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 as a beginner!

The Task

Create a GET /me endpoint with:

• Profile: [email protected], 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.


3. 
   Debugging: Fixed SyntaxError: Unexpected token '(' and Git error pathspec 'README.md'.


4. 
   Testing: Tested with postman http://localhost:3000/me.


5. 
   GitHub: Added .gitignore and README.md, pushed to GitHub.


6. 
   Deployment: Deployed on Railway.


7. 
   Documentation: Updated README.md in VS Code and wrote this post.

Challenges and Lessons

• 
  Challenge: Git error pathspec 'README.md' did not match any files.


• 
  Lesson: Use pwd and dir to verify directory and files.


• 
  Challenge: Syntax error in code.


• 
  Lesson: Objects use key: value pairs.

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?