TIL: Creating an HTTP Server With the Node.js http Module

Express is great but sometimes you need a server in five lines, not fifty. Node’s built-in http module handles it.

const http = require('http')

const server = http.createServer((req, res) => {
  res.writeHead(200, { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' })
  res.end(JSON.stringify({ status: 'ok' }))
})

server.listen(3000)

No package.json. No node_modules. Just run it with node server.js and curl localhost:3000.

I used this pattern constantly for quick webhook test servers, mock API endpoints, and debugging tools. When the whole thing fits in one file there is nothing to break.

How do I handle different routes?

Parse req.url and branch with if statements or a switch block. Add routing as the file grows.

Does this support HTTPS?

Use the https module with a certificate and key. Same API as http.