Let’s start with web development.

When we talk about web development, we are basically essentially talking about the front-end and back-end (also referred to as server-side). Express is a backend development Nodejs framework.

What is a Nodejs Framework?

This section is for those who are not familiar with frameworks. If you already know what a framework is, please feel free to skip ahead.

Writing an application from scratch is time-consuming and tedious, especially in today’s fast-paced world, and initial setup may involve a lot of boilerplate code, such as setting up ports and defining route handlers; frameworks help to save time and effort by providing a pre-built set of tools and libraries that can be used to quickly and easily create a web application. This can free up developers to focus on the things that matter most — writing logic and advanced functionalities.

What is Express js?

It is one of the most popular Node.js web application frameworks, used with popular tech stacks, like MERN, MEAN, and MEVN, for web development. You’ve probably heard of these stacks if you’re familiar with web development. And if you’re new to web development, you’ll need to learn about them.

The image shows how a tech stack contributes to complete web development. For instance, when it comes to data storage, a Database (e.g., MongoDB) is required, and for writing the front end, various frameworks exist today, such as Angular.js.(in MEAN stack).

Similarly, you need to use a backend-specific language or framework for the backend. Some popular backend languages include Python, Java, JavaScript (Node.js), and PHP, while Django, Express.js, and Flask are some of the popular backend frameworks.

If you want to use JavaScript in the backend, you typically need to use the Node.js runtime environment. Node.js allows you to run JavaScript code outside of a web browser, which makes it possible to use JavaScript for both the front end and back end of a web application.

On top of Nodejs, several frameworks have been created, among which is Express. More precisely, it is a layer built around Node.js that significantly simplifies the process of working within the Node.js environment and reduces development complexity.

Express is an open-source web application framework for Node.js. It provides a robust set of features for building web and mobile applications, including routing, middleware, template engines, seamless database integration, and a wealth of features for developing advanced features and functions.

Note: In this article, when we refer to web applications with Express, we are explicitly referring to the development of “back-end services or APIs.”

Features of Express

1. An array of pre-built tools

The framework includes an array of tools for web applications, routing, and middleware for building and deploying large-scale, enterprise-ready applications.

2. Node package manager

It comes up with a Node package manager and a command-line interface(CLI), allowing you to create project structures, generate routes, controllers, and other components, as well as manage dependencies and configuration settings.

3. Middleware

Middleware in Express is used as snippets of code that intercept requests and responses, manage errors, and perform various other tasks, helping you to perform actions like validation, logging, and authentication in a reusable and modular way.

4. Routing

ExpressJS offers developers a straightforward routing system that simplifies the handling of HTTP requests. In addition, it allows you to define your own special paths and rules for these requests.

Applications of Expressjs

It is termed as a versatile framework that developers employ for constructing APIs, single page and real-time applications, microservices, proxy servers, CMSs, backend for mobile applications, authentication, authorization mechanisms, and many more services. Below is a list of the application you can build using Express js.

1. APIs for Single Page Application

Single-page applications (SPAs) are a popular type of web application that loads all of the content for the page in one go. This means that the user does not have to wait for the page to reload when they interact with it, which can provide a smoother and more responsive experience.

Some popular examples of SPAs include Gmail, Google Maps, and Spotify. These apps are able to provide a great user experience because they only need to load the content once, and then they can dynamically update the content based on the user’s actions. This makes for a very fluid and interactive experience. Express is used for developing back-end services, or APIs, for single-page applications to fetch data.

2. Real-time applications

Real-time applications are increasingly popular as they allow users to interact with each other in real time. Some popular examples of real-time applications include multiplayer games, chat apps, and collaboration tools. Express is used in developing real-time applications.

It helps you build the basic structure, like handling web pages and buttons, and when you want your website to instantly update without needing to refresh the page, Express.js and socket.io can work together.

Express.js can take care of the regular stuff your website needs, like showing pages and handling regular requests. While WebSockets enables real-time data exchange between the server and clients.

3. Streaming applications

Streaming applications are becoming increasingly popular as they allow users to watch movies, TV shows, and other content on demand. Some popular examples of streaming applications include Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.

You can leverage Express in streaming applications for a variety of tasks, including handling requests, serving media files, developing authentication and authorization modules, implementing search and recommendations, and many more functionalities.

4. Fintech application

Some popular fintech applications that are built with Express.js include Robinhood, Coinbase, and PayPal. Leveraging the robust functionalities of Express.js, these applications efficiently manage intricate financial transactions.

5. APIs

APIs are software intermediaries that allow different systems to communicate with each other. They are widely utilized by different systems for integrating payment gateways, social media integrations, and e-commerce integrations. Brillworks has developed a suite of APIs and applications for the business consulting and media preservation industries, which includes critical functions such as company setup, visa services, corporate services, file management, customer portal, CMS portal, bulk upload, etc.

Read more: https://www.brilworks.com/blog/what-is-express-js-comprehensive-guide-to-beginners/