Since I have been studying back-end development lately with Node.js, I wanted to test how transferable my knowledge is by jumping into the Apache HTTP Server program or httpd. It is widely used on the web and I barely know how to use it. It runs my websites… I think but I still only know there bare minimum related to it.
Today I basically wanted to see if I could figure out how to get the Apache Web Server to run a Node.js file on my web hosting provider. I wanted to try using Node.js in place of php on my server but still host my back-end project on the same platform. Long story short, it didn’t work BUT I did understand a lot more of how Apache works by reading it’s docs and watching a few videos. All my work with the terminal and shell scripting definitely helped me progress passed my previous level of understanding. Also knowing about how HTTP messages work and their structured helped me get over some of the initial intimidation that comes with tackling a tool like this.
I learned about the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) and how you use that with added modules to use other programs with the Apache HTTP server. That is how PHP can be used or PERL with Apache. So, theoretically, Node.js should be able to work as well… I think.
I still have a long way to go but this was a fun experiment. Especially for my 700th day of the 100 Days of Code challenge. I still have so much more to learn so I will probably just stick with Node.js on my local machine projects and php for real world projects. I will eventually get to the next level where I can use whatever I want but it’s a marathon not a sprint! I just have to take it step-by-step on this journey.
TLDR;
Okay, so here are the highlights of what I did:
- Back-end Dev -> Learned about the Apache HTTP Server and how modules work with it on a server.
- Node.js -> Read through an article on Databases with
Node.js. Started working through the MongoDB tutorial course. It’s 8 hours so I have a lot to get through in the next round LOL.
Goal For Round 7 of the #100DaysofCode Challenge
This is my seventh round of the “#100daysofcode” challenge. I will be continuing my work from round five and round six into round seven. I am currently working through the book “Cracking the Coding Interview” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell. My goal is to become more familiar with algorithms and data structures. This goal was derived from my goal to better understand operating systems and key programs that I use in the terminal regularly e.g. Git. This goal was in turn derived from my desire to better understand the fundamental tools used for coding outside of popular GUIs. This in turn was derived from my desire to be a better back-end developer.
I have no idea if my path is correct but I am walking down this road anyways. Worst case scenario I learn a whole bunch of stuff that will help me out on my own personal projects.