Pragmatic Node.js

Published
Oct 2, 2025
Duration
5h:57m:45s
Keywords
javascript | node

About This Series:

Node.js is often introduced through quick examples or heavy frameworks that hide what’s really happening behind the scenes. While that can get something running fast, it often leaves developers unsure how servers work, how requests flow through an application, or how JavaScript behaves outside the browser.

Pragmatic Node.js takes a different approach.

This is a long-form, project-based series designed to help you understand Node.js from the ground up. Instead of abstract examples, you’ll build a real backend application step by step, learning how the Node runtime works and how real-world server-side applications are structured.

💥 What You’ll Build & Learn
In this course, you’ll build a complete Node.js application without relying on a framework. Along the way, you’ll learn how to:
- Create and configure a Node.js server from scratch
- Handle HTTP requests and responses
- Implement routing and application flow
- Work with asynchronous code and the event-driven model
- Manage data persistence and application state
- Build APIs and backend services
- Implement authentication and session handling
- Structure a maintainable backend codebase
- Prepare your application for real-world deployment

Every concept is introduced in context, so you’re always learning why something exists and when to use it.

👉 Who This Course Is For
This course is ideal for developers who:
- Already know JavaScript and want to use it on the server
- Feel comfortable with frontend JavaScript but struggle with backend concepts
- Have used Node.js frameworks but want to understand what’s happening underneath
- Want to build real backend applications with confidence

If you’re looking for a quick overview or a copy-paste tutorial, this probably isn’t the right course. But if you want a solid mental model of how Node.js works and how backend systems are built, you’re in the right place.

🎬 Course Format
This is a project-based, long-form video series organized into focused modules. Each module builds on the last as the application grows naturally over time.

Instead of rushing through topics, we take the time to explain decisions, tradeoffs, and best practices. You’ll see how real applications evolve, not just how isolated features are implemented.

The goal isn’t just to teach you Node.js — it’s to help you think like a backend developer.

By the end of this series, you won’t just recognize Node.js concepts — you’ll understand how to apply them to real-world applications. You’ll be able to reason about backend architecture, asynchronous behavior, and application flow with confidence.

If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level tutorials and truly understand Node.js, this series was built for you.

Videos In This Series:

Introduction to Server-Side JavaScript

Episode Title Release Length
1 Intro to Node Tue, Oct 7, 2025 7m:16s
2 Setting up Node & First Script Thu, Oct 9, 2025 4m:28s

Node Fundamentals

Episode Title Release Length
3 Modules and NPM Tue, Oct 14, 2025 15m
4 Event Loop & Async Basics Thu, Oct 16, 2025 15m:14s

Building a Basic Web Server

Episode Title Release Length
5 The HTTP Module Tue, Oct 21, 2025 14m:26s
6 Routing Basics Thu, Oct 23, 2025 11m:33s
7 Serving HTML & Static Files Tue, Oct 28, 2025 9m:50s

Working with Data

Episode Title Release Length
8 Handling JSON APIs Thu, Oct 30, 2025 8m:28s
9 File-Based Storage Tue, Nov 4, 2025 15m:13s
10 Intro to Databases Thu, Nov 6, 2025 16m:43s

Dynamic Web Pages

Episode Title Release Length
11 Why Templates? Tue, Nov 11, 2025 5m:23s
12 Using EJS Templates Thu, Nov 13, 2025 9m:24s
13 Building a Minimal MVC Application Tue, Nov 18, 2025 24m:52s

Forms & Validation

Episode Title Release Length
14 MVC Page LifeCycle Thu, Nov 20, 2025 9m:46s
15 Forms & Validation Tue, Nov 25, 2025 14m:36s

State Management

Episode Title Release Length
16 Cookies Thu, Nov 27, 2025 9m:29s
17 Sessions Tue, Dec 2, 2025 19m:45s

Adding Interactivity

Episode Title Release Length
18 Validation Improvements Thu, Dec 4, 2025 13m:48s
19 Flash Messages Tue, Dec 9, 2025 11m:4s
20 Authentication Basics Thu, Dec 11, 2025 18m:6s

Beyond the Basics

Episode Title Release Length
21 Introduction to Middleware Tue, Dec 16, 2025 16m:27s
22 Final Refactor Thu, Dec 18, 2025 19m:51s

Wrapping Up

Episode Title Release Length
23 Popular JavaScript Frameworks Sat, Dec 20, 2025 32m:14s
24 Deployment Basics Thu, Dec 25, 2025 24m:15s
25 Recap & Next Steps Tue, Dec 30, 2025 10m:34s

About The Instructor:

Bob Cravens

Bob Cravens

Owner
TekFoundry
Wisconsin
United States
Short Bio:
Bob Cravens is a seasoned technology leader, software architect, and educator with a passion for empowering others through practical, real-world knowledge. As the founder of TekFoundry, Bob has dedicated his career to designing and delivering innovative software solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with elegant simplicity.

At TekCasts, Bob leverages over two decades of experience in software engineering, application architecture, and team leadership to create engaging, high-impact courses for developers and technology professionals. His instructional style is rooted in practical application, offering insights drawn from his extensive background in industries like medical devices and global technology consulting.

Bob’s expertise spans a variety of technologies and methodologies, including PHP/Laravel, FastAPI, and DevOps, as well as architecture best practices and team dynamics. Whether teaching foundational concepts or advanced strategies, he’s passionate about helping others turn complex challenges into streamlined solutions.

When not crafting elegant code or inspiring the next generation of tech innovators, Bob enjoys exploring the intersection of technology, business strategy, and creative problem-solving.