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Backend

Everything tagged Backend.

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ExplainerBackend

Blocking vs non blocking in Node, watch the thread pool

One readFileSync freezes every user on your server. Watch the thread stop on one line, then hand the read to a worker and answer everyone else meanwhile.

3 min read
ExplainerBackend

401 vs 403, the difference in one request

401 means the server doesn't know who you are; 403 means it does, and the answer is no. Watch one request hit both gates.

2 min read
ExplainerBackend

Express middleware explained, step by step

Middleware is a line of functions every request walks before your handler. Watch three stations stamp one request in order, then a missing token stop it early.

3 min read
ExplainerBackend

How the Node event loop works, visually

Node runs on one thread yet never blocks. Watch one async callback wait in the queue and get pushed onto the call stack to see how.

2 min read
ExplainerBackend

HTTP status codes, the eight you need

You don't need dozens of status codes. Watch one request get 200, 301, 401, 404 and 500, learn the first digit rule, and keep the eight that cover real traffic.

3 min read
ExplainerBackend

JWT vs session authentication, which one to pick

Sessions can be revoked; JWTs verify themselves. Watch one request take each path, then pick the trade-off that fits what you are building.

2 min read
ExplainerBackend

What "port 3000 already in use" actually means

EADDRINUSE means a process is still listening on that port. Watch one machine give door 3000 to the first process, refuse the second, then fix it both ways.

2 min read