An Application Programming Interface (API) allows different software applications to communicate and interact with each other.

A RESTful API is an architectural style that uses HTTP requests to manage data and is based on REST principles.

Node.js is a JavaScript runtime built on Chrome's V8 engine, enabling server-side programming.

Express is a minimal web application framework for Node.js, designed for building APIs and web applications.

CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update, and Delete; the four basic operations for managing data.

HTTP methods are verbs like GET, POST, PUT, DELETE used to perform actions on resources in a RESTful API.

JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) is a lightweight data format used for data interchange between a server and a client.

Middleware functions in Express handle requests and responses, allowing for functionalities like logging and error handling.

Routing refers to defining endpoints in an Express application that respond to client requests.

Postman is a popular tool for testing APIs, allowing users to send requests and view responses easily.

Error handling involves managing errors that occur during API requests to ensure smooth user experiences.

API documentation provides detailed information about an API's endpoints, parameters, and usage.

A testing framework is a set of tools and guidelines for writing and executing tests on an API.

Integration testing evaluates how different components of an API work together to ensure they function as expected.

Unit testing involves testing individual components of an API to verify their correctness.

Rate limiting restricts the number of requests a user can make to an API in a given timeframe to prevent abuse.

Security practices ensure that APIs are protected against unauthorized access and vulnerabilities.

A data model defines how data is structured and organized in an API, guiding CRUD operations.

Best practices are recommended techniques and strategies for effective API design and development.

API design principles guide developers in creating APIs that are intuitive, efficient, and maintainable.

Deployment refers to the process of making an API accessible on a server for users to interact with.

Versioning is the practice of managing changes to an API over time, ensuring backward compatibility.

Scalability is the ability of an API to handle an increasing number of requests effectively.

Debugging involves identifying and fixing errors or bugs in an API to ensure it functions correctly.

A framework is a pre-defined structure that provides a foundation for developing applications, like Express for Node.js.