How to create a simple html server using express js

Question

I'm new in node.js I want to create a simple express.js static file server, but I have some issues. I have been installed express.js 4.2 globally like this:

npm install  -g express-generator

I have this code in httpsrv.js:

var http = require('http');
var express = require('express');
var app = express();

app.use('/', express.static(__dirname + '/public'));
app.listen(3000, function() { console.log('listening')});

I'm not sure is it ok I guess it is not enough, but I cant run it it's failed with error: cannot find module 'express'.

I want to create a simple http server which can serve from specific folder("\public" e.g.) and I'm using .html language. I found on the internet a many bullshit, I don't want to use this .jade thing and I don't want to create a empty web app with express etc. I want express.js http server which can operate like Apache and can serve a static html pages first from a specified folder. Can anybody help me on this, suggest a good article which is explain a step by step, because I'm beginner.

I don't think express-generator is what you need installed, you should run npm install -g express, and than try loading it. — Stevo Perisic
– Stevo Perisic, Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 19:23
I also have installed express 4.2, but I have been read express 4.x need this express-generator also. — Zsoca
– Zsoca, Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 19:36
...where did that httpsrv.js come from? It doesn't follow express 4.x conventions. It looks like it is from an older 3.x example. The express generator creates app.js that exports much of what is needed and npm start launches the server. It doesn't look like you used the generator or you used it and...ignored the output? — Matthew Bakaitis
– Matthew Bakaitis, Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 20:13

Evan Hahn · Accepted Answer · 2016-06-20 19:51:54Z

23

If you're just trying to serve static files from a directory called "public", you might have luck with an app like this:

var path = require('path');
var express = require('express');

var app = express();

var staticPath = path.join(__dirname, '/public');
app.use(express.static(staticPath));

app.listen(3000, function() {
  console.log('listening');
});

You'll need to make sure Express is installed. You'll probably run npm install express --save in the same directory as the above JavaScript file. Once you're all ready, you'll run node the_name_of_the_file_above.js to start your server.

edited Jun 20, 2016 at 19:51

answered Jul 2, 2014 at 1:13

Evan Hahn

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4 Comments

Zsoca Over a year ago

Now it almost good, but when I start the server and try to see in the browser, I get this message: "Cannot GET / ". I guess its only something path problem. My javascript server file is placed in the same "/public" directory what I want to serve is it a problem?

Dan Over a year ago

Change it to path.join(__dirname, '/public')

Jitendra Pancholi Over a year ago

how to run the app on https and http both?

Evan Hahn Over a year ago

@JitendraPancholi It depends, but you can use the built-in https module to do this. Happy to find an example if you want more guidance.

ashishkumar148 · Accepted Answer · 2014-12-10 07:38:35Z

12

first install express module inspite of express-generator

npm install express

try this removing public

var express = require('express');
var app = express();

app.use('/', express.static(__dirname));
app.listen(3000, function() { console.log('listening')});

it is working fine.

answered Dec 10, 2014 at 7:38

ashishkumar148

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Comments

garryp · Accepted Answer · 2015-12-15 14:23:06Z

1

This problem shouldn't even need any code or frameworks; install http-server from npm, navigate to the folder in the command prompt and run this command:

http-server

And it will spin up a lightweight http server and serve static content up from the folder immediately which can be viewed using http://localhost

answered Dec 15, 2015 at 14:23

garryp

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2 Comments

gaitat Over a year ago

you are not even answering the question.

garryp Over a year ago

His/her requirement was to set up a simple server to serve static pages from a folder; this package does exactly that. You don't need to use a framework like Express for this purpose.

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