Welcome to NeatNode Docs
NeatNode is a CLI tool that scaffolds production-oriented Node.js backends in seconds using clean, opinionated JavaScript and TypeScript templates.
It removes repetitive setup by generating structured, extensible Express-based backend blueprints.
Quick Start
Run the CLI directly with npx - no installation required:
npx neatnodeFollow the interactive prompts to:
- Enter a project name
- Choose JavaScript or TypeScript
- Select a template
- Decide whether to include example CRUD
Once complete, NeatNode generates a backend ready to run.
Included Templates
JavaScript Templates
| Template | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Express (JS) | Minimal Express setup for learning, prototyping, or microservices. |
| REST API (JS) | Express REST API with CRUD, authentication, validation, and error handling. |
| Socket.IO (JS) | Real-time Express server with integrated Socket.IO. |
TypeScript Templates
| Template | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Express (TS) | Minimal Express setup with TypeScript, strict typing, and preconfigured tsconfig. |
| REST API (TS) | Production-ready modular API with JWT auth, Zod validation, typed middleware, and MongoDB support. |
| Socket.IO (TS) | Planned template for real-time TypeScript backends. |
Why NeatNode?
- Zero setup - one command, instant scaffold
- Opinionated architecture - controllers, services, middleware, utils
- JavaScript & TypeScript support
- Extendable - modify structure or scale as needed
- Beginner-friendly - simple start, scalable foundation
Next Steps
- Read Getting Started to run your first project
- Explore Built-In Templates for template details
- Learn the Folder Structure to understand the generated codebase
NeatNode helps you focus on application logic instead of boilerplate - so you can build cleaner, faster, and more maintainable Node.js backends.