backend-dev-guidelines

Guide Node.js Express TypeScript backend microservice development with layered architecture.

3|Updated Jan 28, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/JohnMarkCapones/Aralify --skill backend-dev-guidelines-johnmarkcapones
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: backend-dev-guidelines
Source: https://github.com/JohnMarkCapones/Aralify/tree/main/.cursor/skills/backend-dev-guidelines
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/JohnMarkCapones/Aralify --skill backend-dev-guidelines-johnmarkcapones

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill provides a comprehensive, standardized approach to building robust, maintainable, and scalable backend microservices using Node.js, Express, and TypeScript.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Layered Architecture: Enforces a clear separation of concerns (routes, controllers, services, repositories).
  • Best Practices: Guides on error handling (Sentry), input validation (Zod), configuration (unifiedConfig), and testing.
  • Use Case: When starting a new backend feature, like adding a new API endpoint for user management, this Skill ensures you follow established patterns for route definition, controller logic, service implementation, and data access, leading to consistent and high-quality code.

Quick Start

Follow the checklist in the SKILL.md file to create a new backend feature.

Frequently Asked Questions about backend-dev-guidelines

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I structure a Node.js Express backend with TypeScript for maintainability?

Structure a Node.js Express backend using a layered architecture that separates concerns across routes, controllers, services, and repositories. This approach enforces consistency and maintainability across microservices by isolating business logic from data access and request handling.

What is the best way to validate API request data in Express microservices?

The best way to validate API request data in Express microservices is using Zod. It provides schema validation directly within your TypeScript request lifecycle, ensuring incoming data matches expected types before reaching controller or service layers.

How does error tracking work with Sentry in a TypeScript backend?

Error tracking with Sentry in a TypeScript backend works by capturing unhandled exceptions across the request lifecycle. Integrating Sentry middleware ensures runtime errors in controllers or services are automatically reported for debugging.

Can I use a layered architecture for small Node.js microservices?

Yes, you can use a layered architecture for small Node.js microservices. Separating routes, controllers, services, and repositories establishes consistent patterns that scale effectively and simplify future feature additions without creating structural overhead.

How do I manage configuration across multiple Node.js microservices?

Manage configuration across multiple Node.js microservices using a unified configuration approach like unifiedConfig. This standardizes environment variables and application settings, maintaining consistency and preventing configuration drift across different services.