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Light-houseAI
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backend-engineer

Guide backend API endpoint implementation with Node.js, Express, TypeScript, and Drizzle ORM.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
Search Tags:#typescript#authentication#database#backend#api development#zod#node.js#express.js
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Light-houseAI/lighthouse-journey-canvas --skill backend-engineer
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: backend-engineer
Source: https://github.com/Light-houseAI/lighthouse-journey-canvas/tree/main/.claude/skills/backend-engineer
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Light-houseAI/lighthouse-journey-canvas --skill backend-engineer

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Backend development often involves complex interactions between services, databases, and authentication, leading to potential inconsistencies and security vulnerabilities. This Skill provides a comprehensive guide to building scalable, secure, and maintainable backend systems for the Lighthouse Journey Timeline, ensuring consistency and reducing common pitfalls.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Structured API Development: Guides on using Express.js, TypeScript, Drizzle ORM, and Awilix for dependency injection, promoting a clean and modular architecture.
  • CRITICAL Zod Validation: Emphasizes Zod for robust validation across all layers (controller, service, repository, DTO), ensuring end-to-end type safety and preventing runtime errors.
  • Authentication & Permissions: Details a secure JWT implementation, comprehensive auth middleware, and a robust permission cascade pattern for granular access control.
  • Use Case: When implementing a new API endpoint, such as /api/v2/timeline/nodes, this skill guides you through defining Zod schemas, creating controllers, services, and repositories, implementing authentication, and ensuring proper error handling and testing.

Quick Start

I need to implement a new backend API endpoint for the Lighthouse Journey Timeline. Guide me through the process, including Zod validation, service layer integration, and testing, following the established patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions about backend-engineer

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I build a secure backend API with Node.js and Express?▼

Build backend APIs using Node.js, Express, and TypeScript with structured patterns for controllers, services, and repositories. This approach ensures modular architecture, type safety, and consistent error handling across your entire application stack.

Why is Zod validation critical across all backend layers?▼

Zod validation ensures end-to-end type safety by validating data at controllers, services, repositories, and DTOs. This prevents runtime errors and inconsistencies before they reach your database or external APIs.

How do I implement JWT authentication with granular permissions in Express?▼

Implement JWT authentication with middleware and a permission cascade pattern for role-based access control. This provides secure token validation and fine-grained authorization across your API endpoints.

Can I use Drizzle ORM with PostgreSQL for database migrations and queries?▼

Yes, Drizzle ORM with PostgreSQL handles migrations, type-safe queries, and repository patterns. It integrates seamlessly with dependency injection and enforces consistent data access across your backend services.

What's the best way to structure error handling and status codes in a Node.js API?▼

Use enum-driven error codes and statuses with standardized error handling across all layers. This approach ensures consistent API responses and simplifies debugging across controllers, services, and repositories.

How do I test backend services with dependency injection using Vitest?▼

Test backend logic with Vitest using Awilix for dependency injection, enabling isolated unit tests of controllers, services, and repositories. This pattern supports mocking and provides comprehensive coverage without external dependencies.

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