Best way to add a React frontend to a existing Node.js / Express REST API backend

Question

I have an existing backend with a REST API written using node.js/express. I can call urls e.g. /getallhouses and get the corresponding JSON object. Using a mobile app, this is rather straightforward as you just call the REST API and process the data. As I need to also add a webapp e.g. with React.js, it seems more murky.

What is the best way of implementing this webapp strategy?

Creating a stand-alone react.js app which will be called by the user first and then is using the REST API like a mobile app and hosting that react.js app on a different server? Or is it better to start from the already existing express/node backend and serving the initial index.html file by

res.sendFile(path.join(__dirname + 'views/index.html'));

and putting all react.js related code into views and letting the backend serving the required react.js app to the user?

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 18 '18 at 10:54

1

The best way is probably that you create a react app with redux and compile it to a bundle with something like webpack. Then you could host your page completely static.

answered Jul 18 '18 at 10:54

MaddEye

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Thank you. Since I'm not familiar with webpack, do you know a good resource for a start using this stack? – codebird456 Jul 18 '18 at 11:58
@StefanBadi Yes look on youtube for LevelupTuts. It's a great source for everthing with react. – MaddEye Jul 19 '18 at 06:54

Best way to add a React frontend to a existing Node.js / Express REST API backend

1 Answers1