node-backend-forge

A professional CLI tool to generate production-ready Node.js backend projects using JavaScript or TypeScript, with optional MongoDB, JWT Authentication, and Docker support.

Overview

node-backend-forge is a project generator, not a runtime library.

It scaffolds a complete backend codebase with a clean folder structure and commonly used production features, allowing developers to start new backend projects in seconds instead of hours.

How to Use (Important)

Correct Command (Required)

To generate a new backend project, always use:

npx node-backend-forge@latest

This command:

• Runs the CLI generator
• Prompts for configuration options
• Creates a new backend folder
• Installs dependencies
• Initializes a Git repository

Incorrect Command (Do Not Use)

npm install node-backend-forge

This command only installs the CLI tool into node_modules. It does not generate any project files.

To create a backend project, you must use npx.

Interactive Setup Flow

When you run:

npx node-backend-forge@latest

You will be prompted to select:

1. Backend language

   • JavaScript
   • TypeScript

2. Optional features

   • MongoDB (Mongoose)
   • JWT Authentication
   • Docker and Docker Compose

The generated project will include only the features you select.

Generated Project Structure

TypeScript Backend

my-backend/
├── src/
│   ├── controllers/
│   ├── routes/
│   ├── middlewares/
│   ├── models/
│   ├── config/
│   ├── utils/
│   └── index.ts
├── Dockerfile
├── docker-compose.yml
├── package.json
├── tsconfig.json
└── README.md

JavaScript Backend

my-backend/
├── backend/
│   ├── controller/
│   ├── routes/
│   ├── middlewares/
│   ├── models/
│   ├── config/
│   ├── utils/
│   └── server.js
├── Dockerfile
├── docker-compose.yml
├── package.json
└── README.md

Features

Depending on your selections, the generated backend may include:

• JavaScript or TypeScript setup
• Express.js server
• MongoDB integration with Mongoose
• JWT-based authentication
• Dockerfile and Docker Compose configuration
• Environment variable support
• Clean and scalable folder structure
• Git repository initialized by default

Requirements

• Node.js 18 or higher
• npm 9 or higher

Example Usage

npx node-backend-forge@latest
enter your project name
cd api-server
npm run dev

Screenshots

You can add screenshots here to show:

CLI prompts

Generated folder structure

Running server output

Example (replace with real images later):

Why npx Is Required

node-backend-forge is designed as a one-time project generator.

Using npx ensures:

• No global installation required
• Always uses the latest version
• No clutter in node_modules

This is the same approach used by tools like create-react-app and vite.

Author

Dipayan Dey

License

MIT

Repository

If you are viewing this on npm, the source code and documentation can be found on the project repository.

Final Notes

• If nothing happens after npm install, that is expected behavior.
• Always use npx node-backend-forge <project-name> to generate a backend.