Express.js Developer

Express.js Developer

1. What It Is

An Express.js Developer builds server-side (backend) web applications using Express.js, a lightweight and fast Node.js framework. It simplifies writing APIs, routing, middleware, and handling HTTP requests/responses.

2. Where It Fits in the Ecosystem

Express.js is a framework on top of Node.js, used in the backend development part of full stack development. It’s widely used in the MERN (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js) and MEAN (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js) stacks.

3. What to Learn Before This

• JavaScript (ES6+)
• Node.js (core concepts like modules, events, async, etc.)
• Basic HTML, CSS
• Git & GitHub

4. What to Learn After This

• MongoDB / MySQL / PostgreSQL
• User Authentication (JWT, OAuth)
• RESTful API design
• GraphQL APIs
• Unit Testing (Jest, Mocha)
• Deployment (Heroku, Vercel, AWS)
• WebSockets (for real-time features)
• Microservices architecture
• TypeScript + Express

5. Similar Roles

• Node.js Developer
• Backend Developer
• Full Stack Developer
• API Developer
• JavaScript Engineer

6. Companies Hiring This Role

• Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, Accenture
• Google, Meta, Netflix, Amazon
• Swiggy, Zomato, Flipkart, Byju's
• Startups and SaaS product companies
• Freelance and remote startups worldwide

7. Salary (as of 2025)

• India

  • Freshers: ₹3-6 LPA
  • Mid-level: ₹7-14 LPA
  • Senior: ₹15-25+ LPA

• US

  • Entry-level: $80K-$100K/year
  • Mid-level: $100K-$130K/year
  • Senior: $130K-$160K/year

8. Resources to Learn

Free

• Express.js Official Docs
• YouTube (Traversy Media - Node & Express Series)
• MDN Web Docs - HTTP & APIs

Paid

• Udemy - Node.js + Express Complete Guide
• Coursera - Server-side Development with Express & Node
• Pluralsight - Express.js Fundamentals

Books

• “Express in Action” - Evan Hahn
• “Web Development with Node and Express” - Ethan Brown

9. Certifications

• Express.js certificate via OpenJS Foundation (Node.js cert includes Express)
• Udemy / Coursera Express.js completion certificates
• MongoDB + Express certs for MERN/MEAN stack developers
• LinkedIn Skill Assessments & Certificates

10. Job Outlook & Future

• Strong job market in 2025 and beyond
• Key tech in MERN, MEAN, microservices, and serverless APIs
• Highly in-demand skill in startups, web platforms, eCommerce, and enterprise apps
• Works well in combination with React, Angular, or Vue

11. Roadmap

Beginner

1. Learn JavaScript basics

2. Learn Node.js (modules, async, file system)

3. Learn Express.js:

   • Routing
   • Middleware
   • Error handling
   • Serving static files

4. Build small apps:

   • Contact form API
   • Blog API
   • Simple login system

Intermediate

5. Connect to a database (MongoDB/MySQL)
6. Add Authentication (JWT)
7. Use Postman or Swagger to test APIs
8. Write API docs
9. Handle file uploads (e.g., using Multer)
10. Deploy your app to cloud (Heroku, Vercel)

Advanced

11. Use TypeScript with Express
12. Add API testing with Jest/Supertest
13. Implement caching (Redis)
14. Create reusable middlewares
15. Learn rate limiting, security best practices (Helmet, CORS)
16. Scale using microservices or containerization (Docker)