I Built a CLI to Automate Express.js Setup in 30 Seconds

The Problem

Setting up a new Express.js project is repetitive:

• Create folder structure (controllers, routes, models, middleware)
• Configure server.js, .env, .gitignore
• Set up package.json
• Choose ESM vs CommonJS, JavaScript vs TypeScript
• Install dependencies

30+ minutes wasted on boilerplate every single time.

The Solution

I built express-jetstart - a CLI that automates this entire process.

npx express-jetstart

Answer a few prompts, get a production-ready Express app in 30 seconds.

Features

• Instant scaffolding - Complete project structure generated
• Language choice - JavaScript or TypeScript
• Module system - ESM or CommonJS
• Clean architecture - Controllers, routes, models, middleware pre-organized
• Production-ready - .env, .gitignore, best practices included

How It Works

Run the command:

npx express-jetstart

Choose your preferences:

• Project name
• Language (JS/TS)
• Module system (ESM/CommonJS)
• Framework options

Get this structure instantly:

your-project/
├── src/
│   ├── controllers/
│   ├── routes/
│   ├── models/
│   └── middleware/
├── public/
├── .env
├── .gitignore
├── server.js
└── package.json

Just npm install and start coding.

Tech Stack

• TypeScript - Type safety and maintainability
• Node.js - Runtime
• Inquirer - Interactive CLI prompts
• npm - Published and available globally

Why This Matters

Developers should build features, not copy boilerplate. This tool eliminates setup friction.

Real impact:

• Published on npm
• Saves 30+ minutes per project
• Reduces configuration errors
• Promotes Express best practices

Try It

npx express-jetstart

Links:

• npm package
• GitHub

Feedback and contributions welcome.

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Built with TypeScript and shipped to help developers code faster.