Overview

NeatNode is a plug-and-play CLI tool that scaffolds clean, production-ready Node.js backend projects (JavaScript & TypeScript) in seconds.
It comes with pre-built templates, MVC or Modular architecture choices, optional CRUD modules, and a modern developer workflow - so you can start coding instead of configuring.

Features

• Instant project setup - generate a complete Node.js project structure instantly
• JavaScript & TypeScript support - choose your preferred language
• Pre-configured templates - Basic Express, REST API, and Socket.IO
• Flexible Architecture - pick between classic MVC or Modular architectures for REST APIs
• Dynamic template logic - easily include or exclude example CRUD modules (User, Todo, Auth)
• Scalable architecture - prebuilt folder layouts
• Security-first setup - Helmet, Rate Limiter, and CORS integrated
• Built-in error handling & logging - Winston + Morgan setup (depending on template)
• Production-ready - clean, validated, and deployment-ready output

Installation

# Install globally
npm install -g neatnode

or run it directly using npx:

npx neatnode

Usage

1. Run the CLI:

   npx neatnode

2. Enter project folder name (default: my-app).

3. Select Language:

   • JavaScript
   • TypeScript

4. Choose your template (options depend on language).

5. (Optional) For REST API in JavaScript, choose your architecture (MVC or Modular).

6. (Optional) Incorporate example CRUD modules, like Todo, User, or Auth.

7. Navigate and start building:

   cd <project_name>
   npm install
   npm run dev

Available Templates

JavaScript

| Template | Description | | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Basic Express | Minimal structure with .env, nodemon, and clean folder setup (Optional Todo CRUD) | | REST API | Express.js REST API with controllers, routes, and MongoDB config. Supports MVC or Modular architecture. (Optional User CRUD) | | Socket.IO| Socket.io server setup for real-time apps |

TypeScript

| Template | Description | | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Basic Express | Minimal TS structure for Node.js (Optional Todo CRUD) | | REST API | Express.js REST API boilerplate with TS. (Modular architectural setup with Optional Auth CRUD) |

Example CLI Output

$ npx neatnode
🚀 Welcome to NeatNode CLI!

? Enter project folder name: api-server
? Select language: TypeScript
? Choose a template: REST API (TS)
? Include example Auth CRUD? Yes

✅ Project "api-server" created successfully using "REST API (TS)".

Next steps:
  cd api-server
  npm install
  npm run dev

🎉 Happy Coding!

Previews

Frontend Website

Official landing page for NeatNode

Documentation Website

Comprehensive docs built with Nextra

Build With

• Node.js
• Inquirer (CLI prompts)
• Degit (repository fetching)
• Chalk & Ora

Learn More

• 📄 Documentation
• 💻 Website
• 🧰 NPM Package

Author

Aakash Gupta
GitHub • Portfolio

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License — feel free to use, modify, and distribute.