Are you ready to dive into the world of Node.js and TypeScript? This guide will walk you through the steps to set up a Node.js application using a layered architecture inspired by Clean Architecture. By the end, you will have a solid foundation to build your projects upon and gain insights into how different components interact within the app. Let’s get started!

What is This Repository For?

This repository serves as a boilerplate for Node.js applications built with TypeScript. It offers a structured approach to application design, allowing you to handle complexities effectively.

For those interested in the original JavaScript version, you can check out the javascript branch.

Architecture Overview

The application follows a layered architecture model, segmented into multiple layers for decoupling and better maintainability. Here’s a brief overview of each layer:

• Data Layer: This layer is responsible for data retrieval and management, using repositories to abstract underlying data sources.
• Domain Layer: Services in this layer apply business rules and logic to the application models while relying on repository interfaces.
• Routes Controller Layer: This layer defines HTTP routes and handles requests, ensuring minimal modification of data passed to the domain layer.
• Entry Point: The application’s entry point is the server.ts file, which sets up all layers and connects to the database.

How to Start the App

Use Docker

Running the application locally is a breeze using Docker. The necessary files are included for you. Here’s how you can do it:

docker-compose up

Use npm Scripts

If Docker isn’t your preference, you can set up the development environment using npm scripts:

• npm run start:dev.env – to start the development environment (which includes MongoDB).
• npm run dev – to run the service with ts-node-dev, which automatically restarts the server when you make changes.

Building and Running the App

• npm run build – to compile the TypeScript files.
• npm start – to start the server.

Understanding the Code with an Analogy

Think of your Node.js application like a restaurant. Each layer represents a specific part of the restaurant’s operation:

• Data Layer: This is the kitchen where all the ingredients (data) are processed. The chef doesn’t need to know where each ingredient comes from, just that they can use the necessary repositories to cook up a meal.
• Domain Layer: This acts like the head chef, applying the recipes (business rules) to create dishes. The head chef uses ingredients from the kitchen but isn’t tied to any specific supplier.
• Routes Controller Layer: This is like the waitstaff who take orders from customers and deliver the dishes. They handle the front-end interaction without modifying the actual meals being served.
• Entry Point: Similar to the restaurant manager, this person oversees the operations and ensures everything functions smoothly, starting the service and managing the environment.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues while setting up your Node.js application, here are some troubleshooting tips to consider:

• Ensure that you have Node.js and npm installed. You can check the versions using node -v and npm -v.
• Confirm that Docker is running if you choose to use Docker for setup.
• Check for errors in the terminal output for guidance on where things might have gone wrong.
• If you are facing issues with package installations, try deleting node_modules and run npm install again.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

With this setup, you are well-equipped to develop a scalable and maintainable Node.js application using TypeScript. The layered architecture allows you to evolve your application seamlessly in response to changing requirements.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

Packages and Tools

Here are the essential packages and tools to get you going:

• Node v10+
• TypeScript
• Express
• ts-node
• Prettier
• Jest
• ESLint
• Supertest