions, arrays, objects and basic async code. If not, the mentor starts with the JavaScript gaps.

Is Node.js only for APIs?

No. Node is also used for command-line tools, scripts and build tooling. This course focuses on web APIs with Express, which is the most common use.

Which database will we use?

The ideas apply to any database. Your mentor can use the one that suits your goals or class, and show how queries stay safe.

Can sessions follow my own project?

Yes. Bring your code or idea and the mentor will help you plan, build and fix it, explaining each step.

Free, no-obligation chat

Talk to our team about Node.js and Express

Tell us what you need. Our support team replies within one working day, by email or WhatsApp, whichever you prefer, and arranges your mentor.

Prefer to talk first?

Message the support team directly. We usually reply the same day.

Chat on WhatsApp Email us

Our mentors teach and explain. They never complete graded work, tests or assessments for students.

Keep going

Syllabus references

Last reviewed9 November 2026

Ready to start Node.js and Express?

Message us on WhatsApp or email, or fill in the short form. Our team replies with a plan that fits your goal and budget, and you can start this week.

Fill in the short form

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Learn Node.js and Express online

Who this course is for

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Node.js and Express syllabus

Node.js fundamentals

Modules and npm

Core modules

Asynchronous Node.js

HTTP and your first server

Express routing and middleware

Designing REST APIs

Validation and error handling

Databases

Authentication and security

Testing

Deployment and next steps

How you can learn Node.js and Express

Node.js and Express mentor, 1:1 online

Your learning journey

Step 1: Talk to us

Step 2: Get your plan

Step 3: Learn with your mentor

Step 4: Practise & track progress

Projects and practice

Notes API

Authenticated blog API

URL shortener

Full-stack mini app

Free practice on MentorNxt

What you'll be able to do

Node.js and Express: frequently asked questions

Talk to our team about Node.js and Express

Related courses

JavaScript Programming

React

Web Development

TypeScript

SQL and Databases

Docker & DevOps

Syllabus references

Ready to start Node.js and Express?

Learn Node.js and Express online

Who this course is for

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Node.js and Express syllabus

Node.js fundamentals

Modules and npm

Core modules

Asynchronous Node.js

HTTP and your first server

Express routing and middleware

Designing REST APIs

Validation and error handling

Databases

Authentication and security

Testing

Deployment and next steps

How you can learn Node.js and Express

Node.js and Express mentor, 1:1 online

Your learning journey

Step 1: Talk to us

Step 2: Get your plan

Step 3: Learn with your mentor

Step 4: Practise & track progress

Projects and practice

Notes API

Authenticated blog API

URL shortener

Full-stack mini app

Free practice on MentorNxt

What you'll be able to do

Node.js and Express: frequently asked questions

Talk to our team about Node.js and Express

Related courses

JavaScript Programming

React

Web Development

TypeScript