Chuck's Academy

Full-stack

Back-End Development

Back-end development focuses on server logic and database management, aspects that support and connect the front-end with the data and business logic of an application. In this chapter, we will explore the essential technologies and concepts for back-end development, focusing on Node.js, Express, MongoDB, and MySQL.

Node.js: JavaScript on the Server Side

Node.js allows the use of JavaScript on the server side, facilitating the construction of scalable and high-performance applications. Node.js is popular in back-end development because it enables working with the same language on both the front-end and back-end, reducing complexity.

Example of a basic server in Node.js:

javascript
"This Node.js code creates a simple server that listens on port 3000 and responds with a 'Hello, world!' message every time it receives a request. We use the http module to handle requests and responses in a basic way."

Express: A Web Application Framework for Node.js

Express is a Node.js framework that simplifies the process of creating servers and managing routes, making the development of web applications and APIs easier. With Express, it is possible to create routes to handle different requests and manage responses efficiently.

Example of a route in Express that responds to a GET request:

javascript
"This code uses Express to create a server and handle a GET route at the root of the site. When accessing the main route, the server responds with a 'Hello, Express!' message. Express makes route and response management easier."

Databases: Data Storage and Retrieval

In back-end development, databases are essential for storing and managing information. MongoDB and MySQL are two of the most common database options. MongoDB is a NoSQL database suitable for unstructured data, while MySQL is an SQL database that uses a table structure.

MongoDB: NoSQL Database

MongoDB stores data in JSON documents, allowing for a flexible structure that facilitates handling unstructured data. It is ideal for applications that require speed and flexibility.

Example of a connection to MongoDB in Node.js using Mongoose:

javascript
"This code uses Mongoose to connect to a MongoDB database named 'mydatabase' on localhost. Mongoose facilitates interaction with MongoDB and handles possible connection errors."

MySQL: Relational SQL Database

MySQL is a relational database that organizes data into tables and uses SQL to handle data. It is suitable for applications that require data integrity and structured relationships.

Example of a connection to MySQL in Node.js:

javascript
"This code uses the mysql module to connect to a MySQL database. We create a connection with the specified host and database and display a successful connection message if there are no errors."

APIs: Connection between the Front-End and Back-End

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow the front-end to interact with the back-end to send and receive data. With Node.js and Express, it is possible to build RESTful APIs to handle requests and respond with data in JSON format.

Example of a REST API in Express that responds with a JSON object:

javascript
"This Express code defines a route in the API that responds with a JSON object. When a client makes a GET request to /api/user, the server responds with a JSON containing the name and age of a user."

Conclusion

Back-end development provides the logic and data storage needed for an application's operation. With Node.js and Express, along with databases like MongoDB and MySQL, we can efficiently build and manage robust and scalable applications.

In the next chapter, we will learn about DevOps and how to optimize the development, deployment, and monitoring of applications using tools like Docker and Kubernetes.


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