Module Overview
Build simple RESTful APIs, basic authentication patterns (token/session concepts), data modeling and lightweight persistence, and connecting front-end to back-end with secure practices. Emphasis on minimal viable back-ends for student projects.
Learning Objectives
- Design simple REST endpoints and practice request/response formatting.
- Implement basic authentication and secure key handling at a conceptual level.
- Connect front-end apps to back-end endpoints and implement CRUD flows.
Lesson-by-Lesson Breakdown
REST fundamentals, routes, status codes, and JSON responses.
Simple data modeling and in-memory persistence vs lightweight DBs.
Authentication concepts: cookies, tokens, and basic session flows.
Secure storage of secrets (env vars) and basics of HTTPS.
API testing with Postman or similar tools and endpoint validation.
Hands-on Activities & Deliverables
Activities
Create a small CRUD API and consume it from the front-end (e.g., create/edit/delete posts or tasks).
📦 Deliverable
API repo with README + Postman collection and sample responses.
Required Tools & Readings
Express/Next.js API route examples, Postman tutorial.
Assessment & Rubric
- Endpoint correctness40%
- Security awareness30%
- Integration completeness30%
Prerequisites
JavaScript fundamentals and Modules 1–5.
Parent-Friendly Value
Students will be able to build simple but real features that persist data and can power classroom apps.