Express Middleware

This video tutorial covers the use of authentication tokens in API requests, focusing on Express middleware. It explains how middleware can be used to customize server behavior, including logging requests and validating authentication tokens. The tutorial demonstrates implementing middleware in Express, testing it with Postman, and using conditional logic to control request handling. A challenge is presented to create middleware for a maintenance mode, followed by a solution walkthrough.

What is the primary purpose of using tokens in API requests?

• To authenticate and validate requests

• To reduce server load

• To enhance the speed of requests

• To encrypt the data being sent

What is the role of Express middleware in handling requests?

• It manages user sessions

• It allows customization of request handling

• It logs all server activities

• It directly processes database queries

What does the 'app.use' method in Express do?

• It registers a middleware function

• It connects to a database

• It starts the Express server

• It defines a new route

What information can a middleware function access?

• Only the request object

• Only the response object

• Neither request nor response objects

• Both request and response objects

Why is it important to call 'next' in a middleware function?

• To proceed to the next middleware or route handler

• To log the request details

• To send a response back to the client

• To terminate the server

What happens if 'next' is not called in a middleware function?

• The request is automatically rejected

• The request hangs and does not complete

• The server crashes

• The request is logged but not processed

In the context of middleware, what does a 503 status code indicate?

• The request is unauthorized

• The server is under maintenance

• The request was successful

• The server encountered an error

What should a middleware function do if it needs to stop a request from reaching the route handler?

• Send a response and not call 'next'

• Redirect the request to another route

• Call 'next' without arguments

• Log the request and call 'next'

What is a practical use case for setting up a maintenance mode middleware?

• To improve server performance

• To temporarily disable all requests during upgrades

• To permanently block certain IP addresses

• To enhance security by encrypting requests

What message should be sent back when the site is in maintenance mode?

• Request timed out

• Unauthorized access

• Site is currently down, check back soon

• Service is running smoothly