Intro to Backend Web Development – Node.js & Express Tutorial for Beginners

freeCodeCamp.org November 17, 2025
Video Thumbnail

About

No channel description available.

Latest Posts

No results found. Try different keywords.

Video Description

This introductory guide teaches you how to construct a basic backend for a website using popular technologies like Node.js, Express.js, and the MongoDB NoSQL database. The tutorial covers the core components of backend development, walking you through the initial server setup, database connection, and code structure using a model, route, and controller pattern. You will learn to build practical APIs for user authentication, including password hashing, as well as full CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations to manage data. Finally, the video demonstrates how to utilize Postman to test your server's requests and ensure your APIs are functioning correctly. This course was developed by Shivani. She is part of Hack Club. Hack Club is a global non-profit organization that creates a community for high school students interested in coding and making things with technology. Hack Club is free and any teenager can join. Check out their site to get stickers and learn more: https://hackclub.com/ Resources: GitHub Repo Link: https://github.com/NewSmoke38/intro-to-backend Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivani-backend/ Notes: https://excalidraw.com/#json=MZ-nK2h_8IKWFL0Nm1gxH,QJrqIq4vpqwtzvjh4YMFIA ⭐️ Contents ⭐️ - 00:00 Introduction & Overview - 01:44 What is a Backend? - 02:01 Core Components: Languages, Databases, Runtimes, Frameworks - 04:36 Backend Architecture Flowchart - 05:44 How Frontend Connects to Backend (APIs) - 07:00 Prerequisites & Installing Node.js - 08:50 Project Folder Structure - 09:30 Project Initialization (Git & npm) - 12:56 Setting up MongoDB Atlas Database - 15:45 Environment Variables (.env) - 18:36 Constants & ES Modules Setup - 20:30 Creating the Express App (app.js) - 25:15 Connecting Database to Server (database.js) - 31:30 Server Entry Point (index.js) - 39:00 Setting up Nodemon & Running the Server - 44:00 Understanding Models & ER Diagrams - 46:26 Creating the User Model - 53:40 Understanding Routes - 55:00 Setting up User Routes - 56:23 Understanding Controllers - 1:57:04 Coding the Register Controller - 1:07:08 The Journey of a Request - 1:15:48 HTTP Methods & Status Codes Explained - 1:20:36 Introduction to Postman - 1:22:00 Testing the Register API - 1:25:53 Viewing Data in MongoDB Atlas - 1:27:14 Coding the Login Controller - 1:31:40 Hashing Passwords with Bcrypt - 1:36:40 Comparing Passwords for Login - 1:42:06 Testing the Login API - 1:44:04 Coding the Logout Controller - 1:47:40 Testing the Logout API - 1:49:14 Intro to CRUD APIs - 1:49:24 Creating the Post Model - 1:53:33 Create Post API (Controller & Route) - 2:59:52 Testing Create Post - 2:03:09 Read All Posts API - 2:05:54 Testing Get Posts - 2:08:30 Update Post API - 2:17:08 Testing Update Post - 2:19:36 Delete Post API - 2:23:47 Testing Delete Post - 2:25:13 Final Commit & Conclusion ❤️ Support for this channel comes from our friends at Scrimba – the coding platform that's reinvented interactive learning: https://scrimba.com/freecodecamp 🎉 Thanks to our Champion and Sponsor supporters: 👾 Drake Milly 👾 Ulises Moralez 👾 Goddard Tan 👾 David MG 👾 Matthew Springman 👾 Claudio 👾 Oscar R. 👾 jedi-or-sith 👾 Nattira Maneerat 👾 Justin Hual -- Learn to code for free and get a developer job: https://www.freecodecamp.org Read hundreds of articles on programming: https://freecodecamp.org/news

You May Also Like

Backend Dev Starter Kit

AI-recommended products based on this video

Loading...
Pishengfa DIY Stitch Book, Embroidery Stitch Book, DIY Sewing Books, EmbroideryS Books of Stitches, with 86/128 Sewing Tips for Beginners, Unique Embroidery Handmade Gifts (Grey)

Pishengfa DIY Stitch Book, Embroidery Stitch Book, DIY Sewing Books, EmbroideryS Books of Stitches, with 86/128 Sewing Tips for Beginners, Unique Embroidery Handmade Gifts (Grey)

(0)
$29.99
$6.99 delivery Dec 23, 2025 - Jan 2, 2026
700+ bought in past month
Loading...
KINGRACK 4 Step Ladder, Sturdy Steel Step Stool with Tool Platform, Safe-Lock, Handrail, Anti-Slip Wide Pedals, Pass 800lbs Load Testing, Folding Portable Ladder for Multi-Purpose, Home Kitchen, Black Global Recycled Standard

KINGRACK 4 Step Ladder, Sturdy Steel Step Stool with Tool Platform, Safe-Lock, Handrail, Anti-Slip Wide Pedals, Pass 800lbs Load Testing, Folding Portable Ladder for Multi-Purpose, Home Kitchen, Black Global Recycled Standard

(1,607)
$113.99
50+ bought in past month
Loading...
Environet Hydroponic Growing Kit, Self-Watering Mason Jar Herb Garden Starter Kit Indoor, Windowsill Herb Garden, Grow Your Own Herbs from Organic Seeds (Basil)

Environet Hydroponic Growing Kit, Self-Watering Mason Jar Herb Garden Starter Kit Indoor, Windowsill Herb Garden, Grow Your Own Herbs from Organic Seeds (Basil)

(786)
$69.15$33.51
FREE delivery Jun 13 - 17
Loading...
Herb Garden Planter Indoor Kit 21Pcs Kitchen Herb Garden Starter Kit Growing Kit Including Wooden Box Burlap Pots Soil Discs Gardening Tools Unique Easter Birthday Christmas Gift Ideas for Women Mom

Herb Garden Planter Indoor Kit 21Pcs Kitchen Herb Garden Starter Kit Growing Kit Including Wooden Box Burlap Pots Soil Discs Gardening Tools Unique Easter Birthday Christmas Gift Ideas for Women Mom

(0)
$30.99
FREE delivery Jun 19 - Jul 3
Loading...
Bonsai Starter Kit – 1x Bonsai Tree | Complete Indoor Starter Kit for Growing Plants with Bonsai Seeds, Tools & Planters – Gardening Gifts for Women & Men
Best Seller

Bonsai Starter Kit – 1x Bonsai Tree | Complete Indoor Starter Kit for Growing Plants with Bonsai Seeds, Tools & Planters – Gardening Gifts for Women & Men

(243)
$19.99
FREE delivery Sat, Jun 14 on your first order
300+ bought in past month
Loading...
Freenove Ultimate Starter Kit for BBC micro bit (V2 Included), 316-Page Detailed Tutorial, 225 Items, 44 Projects, Blocks and Python Code

Freenove Ultimate Starter Kit for BBC micro bit (V2 Included), 316-Page Detailed Tutorial, 225 Items, 44 Projects, Blocks and Python Code

(382)
$94.95
PrimeFREE delivery Sat, Jun 14