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REST API Template

The REST API Template is a structured and production-ready Node.js setup.
It extends the Basic Template with authentication, validation, service layers, and centralized error handling.

This is the template you’ll use when building real-world APIs - scalable, testable, and maintainable from day one.

Overview

It’s designed for developers who want to:

  • Skip repetitive boilerplate setup
  • Follow best practices for Express architecture
  • Implement CRUD operations cleanly
  • Use layered structure for routes, controllers, services, and models

The template is already wired with everything you’d expect in a real backend - you just start coding your business logic.

[!TIP] See the Folder Structure Guide for detailed project layouts.

Key Features

  • Modular Express setup with controllers, services, and routes
  • Centralized error handling and custom response formatting
  • Built-in JWT authentication
  • Request validation using Joi
  • Security via Helmet and Rate Limiting
  • Structured logging with Winston
  • Environment-ready .env support
  • Optional CRUD removal (like Basic Template)

Resource Generation

The REST API template supports generating a complete feature resource with one command:

neatnode g resource user

This creates the controller, service, route, validation, and model files, then updates the route registry automatically.

[!TIP] Use --force if you want to regenerate an existing resource.

How It Works

When you run:

npx neatnode

and select REST API, the CLI will:

  1. Prompt for your preferred architecture (MVC or Modular)
  2. Copy this full structure into your project folder
  3. Replace placeholders (like project name)
  4. Optionally remove CRUD examples (User routes, controllers, etc.)
  5. Leave you with a ready-to-run production API base
EndpointsMiddlewareError Handling

These pages dive deeper into each part of the REST API Template:

  • Endpoints - Learn how routes and controllers interact
  • Middleware - Add or modify middleware for requests
  • Error Handling - Understand the centralized error layer

When to Use

Choose the REST API Template if you:

  • Are building a real backend or web API
  • Want clear separation of concerns
  • Need built-in auth, validation, and structured error handling
  • Prefer a scalable folder architecture out of the box

This is the go-to template for production-quality Node.js projects.

Basic TemplateEndpoints