Routes and HTTP Requests in Express.js
Welcome to Shrash Studio Learning. In this tutorial, we will learn Routes and HTTP Requests in Express.js using super simple English, practical examples, and beginner-friendly explanations.
What is a Route in Express.js?
A route is simply:
A path inside your Express application.
Different Routes Example
| Route | Purpose |
|---|---|
| /api/users | Returns users list |
| /api/products | Returns products list |
| /api/orders | Returns orders list |
Common HTTP Methods
| Method | Purpose |
|---|---|
| GET | Retrieve data |
| POST | Create data |
| PUT | Update data |
| DELETE | Delete data |
Creating First Route
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
res.send('Hello World');
});
Sending JSON Response
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
res.send({
message: 'Hello World'
});
});
Setting HTTP Status Code
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
res.status(201).send({
message: 'Created Successfully'
});
});
Creating Users Route
app.get('/api/users', (req, res) => {
res.send([
{
id: 1,
username: 'anson',
displayName: 'Anson'
},
{
id: 2,
username: 'jack',
displayName: 'Jack'
}
]);
});
Creating Products Route
app.get('/api/products', (req, res) => {
res.send([
{
id: 1,
name: 'Chicken Breast',
price: 12.99
},
{
id: 2,
name: 'Rice',
price: 5.99
}
]);
});
Complete Example
import express from 'express';
const app = express();
const port = process.env.PORT || 3000;
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
res.send('Hello World');
});
app.get('/api/users', (req, res) => {
res.send([
{
id: 1,
username: 'anson',
displayName: 'Anson'
}
]);
});
app.get('/api/products', (req, res) => {
res.send([
{
id: 1,
name: 'Chicken Breast',
price: 12.99
}
]);
});
app.listen(port, () => {
console.log(`Running on port ${port}`);
});
Important Tips
- Use meaningful route names
- Always use /api prefix
- Keep routes organized
- Use correct HTTP methods
- Return proper status codes
Interview Answer
If interviewer asks "What is a Route in Express.js?"
"A route in Express.js is a path or endpoint that handles client requests and returns responses from the server."
"A route in Express.js is a path or endpoint that handles client requests and returns responses from the server."
Summary
Routes are one of the most important concepts in Express.js because they help handle client requests and send responses properly.
Understanding routes and HTTP methods is extremely important for backend and full-stack developers.