Backend Developer Learning Path (Node.js)

From fundamentals to deployment, this path covers the essential skills for modern backend development with Node.js.

Back to Roadmap
Phase Main Topic Content & Tools Product Goal
1 Fundamentals
  • Advanced JavaScript & Asynchrony
  • Terminal/CLI Knowledge
  • Package Management (NPM/Yarn)
 Create a simple command-line script using Node.js and manage its dependencies with NPM.
2 Node.js Basics
  • Node.js Runtime
  • Module Systems
  • Core Modules
  • Event Loop
 Build a basic HTTP server that responds to requests using Node.js core modules.
3 Frameworks
  • Express.js
  • Koa.js
  • Fastify
  • Nest.js (TypeScript)
 Create a simple REST API with routes and middleware using Express.js.
4 Working with APIs
  • REST API
  • GraphQL
  • JSON
 Design and implement a complete REST API for a simple application (e.g., a blog).
5 Databases
  • Relational Databases (SQL)
  • NoSQL Databases
  • Caching with Redis
 Integrate the API with a database (e.g., PostgreSQL or MongoDB) to perform CRUD operations.
6 Authentication & Security
  • Password Hashing (bcrypt)
  • JWT Authentication
  • OAuth 2.0 / OpenID
  • Basic Security (CORS, Helmet, .env)
 Implement user registration and login functionality using JWT for authentication.
7 Testing
  • Unit Testing (Jest/Mocha)
  • Integration Testing
  • E2E Testing (Supertest)
 Write unit and integration tests for the API endpoints to ensure reliability.
8 Deployment & Advanced
  • Docker
  • CI/CD (GitHub Actions)
  • Cloud Providers
  • WebSockets (Socket.IO)
 Containerize the application using Docker and set up a basic CI/CD pipeline for deployment.

Core Mindsets for Backend Developers

1. Systems & Abstraction Thinking

Backend is not just code; it's building systems. Always think about how components (APIs, DBs, services) connect and interact.

2. Security First

Every piece of incoming data is a potential threat. Always validate input, check permissions, and encrypt sensitive data. Security is not a feature.

3. Deliberate Optimization

Don't optimize prematurely. Write clean code first, then use profiling tools to find bottlenecks and optimize only what's necessary.

4. Think about Scalability & Maintainability

Write code for the future. Imagine the system serving 1 million users. Design for modularity, clean code, and clear documentation.