1. Introduction to Node.js:

   • What is Node.js?
   • History and evolution of Node.js.
   • Features and benefits of using Node.js.

2. Setting Up Node.js Development Environment:

   • Installing Node.js and npm.
   • Setting up a text editor or IDE.
   • Introduction to package.json file.

3. Node.js Basics:

   • Understanding JavaScript runtime environment.
   • Asynchronous vs. synchronous programming.
   • Event-driven architecture in Node.js.

4. Node.js Modules and CommonJS:

   • Introduction to Node.js modules.
   • Creating and exporting modules.
   • Importing modules using require().

5. File System Operations:

   • Reading and writing files using fs module.
   • Working with directories.
   • Handling file streams.

6. HTTP Server Creation:

   • Creating an HTTP server using the http module.
   • Handling HTTP requests and responses.
   • Serving static files and handling routing.

7. Express.js Framework:

   • Introduction to Express.js.
   • Installing Express.js.
   • Creating routes and handling requests.
   • Middleware in Express.js.

8. RESTful API Development:

   • Understanding REST architecture.
   • Designing RESTful APIs.
   • Implementing CRUD operations.
   • Handling HTTP methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE).

9. Asynchronous Programming in Node.js:

   • Callbacks vs. Promises vs. Async/Await.
   • Handling asynchronous operations.
   • Error handling in asynchronous code.

10. Working with Databases:

    • Introduction to databases (SQL vs. NoSQL).
    • Connecting to databases in Node.js.
    • Performing CRUD operations.
    • Using database ORM/ODM libraries (e.g., Sequelize, Mongoose).

11. Authentication and Authorization:

    • User authentication with JWT (JSON Web Tokens).
    • Implementing user registration and login.
    • Role-based access control.

12. Real-Time Communication:

    • Introduction to WebSockets.
    • Implementing real-time chat applications.
    • Using Socket.IO library.

13. Testing and Debugging:

    • Writing unit tests with frameworks like Mocha and Chai.
    • Debugging Node.js applications using built-in debugger or third-party tools.

14. Deployment and Scaling:

    • Deploying Node.js applications to production servers.
    • Configuring environment variables.
    • Scaling Node.js applications horizontally and vertically.

15. Security Best Practices:

    • Preventing common security vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, XSS attacks).
    • Securing HTTP headers.
    • Using SSL/TLS encryption.

16. Performance Optimization:

    • Identifying and optimizing performance bottlenecks.
    • Caching strategies.
    • Load testing and profiling Node.js applications.

17. Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD):

    • Setting up CI/CD pipelines for Node.js applications.
    • Automating testing and deployment processes.

These topics cover a wide range of concepts and skills necessary for building scalable, efficient, and secure applications using Node.js. Depending on the target audience and the depth of the course, additional topics may be included or emphasized.