Introduction to Backend Development with Next.js

Overview

Learn backend development with Next.js, from basic API routes to CRUD operations, validation, middleware, and modular design. Build a Task Manager API and refactor it with databases and production-ready patterns for real-world full-stack apps.

What you'll learn

Create Next.js API routes that handle web requests and return JSON responses
Implement CRUD operations with POST, PUT, PATCH, and DELETE methods
Validate request data and provide centralized success and error responses
Apply middleware for API key authentication and structured request logging
Organize backend logic with reusable service and repository layers
Build and refactor a Task Manager API using persistent storage patterns
Test API endpoints with curl and connect them to a user interface

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

University courses you can audit for free, with lectures, readings and practice quizzes.
A verified certificate from the university if you pay for it.
Self-paced: start any time.

Disadvantages

Graded assignments and the certificate need the paid track.
Audit access can expire a few weeks after the course ends.
Learning is free, but the certificate costs money.
Some parts (graded work, certificate) are paid.

Some points apply to every course of this kind; see how we rank.

Free to audit

Free: Choose "Audit this course" when you enrol: lectures, readings and practice are free.
Paid: Graded assignments and the verified certificate (Certificate $35). Audit access may end after the course closes.

Before you start

Beginner: API Integration, Design, & Development (Nextjs, NodeJS, TypeScript) Beginner: Server-Side Programming (Nextjs, NodeJS, TypeScript)

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