HTTPS & TLS Fundamentals with Express and OpenSSL

This beginner path introduces HTTP and web server development through a practical Express application. You will configure routes and middleware, handle errors, connect backend components, and serve static files and data.

You will explore symmetric and asymmetric encryption and learn how these techniques support TLS. You will then apply TLS to a Node.js server to protect data transmitted over HTTPS.

Finally, you will harden Express applications by preventing mixed content, enabling HTTP Strict Transport Security, and examining certificate pinning, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and TLS cipher suites. This path is intended for learners with basic JavaScript familiarity who want to understand secure web communication.

Syllabus

Build and configure HTTP servers with Node.js and Express
Implement routes, middleware, error handling, and static file serving
Explain the roles of symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, and key exchange in TLS
Generate and inspect certificates with OpenSSL
Configure TLS and enable HTTPS for Express applications
Explain how encryption protects data in transit
Configure HTTPS redirection and HTTP Strict Transport Security
Evaluate certificate pinning, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and TLS cipher suites