Trademark

Lork

A lightweight Node.js framework built from the ground up, focusing on core web server functionalities and implementing critical components from scratch.

Overview

Lork is a lightweight Node.js framework built from the ground up with a focus on understanding and implementing core web server functionalities.Instead of relying on third-party libraries, critical components were implemented from scratch, including raw HTTP protocol handling, multipart form data parsing, cookie management, and session handling.

Key Features

Custom HTTP Server Framework: Built a lightweight server framework with routing, request handling, and response enhancements on top of Node.js.Session Management System: Developed a flexible session management system with support for both memory stores and MongoDB storage solutions.Authentication Framework: Implemented a first-party local authentication system with secure password handling and session management.Middleware Architecture: Designed an extensible middleware system allowing seamless integration of custom functionality.

Technologies Used

Node.js: Core platform for building the frameworkJavaScript: Primary programming languageHTTP Module: Native Node.js module for handling HTTP requestsCrypto: For implementing secure cookie signing and authentication

Technical Challenges

Multipart Form Data Parsing: Although not implemented in the final version of lork, I created a custom parser for handling multipart form data, crucial for processing file uploads and complex form submissions. This provided valuable insights into HTTP protocol handling and parsing complex data formats.Session Security: Implemented a session security system with signed session IDs, HTTPS-only cookies, and protection against XSS and CSRF attacks. Sessions are stored in-memory or MongoDB with automatic cleanup of expired sessions.Routing and Middleware Design: Created a flexible routing system with dynamic route parameters and a custom middleware architecture for pre-processing steps like authentication checks, logging, and request validation.Authentication: Implemented a first-party local authentication system with secure password hashing, token-based session management, and protection against various attack vectors.

Learnings

Gained understanding of HTTP protocols and web server architectureLearned about raw request/response handling and data parsingDeveloped expertise in security considerations for web frameworksAcquired a good understanding of concepts that most developers rely on third-party libraries for.

Outcome

Lork has become a lightweight framework that focuses on core web framework functionality without the overhead of larger frameworks. The project demonstrates the ability to implement complex systems from scratch and understanding of web server architecture.
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