Build REST API Full Course: Node.js + Express + MySQL + JWT Authentication (2025)
In this complete step-by-step tutorial, you'll learn how to build a secure REST API from scratch using Node.js, Express, MySQL, Bcrypt for password hashing, JSON Web Tokens (JWT) for authentication, and refresh tokens for better security.
We'll cover:
Project setup with Express and Nodemon
Connecting to MySQL database and creating tables (Users, Products, Suppliers)
User authentication: Signup, Login with secure password hashing
JWT access tokens + refresh tokens implementation
Protected routes with middleware
Full CRUD operations for products (Create, Read, Update, Delete) – only for authenticated users
Folder structure: routes and controllers organization
Testing everything with Postman
Best practices, error handling, and why we use each technology
Perfect for beginners and intermediate developers wanting to master backend development with Node.js!