My First RESTful API: A Beginner's Journey

On October 20, 2025, I built my first RESTful API with Node.js and Express. Here's my journey!

The Task

Create a GET /me endpoint with:

• Profile: [e-mail], Victor Osaikhuiwuomwan, Node.js/Express
• Dynamic UTC timestamp
• Random cat fact from https://catfact.ninja/fact

My Process

1. Setup: Installed Node.js, VS Code, and ran npm init -y.
2. Coding: Built an Express server with Axios for cat facts.
3. Debugging: Fixed SyntaxError: Unexpected token '(' and Git branch mismatch (master vs main).
4. Testing: Tested with curl http://localhost:3000/me.
5. GitHub: Added .gitignore, README.md, and pushed to main branch.
6. Deployment: Deployed on Railway.
7. Documentation: Fixed missing README.md issue and wrote this post.

Challenges and Lessons

• Challenge: Git branch mismatch (master vs main).
• Lesson: Align local and remote branches with git branch -m.
• Challenge: Missing README.md in GitHub.
• Lesson: Verify commits and pushes to the correct branch.

Try It Out!

• Live Demo: profile-api-production-94d0.up.railway.app
• GitHub Repo: https://github.com//profile-api/victorion0

Screenshots

What’s Next?

I want to explore databases or more endpoints. Tips?

Comments

[lucas-brdt268]

Hello. Wonderful article!
I think you are a funny developer. I want to keep to touch with you continuously.

This is my whatsapp.
[phone]

Have a good day.