Blog 5) Connecting to a Database with Node.js

What have i learnt?

We have started looking at how Web applications connect to a database in order to store the information gathered from registered users.

Why have i learnt this?

In order to become a great software developer one needs to have skills in both front and back end development. By gaining knowledge as a full stack developer means that companies can have you work where they need you. It is not uncommon for developers to work in teams on a project, with each team tasked to work on a particular aspect of the Web application. Having the skills to work in both makes you more desirable to a potential Employer.

How have i learnt this?

For our Assessment 2 we are required to connect to a database using Node.js. In order to achieve this goal we have followed the tutorial laid out by http://www.mysqltutorial.org/mysql-nodejs/

This well documented tutorial provided the knowledge to successfully gain access to the desired database we created in

What do you know now that you did not know before?

How a database connects to a database using node.js.

What is the point?

Any application that collects data needs to have a place to store the data in a meaningful manner, and for a web application there is no exception. It is important to have a great system in place that will store and keep the data that has been collect for the purposes of running the application. The best way to achieve this is by having your web application connect to the database of your choosing via code typically found in a connect.js file.

What will i do to remember this learning?

I found the best way to learn something new is by repatriation. The manner i will enforce the knowledge i have gained is by creating small applications that will have a database connected through the back end of the system.

What new understanding have i gained?

As i have only done font end development in the passed for web based applications gaining knowledge focused more on the back end is a great way to expand my experience and knowledge to become a full stack developer.

What are the real World applications?

As most companies may require their staff to work were needed having the knowledge to work in all aspects of the development process will make you as an employee, invaluable to the company.

What will i do to fill in any gaps in my understanding?

For the course we used mysql workbench for our database needs but in reality there are a wide range of similar products both paid and unpaid that offer database needs for Web applications such as

All of these database solutions offer needs to their clients and it is up to the company or the client as to which solution should be used for the current project.

As the course focuses on MySql for its database needs i Will need to do some further research and practice on the other popular solutions such as MariaDB and SQL Sever. This will be achieved by completing courses offered by Linkedin and http://www.codecademy.com.