Express res.redirect() Method

Posted in Express Tutorial

Updated on Oct 28, 2024

By Mari Selvan

👁️ 324 - Views

⏳ 4 mins

💬 1 Comment

Photo Credit to CodeToFun

🙋 Introduction

In web development, redirecting users from one route to another is a common task. Express.js simplifies this process with the res.redirect() method.

In this guide, we'll explore the syntax, use cases, and best practices of using res.redirect() to enhance navigation in your Express.js applications.

💡 Syntax

The syntax for the res.redirect() method is straightforward:

syntax.js

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res.redirect([status,] path)

status (Optional): The HTTP status code to use for the redirect (default is 302).
path: The URL to redirect the user to.

❓ How res.redirect() Works

The res.redirect() method sends a redirect response to the client, instructing the browser to navigate to a different URL. It's commonly used for scenarios like handling form submissions, authentication, or guiding users after a successful action.

example.js

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app.post('/login', (req, res) => {
  // Logic to validate login
  if (userAuthenticated) {
    res.redirect('/dashboard');
  } else {
    res.redirect('/login?error=1');
  }
});

In this example, after validating the user's login credentials, the server uses res.redirect() to send them to the dashboard or back to the login page with an error query parameter.

📚 Use Cases

After Form Submissions:

After successfully processing a form submission, redirect the user to a success page to provide feedback.
example.js
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```
app.post('/submit-form', (req, res) => {
  // Process form data
  // ...
  res.redirect('/success');
});
```
Authentication:

Use res.redirect() to guide users based on their authentication status. In this example, authenticated users are redirected to the admin dashboard, while unauthenticated users are sent to the login page.
example.js
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```
app.get('/admin', (req, res) => {
  if (req.isAuthenticated()) {
    res.redirect('/admin/dashboard');
  } else {
    res.redirect('/login');
  }
});
```

🏆 Best Practices

Specify HTTP Status Code:

When using res.redirect(), consider specifying the HTTP status code to indicate the type of redirect. Use 301 for permanent redirects and 302 for temporary redirects.
example.js
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```
// Permanent redirect
res.redirect(301, '/new-url');

// Temporary redirect (default)
res.redirect('/temporary-url');
```
Include Query Parameters:

Include relevant query parameters in the redirect URL to provide additional context or information to the redirected route.
example.js
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```
// Redirect with query parameter
res.redirect('/error-page?status=404');
```
Use Absolute Paths:

Consider using absolute paths for redirects to avoid issues with relative paths, especially in complex applications.
example.js
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```
// Redirect using an absolute path
res.redirect('https://example.com/new-page');
```

🎉 Conclusion

The res.redirect() method in Express.js is a powerful tool for guiding users through your web application. Whether handling form submissions, managing authentication, or providing feedback, understanding how to use res.redirect() effectively will enhance user experience in your Express.js projects.

Now, armed with knowledge about the res.redirect() method, go ahead and streamline navigation in your Express.js applications!