Build a Basic Express/Next.js API

The Scenario

A local library wants to digitize their book inventory. They need a simple backend API to manage the catalog. For now, they just want to store the data in memory (an array) while they figure out their database strategy.

The Brief

Build a basic REST API using Express.js or Next.js API Routes. Implement four endpoints for a "Book" resource: GET (list all books), POST (add a new book), PUT (update an existing book by ID), and DELETE (remove a book by ID). Keep the data in a simple JavaScript array.

Deliverables

• The API route files handling the GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE requests
• The basic validation logic (e.g., ensuring a POST request has a "title" and "author")
• A README snippet explaining how to test the endpoints using a tool like Postman or curl

Submit Your Work

Your submission is graded against the rubric on the right. If you pass, you get a public Badge URL you can share on LinkedIn. There is no draft save, so work offline first and paste your finished response here.