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TemplatesREST API Template

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.

Folder Structure


<project-root>/
├─ package.json
├─ server.js
└─ src/
├─ app.js
├─ config/
│  ├─ db.js
│  ├─ logger.js
│  └─ cors.js
├─ controllers/
│  └─ user.controller.js
├─ services/
│  └─ user.service.js
├─ middleware/
│  ├─ auth.middleware.js
│  ├─ error.middleware.js
│  └─ validate.middleware.js
├─ schemas/
│  └─ user.schema.js
├─ routes/
│  └─ user.route.js
├─ utils/
│  ├─ ApiError.js
│  ├─ ApiResponse.js
│  ├─ CatchAsync.js
│  └─ Token.js
└─ validations/
└─ user.validation.js

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)

How It Works

When you run:

npx nodebuilder-xd

and select REST API, the CLI will:

  1. Copy this full structure into your project folder
  2. Replace placeholders (like project name)
  3. Optionally remove CRUD examples (User routes, controllers, etc.)
  4. Leave you with a ready-to-run production API base
EndpointsError HandlingMiddleware

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.

Last updated on
Basic TemplateEndpoints