Node JS sending data via URL

Recently i started programming with Node JS and found it an amazing replacement for php . In php i used to send get requests with Data in the url .

Something like : http://ift.tt/1b63aN1

How to perform something like this in Node JS or is there a better way to send data to node unlike using the url in the above case .

Also , I have noticed that in some cases like stackoverflow , queries are different and dont include the file name

like /public?= instead of /public.php?=

How is this achieved , i always thought this was something related to REST . Also , if you have the answer you might as well guide me if it could be done with Node and a few sources to learn could be of help too .