API Route Returns 404 After Refactoring
An API endpoint that was working correctly now returns 404 Not Found errors after Cursor refactored your route definitions. The route is no longer accessible even though the handler exists.
Route registration or path may have been broken during the refactoring.
Error Messages You Might See
Common Causes
- Route path changed or typo introduced in endpoint URL
- Route handler file moved but import not updated
- Router not mounted to app or removed from main server file
- Route method changed (GET to POST) without updating client
- Route registered after 404 catch-all middleware
How to Fix It
Verify route is mounted: app.use('/api', routes). Check full path: app.get('/api/users') vs router.get('/users'). Verify route HTTP method matches client. Place routes before 404 handler. Log all registered routes: app._router.stack.forEach().
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Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
How do I debug route issues?
Log all routes on startup. Use middleware to log every request. Check that full path is correct (include /api prefix).
What's route parameter vs query?
Parameter: /users/:id (in path). Query: /users?sort=name (in URL). Use req.params vs req.query.