# Getting Started With Building Todo App Backend

In this section, we will build the famous `Todo` application with [Node.Js](https://www.teachmebro.com/tutorial/node-express-js-tutorial/) using the [Express Js](https://www.teachmebro.com/tutorial/node-express-js-tutorial/) Framework and `MongoDB` as a `NoSQL` database. The app will be API-centric with no Frontend UI.

In a nutshell, if you want to learn how to build `APIs` with Node.Js, you have come to the right place.

What you will need to install
-----------------------------

-   You will need [Node](https://nodejs.org/en/download/) v10.0.0+
-   You will need to install [PostMan](http://www.postman.com/downloads/) 

What you need to Know
---------------------

If you are new to the `Nodejs` world you can follow up the below Tutorials to get more from this tutorial series, and if you have basic knowledge of `Nodejs`, `Express JS` and `Mongoose` then you can skip this.

> [NodeJs](https://blog.teachmebro.com/series/nodejs-for-beginners) tutorial for beginners 

> Learn [Express Framework](https://blog.teachmebro.com/building-an-express-app-using-node-js) by building an application.

> Learn how to use [Mongoose](https://blog.teachmebro.com/building-a-crud-application-using-node-js-and-mongodb-atlas) with `Nodejs` and `Express`

Now you can grab a mug of `coffee` and let's get our hands dirty.

Lets understand some Terms:
---------------------------

**What is ExpressJs?**

`ExpressJs` simply put, it's a web framework for Node.Js - stolen from the official docs. Taylor Otwell (Laravel's creator) once said, "Developers build tools for developers". ExpressJs was built for developers to simplify Node APIs.

**What is MongoDB?**

`MongoDB` is a NoSQL database. It's completely document-oriented. A NoSQL database allows you to store data in the form of JSON and any formats. If you want to learn more about MongoDB, visit the official documentation here

Now Let's start by defining our `API routes`.

## Defining Todo APIs Routes

I like to begin by defining my `APIs`. As it is very important for a developer to first think of how the API endpoints are `going to look like` and `what they do`, also they should be easy to `remember` and easy to `use`. The table below shows what APIs we need to create and what each does.


||||
|--- |--- |--- |
|Method|Path|Description|
|GET|/todos|Get all todos items|
|GET|/todos/:id|Get one todo item|
|POST|/todos|Create a new todo item|
|PUT|/todos/:id|Update a todo item|
|DELETE|/todos/:id|Delete a new todo item|

Having defined our APIs, let's delve into setting up the `Express App` and the `project directories`.

If you are a person who understands `concepts` better through videos, then you can  Watch My Hands-On **Workshop** on `Building A TODO REST API BAckend` which we are discussing in this tutorial series.

%[https://youtu.be/hsGOl_28R10]