How to set up a Node.js Server with Express or the Native HTTP module

Node.js, a powerful runtime environment for server-side JavaScript, offers developers two primary options for setting up a server: utilizing the popular Express framework or leveraging the native HTTP module. Each approach comes with its own advantages and considerations. In this comprehensive blog post, we will guide you through the process of quickly setting up a Node.js server using either Express or the native HTTP module

First, we'll delve into Express, a robust and widely adopted framework that simplifies server-side development. You'll learn how to install Express, set up routes, handle requests and responses, and take advantage of middleware to enhance your server's functionality and security. We'll showcase the flexibility and ease-of-use that Express provides, making it an excellent choice for building web applications and APIs

Next, we'll explore the native HTTP module, a core module of Node.js that provides low-level functionality for building servers. We'll walk you through the steps of creating an HTTP server, handling requests and responses, and implementing features such as routing and request parsing. This approach offers a lightweight and efficient option, ideal for projects with specific performance requirements or those seeking a deeper understanding of the underlying server infrastructure

Throughout the blog post, we'll highlight the key differences and trade-offs between Express and the native HTTP module, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your project's needs and your familiarity with each approach. Whether you prioritize simplicity, speed, or granular control, we'll equip you with the knowledge and practical examples to get your Node.js server up and running in no time

By the end of this guide, you'll have a solid understanding of both Express and the native HTTP module, allowing you to choose the server setup that best aligns with your development goals. Whether you're building a small-scale application or a complex API, Node.js has the flexibility and power to handle your server-side needs. Join us on this exploration of Node.js server setup and take your server-side JavaScript skills to the next level.

npm install express

const express = require('express');
const app = express();

app.get('/', (req, res) => {
	res.send('Hello, World!');
});

const port = 3000; // Specify the desired port number
app.listen(port, () => {
	console.log(`Server running on port ${port}`);
});

node server.js

const http = require('http');

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
	res.statusCode = 200;
	res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain');
	res.end('Hello, World!');
});

const port = 3000; // Specify the desired port number
app.listen(port, () => {
	console.log(`Server running on port ${port}`);
});

node server.js