Skill Module
Build Layered Microservices in Node.js
1 branches·10 chapters·1 projects
Good architecture is all about how things are put together, not how they are taken apart. Learn how to build well-structured, easily maintainable, and resilient microservices with the three-layer architecture.
About this module
Good services aren't just functional, they're easy to change. This module shows you how to structure Node.js backends so features can evolve without turning into spaghetti.
You'll implement a three-layer architecture (router, service, data access) with a clean entry point, centralized configuration, and unified error handling. That separation makes testing simple: you'll write unit-level tests around behavior that matter, not just poke endpoints manually.
You'll connect to MySQL for persistence, enforce payload validation at the edges, and generate access tokens for authenticated flows, all while keeping responsibilities isolated so each layer stays small and understandable.
The capstone is a complete authentication microservice (sign-up and log-in) that you can hand off with confidence because it includes usable API documentation alongside the code. The result is a repeatable blueprint you can apply to new services at work: consistent structure, predictable flow, and guardrails that keep complexity in check.
If you've built APIs before and want them to look and feel "production-ready", this is the step that makes the difference.
What you'll learn
Here's a shortlist of the key points you'll master by the end of this module.
- Promote a well structured and easily maintainable codebase
- Separate routing logic business logic and data access logic into clear layers
- Simplify testing debugging and refactoring by isolating responsibilities
- Improve resilience and reuse by controlling configuration in one place
- Parse and validate incoming HTTP requests in a consistent way
- Manage and load environment specific configuration safely
- Connect to a MySQL database to store and retrieve user data
- Generate access tokens for authentication
- Automate component testing with unit tests
- Produce usable API documentation with clear expectations
The curriculum
Here's an overview of the chapters composing this module, organized by sections.
Build Layered Microservices
10 chapters·3 weeks·1 projects
- The Three-Layer Architecture
- Setting Up the Project
- Creating the Entry Point
- Creating the Configuration Loader
- Implementing the Router Layer
- Implementing the Service Layer
- Implementing the Data Access Layer
- Centralizing and Handling Exceptions
- Automating Component Testing With Unit tests
- Writing the API Documentation
The projects you'll build
Employers don't just want impressive resumes anymore, they also want impressive proof. With Learn Backend, you'll build a GitHub repository that actually proves you know backend development.
Here's an overview of the practical, hands-on projects you'll build.
lb_auth
In this project, you will learn how to build a complete, production-ready layered authentication microservice.
Who is this for?
- Intermediate Node.js developers who want an end-to-end method for building layered REST APIs
Do I need prior knowledge?
To complete this module, you will need to be familiar with the following topics.
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Why learn from me?
Hi, I'm Razvan 👋 — A senior Node.js backend engineer, technical writer, online teacher, and founder of Learn Backend.
It's no secret: learning backend development on your own is extremely hard.
Before becoming a senior Node.js engineer with now over a decade of experience, I also failed at it for years... and probably for the same reasons you're struggling with it right now.
The internet is full of content, but very little direction. No one tells you what to learn first, what to ignore, or how it all fits together.
This is why I created Learn Backend: a roadmap that teaches the core principles first, gradually introduces hands-on skills, and shows how all the pieces logically fit together.
I wanted to give people like me, and maybe you, the best fighting chance to make it in the software industry as job-ready backend developers — without wasting the years or facing the same unnecessary hurdles I did.
So if you're tired of guessing what to learn next or overwhelmed by all the noise, Learn Backend was built for you.
What developers say about it
Our content isn't guesswork. It's continuously reviewed by professional web developers, and here's what some of them have to say...
This module is an excellent resource for junior backend developers who want to learn an end-to-end method for building modern applications with Node.js.
Adrien B
Senior Backend Developer
This module helps developers grasp the concepts of using modern JavaScript for the backend while applying enterprise-grade standards to code. A definite must if you don't want to waste time on deprecated tutorials across the web.
Thibault R
Senior Full-Stack Developer
A great comprehensive module for junior developers. The content is precise and easy to understand. Each lesson introduces a lot of new and interesting concepts without overwhelming the student.
Jean-Christophe L
Frontend Developer
Peek inside the module
Explore these full-length lessons to see exactly what you'll get and how you'll learn once inside.
The Three-Layer Architecture
Layered Architecture·21 min read
To improve their maintainability and flexibility, applications are often divided into several logical layers — a layer being an abstraction designed to satisfy a particular business need...
Read
Setting Up the Project
Layered Architecture·20 min read
When starting a new project in Node.js, the first step consists in properly setting up the project's directory using industry-standard tools...
Read
Build Layered Microservices in Node.js
Good architecture is all about how things are put together, not how they are taken apart. Learn how to build well-structured, easily maintainable, and resilient microservices with the three-layer architecture.
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Everything else you need to know
You've got questions? We've got answers.
Is this just architectural theory or do we actually write code?
You write code.
You build a working authentication microservice with a real route for sign up (store credentials in MySQL) and a real route for log in (check credentials and return an access token).
You implement routing, business logic, and data access in separate layers.
Do we cover testing in practice or only talk about it?
You cover it in practice.
The module includes automating component testing with unit tests using Jest. The goal is to show how to verify behavior at the layer level instead of only poking at endpoints manually.
Is documentation part of the process or an afterthought?
It's built into the flow.
You write API documentation so the service can actually be handed off and consumed. The module treats documentation as part of delivering a service, not an optional bonus.
How is this different from the REST API module?
The REST API module teaches you how to build working APIs: HTTP routing, validation, auth, persistence, etc.
This module teaches you how to structure those APIs like production services: clean entry point, layered architecture, config loader, centralized error handling, tests, and written documentation.
It's about maintainability and handoff, not just functionality.
Can I realistically use this pattern at work?
Yes.
Router / service / data access layering, centralized configuration, explicit validation, and documented endpoints are all standard expectations in professional Node.js backends.
This is the level teams want from an intermediate developer.
Are Docker and Nginx required to follow along?
No.
You will see how technologies like Docker and Nginx fit into the picture of deploying and running the service, but the core of the module is about structure and implementation in Node.js.
You're not blocked if you don't already use Docker.
Does the module work for all operating systems?
The module is primarily designed to work on Linux-based and macOS operating systems.
These environments are essential for learning backend development effectively, as they align with industry standards and provide the necessary tools and features.
However, if you're using Windows, we recommend setting up the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) on your machine to follow along.
I've got more questions, how can I reach you?
You can send us an email at support@learnbackend.dev or send us a direct message on Discord.