Express.js vs Nest.js

#webdev #javascript #beginners

When it comes to backend development, we’ve all met the OG—Node.js with Express.

It’s fast, it’s lightweight, and it’s got that event-driven charm. But then, enter the room—Nest.js.

It’s built on Node.js and Express but comes with a glow-up.

If you’ve ever wondered whether Nest.js is just Express in fancy clothes or something truly revolutionary, buckle up because we’re about to spill the beans.

Node.js: The Backbone

Node.js is like the dependable friend who’s always there for you. Want to spin up a quick server? Node.js.

Need something lightweight that runs everywhere? Node.js.

But let’s face it, this friend has a catch—they don’t help you clean up after the party.

Code in vanilla Node.js can quickly turn into a spaghetti situation, and while fs and http modules are great, you’ll find yourself reaching for third-party packages faster than you can say npm install.

And let’s not forget the delightful chaos of callbacks that introduced us to the "callback hell."

Promises and async/await were like Node.js finally growing up, but some scars never fade.

Now, when paired with Express.js, you get a minimalist framework that’s powerful yet unopinionated.

It’s a blank canvas, giving you the freedom to structure your application however you like.

But freedom, as we know, comes with responsibility—or in this case, boilerplate and manual integrations.

Nest.js: The Fancy Cousin with a Plan

Nest.js enters the chat like the TypeScript-loving, decorator-wielding prodigy that it is.

Built on top of Node.js and Express, it offers a structure so organized, Marie Kondo would approve.

With Nest.js, you get a complete ecosystem, baked-in dependency injection (yes, no more hand-rolling DI containers), and decorators like @ApiBearerAuth() that make your API docs sparkle.

Oh, and did I mention? It’s opinionated—but in a good way. You might initially feel boxed in, but soon you’ll realize those walls are actually scaffolding, and you’re building a skyscraper.

TypeScript All the Things!

Node.js lets you choose between JavaScript and TypeScript, which is cute until you hit runtime errors and scream into the void.

Nest.js, on the other hand, embraces TypeScript like a long-lost sibling. With interfaces, generics, and type-safe everything, you’ll wonder why you ever coded without it.

Sure, typing everything can feel like doing taxes, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll enjoy the peace of knowing your API won’t implode because you passed a string where an object was expected.

Decorators: The Sparkle That Sticks

Decorators in Nest.js are like emojis in a text—at first, they seem extra, but soon you realize they add all the context you didn’t know you needed.

Take @ApiBearerAuth() for instance. Instead of manually explaining what your API expects, this decorator integrates beautifully with Swagger, making your docs almost write themselves.

And then there’s @Controller(), @Injectable(), and @Module(). It’s like playing with LEGO blocks where each piece snaps into place.

You’re not just writing code; you’re composing an orchestra.

The Conclusion

If Node.js is a multipurpose Swiss Army knife, Nest.js is the whole dang toolbox, complete with a user manual.

Node.js is perfect when you want flexibility and don’t mind a little chaos. But if you’re building something serious, Nest.js is the partner who keeps you grounded, structured, and just a little TypeScript-obsessed.

So, what’s your pick? The classic Node.js or its well-dressed cousin, Nest.js? Either way, you’re in for a ride.

Just remember: no matter what you choose, don’t forget to npm install sanity along the way.

Swagger Wars: Nest.js vs Express.js

One of the things developers love about Nest.js is how easy it is to integrate Swagger.

With a few decorators and some configs, your API documentation is live and ready to impress.

Nest.js makes it simple because it understands your code—thanks to those TypeScript interfaces and DTOs (Data Transfer Objects).

Everything is structured, so Swagger knows exactly what’s going in and coming out of your API.

But let’s talk about Node.js for a second. Sure, you can integrate Swagger, but it’s not a walk in the park.

Without interfaces or DTOs attached to your request or response bodies, Swagger might miss the mark—or worse, leave you manually writing schemas for routes.

So, what do you do when you’re knee-deep in Node.js and need Swagger-level API docs without breaking a sweat?

Introducing LiveAPI: Swagger for the Rest of Us

That’s where LiveAPI comes in. I’m developing this tool to make API documentation super-convenient. Whether you’re using plain Node.js, Express, or anything in between, LiveAPI steps in and does the heavy lifting.

How it works:

Simply select your repository from the dropdown.
Sit back for 2–3 minutes.
Your API documentation is generated, no fuss, no manual schemas.

With LiveAPI, you don’t need to deal with the pain of setting up Swagger from scratch. It’s quick, it’s efficient, and it’s designed to save your time (and sanity).