Exploring the Request-Response Cycle in Express.js
Understand how Express.js handles incoming requests and sends responses as part of the request-response cycle.
In web development, the request-response cycle is fundamental to how servers and clients communicate. Every time a user interacts with a website—whether by clicking a link, submitting a form, or making an API request—a request is sent to the server, and the server processes it before responding.
In this lesson, we’ll explore how Express.js handles this cycle, introduce key request and response objects, and implement a basic greeting API to apply our understanding.
The request-response cycle in Express.js
Express.js acts as an intermediary between the client and the server, handling incoming requests and determining the appropriate response. The cycle follows the steps below:
A client (browser or API consumer) requests HTTP.
Express.js receives the request and processes it.
The server performs necessary operations (e.g., retrieving data and executing logic).
A response is generated and sent back to the client.
This cycle is the backbone of all Express.js applications.
Exploring the request object (req)
Every incoming HTTP ...