Node is the first choice for developing server-side applications as it allows for cross-platform application development. When connected with databases, Node revolutionizes the development of web applications, enabling robust and scalable data manipulation. In this intermediate-level IBM course, you will learn how to construct RESTful APIs using Node.js and the Express framework to communicate with NoSQL databases like MongoDB. You will explore approaches to create endpoints, secure them with web tokens, seamlessly handle errors, debug and deploy applications efficiently. Additionally, the course will help you with optimization techniques, back-end performance, and how to scale these applications to deploy a fully functional cloud-native application on cloud platforms. The course consists of a combination of instructional videos, and assessments to learn the concepts. You will test your knowledge with practice and graded assessments and implement the skills you learn in hands-on labs and a final project so you have artifacts to showcase your knowledge to future potential employers.