ExpressForge Generator

Build a production-friendly Express.js API without assembling the same folders, configuration, and starter files by hand.

ExpressForge Generator creates a complete JavaScript or TypeScript project using the architecture that fits your application. Every generated project starts immediately and includes a working health endpoint.

Why ExpressForge Generator?

• Six practical project architectures
• JavaScript and TypeScript support
• Ready-to-run Express 5 setup
• Environment configuration and sensible npm scripts
• Centralized error handling and 404 responses
• Safe generation that never overwrites files silently
• Windows, macOS, and Linux support

Create your first project

1. Open the Command Palette with Ctrl+Shift+P (Cmd+Shift+P on macOS).
2. Run Express: Create New Project.
3. Choose an architecture and language.
4. Enter a project name and select its parent folder.
5. Open the generated project and run:

npm install
npm run dev

Visit http://localhost:3000/api/health to verify the API.

You can also right-click any folder in the Explorer and select Express: Create New Project.

Choose an architecture

Classic MVC

A familiar structure for small and medium REST APIs. Separates controllers, models, routes, and services.

Feature-based Modules

Organizes code by product feature. A strong choice when an application and its development team are growing.

Layered / Clean Architecture

Creates explicit domain, application, infrastructure, and presentation boundaries for larger, long-lived systems.

Minimal API

A compact structure for prototypes, focused services, and APIs that do not need many architectural layers.

Repository Pattern

Separates persistence and external data access from business logic. Useful for data-driven REST APIs.

Hexagonal / Ports & Adapters

Keeps core business logic independent from Express, databases, and external services for maximum testability.

See the architecture guide for directory layouts and detailed selection guidance.

What gets generated?

Every project includes:

• An Express 5 application and server entry point
• A GET /api/health endpoint
• JSON request parsing
• Centralized error and 404 handling
• .env.example and environment loading
• Development and production npm scripts
• A project-specific README
• Portable paths and filenames

TypeScript projects also include strict compiler settings, type checking, a build command, and a compiled production start command.

Safe by default

ExpressForge Generator never replaces existing files without permission. It warns before merging into a non-empty directory and asks explicitly before replacing generated-file conflicts. Unrelated files are preserved.

Requirements

• Visual Studio Code 1.85 or newer
• Node.js 20 or newer for generated projects
• npm

Troubleshooting

The command does not appear
Confirm the extension is enabled, then run Developer: Reload Window.

The generated project does not start
Confirm node --version reports Node.js 20 or newer, then run npm install before npm run dev.

Port 3000 is already in use
Copy .env.example to .env, set a different PORT, and restart the server.

For complete setup instructions, see Getting started.

Feedback and contributions

Found a bug or have an architecture suggestion? Open an issue.

Contributions are welcome. Read the contributing guide before submitting a pull request.

License

ExpressForge Generator is available under the MIT License.