What Is ExpressJS & Why Do We Need It?

Express.js is a web application framework for Node.js. It's like a toolbox that helps developers build web applications easily and quickly. Imagine you're baking a cake – you have all the ingredients, but you need tools like a mixer, oven, and cake pans to make the process easier. Express.js is like those tools for building web apps.

In simple terms, Node.js allows you to run JavaScript code on the server-side, handling tasks like handling requests from web browsers, accessing databases, and more. However, Node.js itself doesn't provide a structured way to handle these tasks. That's where Express.js comes in.

Express.js adds structure and organization to your Node.js applications. It simplifies common tasks like routing, handling requests, and serving HTML pages. For example, instead of writing complex code to handle different URLs and requests, Express.js provides simple functions that you can use to define routes.

So why do we need Express.js?

Firstly, it makes web development faster and easier. With Express.js, you can create web applications with less code compared to using just Node.js alone. It provides a set of features and tools that are commonly needed in web development, like middleware support, which helps in handling requests, cookies, sessions, etc.

Secondly, Express.js is flexible. It doesn't force you to use specific patterns or structures, allowing you to organize your code the way you want. This flexibility is valuable because every project is different, and Express.js lets you adapt to the unique needs of each project.

Thirdly, it's popular and well-supported. Many developers use Express.js, so there's a vast community and plenty of resources available. If you run into issues or need help, you can easily find solutions online or ask for help from other developers.

In summary, Express.js is a crucial tool for building web applications with Node.js. It simplifies development, provides flexibility, and is backed by a supportive community, making it an essential framework for web developers.