Node.js Fundamentals: From Zero to Hero

Course Description:

Explore the powerful JavaScript runtime environment, Node.js, and master the necessary skills to build efficient and high-performing back-end applications. This course will guide you through the basic concepts, best practices, and essential tools to become a proficient Node.js developer.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the basics of Node.js and asynchronous programming.
• Learn how to manage modules and packages with npm.
• Build web applications using Express.js.
• Interact with a MongoDB database.
• Develop skills in application security and performance.

Module 1: Introduction to Node.js

• What is Node.js? - History and advantages.
• Installation and Setup - Setting up your Node.js development environment.
• Getting Started - Writing and running a simple script.

Module 2: Managing Node.js Modules

• Understanding Modules - Importing and exporting modules.
• npm - Using npm to manage packages.
• Creating a Project - Initializing a new Node.js project with npm.

Module 3: Building a Web Application with Express.js

• Introduction to Express.js - Why use Express?
• Your First Express Application - Building a simple CRUD application.
• Middleware - Understanding and using middleware in Express.

Module 4: Interacting with a Database

• Using MongoDB with Node.js - Setting up and connecting MongoDB.
• Mongoose - Data modeling with Mongoose for MongoDB.
• CRUD with MongoDB - Implementing CRUD operations with Node.js and MongoDB.

Module 5: Security and Performance

• Basic Security - Preventing common attacks (SQL injections, XSS, CSRF).
• Performance Optimization - Techniques to improve performance.
• Using Profiling Tools - Profiling your Node.js application.

Module 6: Final Project

• Developing a Complete Application - Using the skills learned to build an application.
• Deployment - Deploying the application on a server like Heroku.
• Review and Feedback - Code review and possible improvements.

Additional Resources

• Reading lists, tutorial videos, and official documentation for further learning.

Assessment

• Quizzes at the end of each module.
• A final project assessed to test understanding and application of learned concepts.

This course outline is designed to be flexible and can be adjusted based on the participants' level or extended to include complementary technologies like React.js for full-stack development.