How to Use Axios in Node.js (With Code Examples)

Axios is a promise-based HTTP client that simplifies making HTTP requests in Node.js. It streamlines tasks like sending GET and POST requests, handling responses, and managing errors. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Axios in Node.js with practical code examples.

Setting Up Axios in Node.js

To get started with Axios in your Node.js project:

1. Initialize your project (if you haven’t already):

   npm init -y
   

2. Install Axios:

   npm install axios
   

3. Require Axios in your application:

   const axios = require('axios');
   

Making GET Requests

A GET request retrieves data from a specified endpoint. Here’s how to perform a GET request using Axios:

const axios = require('axios');

async function fetchData() {
  try {
    const response = await axios.get('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1');
    console.log(response.data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error fetching data:', error);
  }
}

fetchData();

Explanation:

• Defines an asynchronous function fetchData.
• Uses await to make an Axios GET request.
• Logs response data to the console.
• Handles errors using try...catch.

Making POST Requests

A POST request sends data to a server to create a new resource. Here’s how to perform a POST request:

const axios = require('axios');

async function createPost() {
  try {
    const response = await axios.post('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts', {
      title: 'New Post',
      body: 'This is the content of the new post.',
      userId: 1,
    });
    console.log('Post created:', response.data);
  } catch (error) {
    console.error('Error creating post:', error);
  }
}

createPost();

Explanation:

• Defines an asynchronous function createPost.
• Uses await with axios.post(), passing the endpoint and data object.
• Logs the newly created post.
• Handles errors properly.

Handling Responses and Errors

Axios provides a structured way to handle responses and errors. The response object includes properties like data, status, and headers.

Here’s how to handle different types of errors:

const axios = require('axios');

async function fetchData() {
  try {
    const response = await axios.get('https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com/posts/1');
    console.log('Data:', response.data);
    console.log('Status:', response.status);
  } catch (error) {
    if (error.response) {
      // Server responded with a status code outside 2xx
      console.error('Error data:', error.response.data);
      console.error('Error status:', error.response.status);
    } else if (error.request) {
      // No response received
      console.error('No response received:', error.request);
    } else {
      // Error setting up the request
      console.error('Error:', error.message);
    }
  }
}

fetchData();

Explanation:

• Logs response data and status when successful.
• Differentiates between:
  • Errors with responses (error.response)
  • Errors with no response (error.request)
  • Other Axios-related errors (error.message)

FAQs

Conclusion

Axios simplifies HTTP requests in Node.js, offering a clean and concise API. Its support for promises allows for efficient handling of asynchronous operations. By understanding how to perform GET and POST requests and handle responses and errors, you can effectively integrate Axios into your Node.js applications.