Archives: FAQs

A: Globally: enabling CORS for all routes and origins (e.g. app.use(cors())) Whitelisting specific origins: passing an array of allowed origins and rejecting others via a callback or middleware. Restricting HTTP methods (GET, POST, etc.). Using CORS as route-specific middleware.

A: The cors npm package; Express; nodemon (for development auto-reload).

 A: If you are building an API or server and your front-end (or another client) is hosted on a different origin (domain/port/protocol), the browser will block requests by default due to same-origin policy. Enabling/configuring CORS allows these cross-origin requests to succeed under the right circumstances.

 A: CORS stands for Cross-Origin Resource Sharing. It’s a mechanism that allows a server to specify which origins (domains, protocols, or ports) are allowed to access its resources. Browsers enforce cross-origin rules to protect users; CORS gives controlled access.

 A: Yes — even Twilio trials have limited credits, verified numbers only etc. The article warns that for demos, it’s wise to delete or disable the Twilio account when done to avoid ongoing charges. 

Initialize project Install dependencies (express, twilio, dotenv, etc.) Setup .env Create an Express server, define a sendMessage function or endpoint Use Twilio client (initialized with credentials) to send message (body, from, to) Start server (say via npm run dev) and test by sending messages to verified phone number(s).

A: Via a .env file. Credentials like Twilio SID, auth token, the Twilio phone number to send from are stored there so code doesn’t hard-code sensitive values. dotenv is used to load them into process.env.

A: You need Node.js installed locally. Also a Twilio account (can use trial), a Twilio phone number (which must be verified/supported), credentials (Account SID, Auth Token). Also dotenv for environment variables, express for server, and optionally nodemon for development auto-reload.

A: A small, focused server (Express-based) whose sole responsibility is to send text messages via Twilio. It exposes endpoints or functions that accept message content, recipient, etc., and uses Twilio’s API to send SMS. This isolates the messaging function as a standalone service, facilitating reuse and separation of concerns. 

 A: It means writing tests before implementing the features so that initially tests fail; then writing code to make them pass. This ensures that the behavior is clearly defined by tests and encourages minimal, clean, testable implementation. The article uses TDD for features like product display.