NodeJS: How To Create A Simple Server Using Express

Intro

So we installed NodeJS on our machine.

We also learned how to create a simple server using Node's HTTP module.

We also know How to Get External Packages.

Now we want to learn how to create a simple server using express.

Write a simple script

• Open your terminal
• Create a file named index.js:

touch index.js

• Add this JavaScript code into it:

// import express (after npm install express)
const express = require('express');

// create new express app and save it as "app"
const app = express();

// server configuration
const PORT = 8080;

// create a route for the app
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  res.send('Hello World');
});

// make the server listen to requests
app.listen(PORT, () => {
  console.log(`Server running at: http://localhost:${PORT}/`);
});

Note: This simple server has only one working route (/). If you want to learn more about Routing, read the docs for Routing.

Run it from the terminal

• Run it:

node index.js

• Result:

Server running at: http://localhost:8080/

Now you can click on the link and reach your created server.

Further Reading

• express
• Routing
• Response Methods

Questions

• Do you use express or some libraries like koa or sails? Why do you use it?