An introduction to building basic APIs using Node.js and MongoDB. The deck covers the basics of designing an API for longevity, how to get started creating it using Node.js, and finally looking at how to connect to it from a client. You can read more about Node.js and Mongo on our blog at http://blog.modulus.io.

1. APIs are Cool
Create them with Node.js and MongoDB
Charlie Key
@zwigby
charlie@modulus.io

2. What is an API?
Application Programming Interface
API is a set of routines, protocols, and tools for building software
applications. The API specifies how software components should interact
and APIs are used when programming graphical user interface (GUI)
components.
A good API makes it easier to develop a program by providing all the
building blocks. A programmer then puts the blocks together.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/A/API.html

3. Build APIs to Create
Applications Faster

4. Designing APIs
1. Plan It Out
2. Speak HTTP (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE)
3. Write Documentation
4. Think About Versioning
5. Understand Security
6. Use HTTP Status Codes
7. Return Consistent Errors
8. Utilize Paginating Results

5. Documenting Your API
Small Sidebar
It can be great to “blueprint” your API before building.

6. Let’s Get to Work

7. The API of the Day
Let’s build an API to keep track of our favorite companies.
Maybe a bit contrived but will include CRUD methods so gets to the point.

8. Mobile
App
Backend
Express mongoose
REST
API
Calls
Architecture Overview

9. Company Model
Properties of a Company
• Name
• Description
• Location
• Founded Date
• Stock Ticker

10. Setup Project
> mkdir my-new-project && cd my-new-project
> npm init
> npm install express --SE
> npm install body-parser --SE
> npm install mongoose --SE
> touch index.js
> mkdir routes
> mkdir models

11. Create MongoDB Database
1. Create a New Database
2. Name that Database
3. Decide on Region
4. Enter Default Username
5. Enter Default Password
6. Click Button

12. Demo

13. Consuming from Client
Lots of options for consuming
• Web Frontend
• Native Mobile
• Desktop App
• NativeScript

14. NativeScript
Easy to consume REST API
http.getJSON("http://localhost:3000/company").then(function (r) {
// Add companies to list
for(var i = 0; i < r.length; i++) {
companies.push(r[i]);
}
}, function (e) {
// Argument (e) is Error!
console.log(e);
done(e);
});

15. Demo App

16. Additional Thinkers
Authentication of API
• Passport npm Module
Testing
• Mocha npm Module
• Chai npm Module

17. Questions?
Charlie Key
@zwigby
charlie@modulus.io