5 Common Node.js Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Node.js and Express.js have revolutionized backend development with their simplicity and scalability. However, even seasoned developers can fall into pitfalls that compromise performance, security, and user experience. Let’s explore five common mistakes developers make and practical solutions to address them effectively.

1. Ignoring Error Handling

Failing to handle errors gracefully can cause applications to crash, leading to poor user experience.

Example of Poor Error Handling:

fs.readFile('/non-existent-file', (err, data) => {
    res.send(data); // Crashes if err is not checked
});

The Fix: Centralized Error Handling

Use middleware to handle errors in one place:

app.use((err, req, res, next) => {
  console.error(`Error: ${err.message}`);
  res.status(500).send({ error: 'Internal Server Error' });
});

Catch Errors in Async Functions

Wrap async routes in “ try-catch ” and pass errors to the centralized handler:

app.get('/file', async (req, res, next) => {
  try {
    const data = await fs.promises.readFile('/non-existent-file');
    res.send(data);
  } catch…