Node.js HTTP and Express

Node.js HTTP and Express

Node.js can build servers directly with the built-in http module, but many teams use a framework such as Express to standardize routing, middleware, and request handling.

Native HTTP Example

const http = require("http");

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.writeHead(200, { "Content-Type": "text/plain" });
  res.end("Hello from Node.js");
});

server.listen(3000);

Why Express Became Popular

• cleaner route definitions
• middleware support
• easier request and response handling
• large ecosystem of backend patterns

Node.js itself is the runtime. Express is one common application framework built on top of it.