How do you use environment variables in an Express.js application?

Implement rate limiting in Express using middleware like `express-rate-limit`. Install it with `npm install express-rate-limit` and configure it to limit the number of requests from a single IP address. For example, `const limiter = rateLimit({ windowMs: 15 * 60 * 1000, max: 100 }); app.use(limiter);` limits requests to 100 per 15 minutes. This helps prevent abuse and ensure fair usage of resources.

Error handling in Express is typically done using middleware. Define an error-handling middleware function with four parameters: `err`, `req`, `res`, and `next`. Use `app.use((err, req, res, next) => { /* error handling logic */ })` to catch and handle errors. Ensure you place this middleware after all route and other middleware definitions. Handle different error types and send appropriate responses to the client.

Add custom properties to `req` in middleware. For example: `app.use((req, res, next) => { req.customProperty = 'value'; next(); });` allows access to `req.customProperty` in subsequent middleware and routes.

Implement authentication using middleware like `passport` or `jsonwebtoken`. For example: `passport.authenticate('local')` or verify JWT tokens in middleware to control access based on user credentials.

Use the `dotenv` package to manage environment variables. Install it with `npm install dotenv`. Create a `.env` file with variables like `PORT=3000`, and access them with `process.env.PORT` in your code.

Set response headers using `res.set()`. For example: `res.set('Content-Type', 'application/json');` sets the `Content-Type` header. You can also use `res.header()` for similar functionality.

Synchronous errors are caught using try-catch blocks, while asynchronous errors should be handled with `.catch()` or async error-handling middleware. For example: `app.use(async (req, res, next) => { try { await asyncFunction(); } catch (err) { next(err); } });`.

Middleware functions process requests before they reach route handlers. They can modify `req` or `res`, end the request-response cycle, or pass control. For example: `app.use((req, res, next) => { console.log('Request received'); next(); });` logs every request.

`app.use()` registers middleware to process requests. For example: `app.use(express.json());` applies JSON parsing middleware globally. You can also use it for routing, e.g., `app.use('/api', apiRoutes);` to mount routers.