🧱 Building create-node-spark: A CLI Tool to Scaffold Node.js APIs – Phase 1 Complete!
Talha Bilal
Full Stack Developer
Talha Bilal
5 min
create-node-spark is a blazing-fast CLI tool for scaffolding Node.js REST APIs using JavaScript or TypeScript. With support for Express, native HTTP, MongoDB, and MySQL (via Knex.js), it gives you a flexible and minimal setup in seconds. Phase 1 is now complete—here’s everything it offers and what’s next!
Intro:
A powerful CLI (Command Line Interface) tool designed to scaffold production-ready Node.js backend projects with ease. Inspired by tools like Create Next App and Vite, this tool removes the boilerplate pain by generating a clean, structured, and configurable Node.js project — so you can focus on building features, not setting up folders and configs.
The fastest way to scaffold production-ready Node.js backends — no manual setup, no headaches.
🧱 Building create-node-spark: A CLI Tool to Scaffold Node.js APIs – Phase 1 Complete! | Talha Bilal - Web Development Blog
Why I built this tool : Inspiration from create-next-app, but tailored for Node.js REST APIs
Goal : Speed up backend scaffolding with sensible defaults and flexibility
⚙️ What is create-node-spark?
A CLI tool to scaffold REST API projects in Node.js
Supports JavaScript and TypeScript
Option to use Express.js or native Node.js httpserver
Pick your preferred database: None, MongoDB, or MySQL
Additional Features like Eslint and Multer
ESM and Dotenv support out of the box
🔧 Features So Far (Phase 1)
✅ Language toggle: JavaScript or TypeScript
✅ Framework toggle: Express or None
✅ Linting option with ESLint
✅ MongoDB integration with environment setup
✅ MySQL integration using Knex.js and mysql2 (as of v2.3.0)
Your feedback helps shape the future of this project. Let’s build something great together!
📢 Final Thoughts
Phase 1 of create-node-spark is complete, and I’m proud of the flexibility and simplicity it provides. It’s not just another CLI tool—it’s a fast track to starting robust, real-world REST APIs in Node.js.
