Building Scalable APIs with Node.js

Introduction to Scalable API Design

Building scalable APIs is crucial for modern applications. This guide covers essential patterns and practices for creating robust, maintainable APIs using Node.js and Express.

1. RESTful Design Principles

Understanding REST principles is fundamental to building good APIs. We'll explore resource naming, HTTP methods, status codes, and proper URL structure.

2. Authentication and Authorization

Implementing secure authentication using JWT tokens, OAuth 2.0, and role-based access control to protect your API endpoints.

3. Error Handling and Validation

Proper error handling and input validation are essential for API reliability. We'll cover middleware patterns and validation libraries.

4. Database Design and Optimization

Choosing the right database, designing schemas, and implementing efficient queries for optimal performance.

5. Caching Strategies

Implementing Redis caching, CDN integration, and browser caching to improve API response times and reduce server load.