Building a REST API can seem daunting, but with the right skeleton in place, it becomes an exhilarating journey! In this guide, we’ll walk through setting up a basic REST API using Node.js, Express, MongoDB, and JWT. Think of it as constructing the foundation of a fantastic rollercoaster ride—once the base is secure, the fun begins!

Getting Started

Our project skeleton is like the robust framework of a rollercoaster, ensuring that every loop and twist is safe for the passengers (your users). Here are the steps to get started:

Requirements

• Node.js version 10+
• MongoDB version 3.6+
• Redis version 5.0+

Installation Steps

Using Git (Recommended)

1. Clone the project repository with the following command:

git clone https://github.com/davellanedam/node-express-mongodb-jwt-rest-api-skeleton.git myproject

Using Manual Download (ZIP)

1. Download the repository from GitHub.
2. Uncompress it into your desired directory.

Install npm Dependencies

1. Navigate to your project directory:

cd myproject

2. Install the required Node.js packages:

npm install

Setting Up Your Environment

You’re now ready to configure your environment for either development or production, similar to preparing the ride for the audience!

1. Create a new file named `.env` by copying the `.env.example` file.
2. Modify the necessary configuration settings within the `.env` file.

Running the API

Let’s get that rollercoaster running by lifting the API server!

npm run dev

You will see output confirming that the server has started listening for requests.

Using the API

With your API up and running, it’s time to board the ride! Use Postman or any API testing application to test your endpoints. The default login credentials come handy here:

• Email: admin@admin.com
• Password: 12345

Troubleshooting

If something goes wrong, don’t worry! Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Ensure your Node.js version is 10+ and MongoDB version is 3.6+.
• Check your .env file for configuration issues.
• If you encounter token-related errors, verify that your requests include the Authorization header with the correct Bearer token format.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you have successfully created a basic REST API. As you continue your journey, remember that improvements and new features are always welcome!

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.