Tillitsdone
down Scroll to discover

Best Practices for Structuring Express.js Apps

Discover proven patterns and practices for organizing your Express.js applications, from MVC architecture to file structure, middleware implementation, and security best practices.
thumbnail

Best Practices for Structuring Express.js Applications

Abstract flowing patterns representing software architecture with interconnected geometric shapes and lines in bright cyan and emerald colors ultra-realistic cinematic 8K high resolution

Over the years of building Node.js applications with Express.js, I’ve learned that a well-structured project can make the difference between a maintenance nightmare and a scalable, easy-to-manage codebase. Let’s dive into some battle-tested practices that can help you structure your Express.js applications better.

1. Follow the MVC Pattern

The Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern has stood the test of time for a reason. In Express.js applications, this translates to:

  • Models: Handle data logic and interact with your database
  • Views: Handle the presentation layer (templates, JSON responses)
  • Controllers: Process incoming requests and return appropriate responses

Flowing crystalline structures in warm colors with geometric patterns representing data flow aerial view high-quality ultra-realistic 8K sharp detail

2. Organize Files by Feature

Instead of grouping files by technical role (all controllers in one folder, all models in another), consider organizing them by feature. Here’s what this might look like:

src/
features/
auth/
auth.controller.js
auth.model.js
auth.routes.js
auth.middleware.js
users/
users.controller.js
users.model.js
users.routes.js
products/
products.controller.js
products.model.js
products.routes.js

3. Implement Middleware Effectively

Middleware is one of Express.js’s superpowers. Use it wisely for:

  • Authentication and authorization
  • Request logging
  • Error handling
  • Request parsing
  • CORS handling

4. Centralize Error Handling

Don’t scatter try-catch blocks throughout your code. Instead, create a central error handling middleware:

errorHandler.js
const errorHandler = (err, req, res, next) => {
const statusCode = err.statusCode || 500;
res.status(statusCode).json({
status: 'error',
message: err.message
});
};

Dynamic nebular cloud formations in bright green and cyan colors representing system architecture flow high-quality cinematic UHD sharp and detailed

5. Use Environment Configuration

Keep your configuration separate from your code using environment variables:

  • Use dotenv for local development
  • Store configuration in environment variables for production
  • Create a configuration module to manage all config values

6. Implement API Versioning

Future-proof your API by implementing versioning from the start:

src/
v1/
features/
users/
products/
v2/
features/
users/
products/

7. Write Clean, Testable Code

  • Keep functions small and focused
  • Use dependency injection
  • Separate business logic from Express.js routing logic
  • Write unit tests for your business logic
  • Use integration tests for your API endpoints

8. Security Best Practices

  • Use Helmet.js for security headers
  • Implement rate limiting
  • Validate input data
  • Use CORS properly
  • Keep dependencies updated

9. Performance Optimization

  • Implement caching strategies
  • Use compression middleware
  • Optimize database queries
  • Consider using clustering

Remember, these practices should be adapted to your specific needs. The key is maintaining consistency throughout your project and making it easy for team members to understand and contribute to the codebase.

Crystalline formations interweaving in bright emerald and cyan colors representing code architecture high-quality ultra-realistic cinematic 8K sharp detail

icons/logo-tid.svg
Talk with CEO
Ready to bring your web/app to life or boost your team with expert Thai developers?
Contact us today to discuss your needs, and let’s create tailored solutions to achieve your goals. We’re here to help at every step!
🖐️ Contact us
Let's keep in Touch
Thank you for your interest in Tillitsdone! Whether you have a question about our services, want to discuss a potential project, or simply want to say hello, we're here and ready to assist you.
We'll be right here with you every step of the way.
Contact Information
rick@tillitsdone.com+66824564755
Find All the Ways to Get in Touch with Tillitsdone - We're Just a Click, Call, or Message Away. We'll Be Right Here, Ready to Respond and Start a Conversation About Your Needs.
Address
9 Phahonyothin Rd, Khlong Nueng, Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani, Bangkok Thailand
Visit Tillitsdone at Our Physical Location - We'd Love to Welcome You to Our Creative Space. We'll Be Right Here, Ready to Show You Around and Discuss Your Ideas in Person.
Social media
Connect with Tillitsdone on Various Social Platforms - Stay Updated and Engage with Our Latest Projects and Insights. We'll Be Right Here, Sharing Our Journey and Ready to Interact with You.
We anticipate your communication and look forward to discussing how we can contribute to your business's success.
We'll be here, prepared to commence this promising collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions about our products and services.
Whether you're curious about features, warranties, or shopping policies, we provide comprehensive answers to assist you.