JavaScript for Backend

JavaScript is a general-purpose programming language used to express application logic through values, variables, operators, control structures, functions, objects, and other language constructs.

When executed with Node.js, JavaScript can be used outside the browser to build command-line programs, web servers, APIs, background workers, and other backend applications.

Before working with Node.js frameworks and libraries, it's important to understand the JavaScript language itself. Frameworks can provide abstractions around common backend tasks, but the application logic underneath them is still written using JavaScript.

A strong grasp of the language makes it easier to understand existing code, solve problems independently, debug unexpected behavior, and learn higher-level backend concepts without relying on copied patterns.

Learning objectives

In this module, you'll learn the JavaScript fundamentals needed to write backend application logic independently.

After completing this module, you will be able to:

• Write and execute JavaScript programs with Node.js.
• Store, manipulate, and compare values using variables and operators.
• Control program execution using conditions and loops.
• Organize and reuse logic with functions and understand variable scope.
• Catch, throw, and propagate runtime errors.
• Create and manipulate objects, arrays, strings, and numbers.
• Transform and aggregate collections using built-in array methods.
• Define classes, instantiate objects, and use encapsulation and inheritance.