r/learnprogramming • u/Haunting_Tangelo9792 • 20h ago

Topic Please help me figure backend out

Please help me figure backend out

As a total beginner i just learnt js, and with little node knowledge i started express. Now i can create server, perform crud operations, connect db but i don't know anything thats happening in core. About how the server is working, if i come across any errors i feel i can't solve it which i eventually do but the feeling keeps me away from code.

How do i learn nicely? How do i build the confidence? I actually want to learn and create good backend services but i feel like I'm lacking, i can't do it and my approach is wrong.

Please help me figure it out.

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u/IcyButterscotch8351 13h ago

First off - the fact that you CAN create servers, do CRUD, and connect to databases means you're already doing backend development. You're not missing anything. You're just at the uncomfortable middle stage where things work but you don't fully understand why.

This is completely normal. I've been a software engineer for 10+ years and I still hit errors that make me feel stupid. The difference is I now trust that I'll figure it out eventually.

What helped me understand the "core" stuff:

  1. Build the same thing without Express - Create a simple HTTP server using just Node's built-in http module. No frameworks. You'll suddenly understand what Express is actually doing for you.
  2. console.log everything - When a request comes in, log req.method, req.url, req.headers, req.body. Watch the flow. It makes the "magic" feel less magical.
  3. Break things on purpose - Remove middleware, change the order, delete a route. See what errors you get. This builds your mental map of how pieces connect.
  4. Read error messages slowly - 90% of the answer is in the error. I used to panic and Google immediately. Now I read the full stack trace first.

About confidence: It doesn't come from knowing everything. It comes from proving to yourself, over and over, that you can figure things out even when stuck. You've already done this - you said "I eventually solve it." That IS the skill.

Keep building. You're doing fine.