Simplifying HTTP Requests in Node.js with Axios

When building Node.js applications, you often need to interact with external APIs or services. Whether you’re fetching data from a REST API, posting data to a remote server, or handling more complex HTTP requests, Axios makes this process simple and efficient.

Not a Medium member? Read this article here

Axios is a popular promise-based HTTP client for Node.js and the browser, known for its simplicity and ease of use. In this guide, we will explore the basics of Axios, how to make different types of HTTP requests, and how to handle responses and errors effectively.

What is Axios?

Axios is a JavaScript library used to make HTTP requests from Node.js or the browser. It supports all HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, etc.), and it works with promises, making it easy to handle asynchronous operations.

Some of Axios’s main features include:

• Promise-based: Leverages promises, making it easy to use with async/await.
• Supports all HTTP methods: GET, POST, PUT, DELETE, PATCH, etc.
• Automatic JSON parsing: Automatically transforms JSON data in responses.
• Request and response interceptors: Allows you to intercept and modify requests or responses.