What is Nest CLI?

NestJS has emerged as one of the most popular frameworks for building scalable and maintainable server-side applications in Node.js. Its modular architecture and TypeScript support make it ideal for modern web development. But what truly sets NestJS apart is its companion tool, Nest CLI. Designed to streamline development and reduce the need for repetitive tasks, Nest CLI is a must-have for developers diving into the NestJS ecosystem. In this article, we will explore what Nest CLI is, its features, helping Laravel developers transition smoothly into the NestJS world.

Nest CLI, short for Command Line Interface, is an official tool provided by the NestJS framework. It serves as a powerful assistant to create, manage, and maintain NestJS applications. By automating boilerplate code generation and simplifying development workflows, Nest CLI ensures developers can focus on writing logic instead of configuring projects manually.

For Laravel developers, Nest CLI plays a similar role to php artisan. For example, just as:

php artisan make:model

it will generates a model in Laravel, Nest CLI allows you to generate components like controllers, services, and modules efficiently.

Key Features of Nest CLI

1. Project Initialization

Nest CLI helps you set up a new NestJS project in seconds. By running a single command, the CLI configures the entire project structure, installs dependencies, and prepares everything you need to get started.

nest new my-nest-app

In Laravel, this would be similar to running:

laravel new project-name

2. Generate Components

Whether you need a controller, service, module, or middleware, Nest CLI generates all the necessary files for you. Each command adheres to the best practices of the framework, ensuring your code stays clean and organized.

Examples for Generate a controller:

nest generate controller users

Example for Generate a service:

nest generate service auth

3. Run Development Server

With a single command, Nest CLI starts a local development server, making it easy to test and debug your application.

npm run start

For Laravel developers, this is equivalent to running php artisan serve.

4. Project Scaffolding

The CLI creates a modular project structure that is easy to navigate and scale. This structure becomes increasingly beneficial as your application grows in complexity. It is similar to how Laravel organizes its MVC structure, but with a focus on modules for scalability.

5. Build for Production

Preparing your app for production is straightforward with the CLI. It compiles your TypeScript code into JavaScript and optimizes the output for deployment.

npm run build

6. Integration with Libraries and Tools

The CLI supports integration with popular tools like TypeORM, Prisma, and Swagger. This makes it easier to set up databases, migrations, and API documentation.

For Laravel developers, think of this as similar to how php artisan integrates with Eloquent, database migrations, and other tools.

Why Use Nest CLI?

1. Efficiency

Nest CLI eliminates repetitive tasks, allowing developers to save time and avoid manual errors.

2. Consistency

By adhering to NestJS’s best practices, the CLI ensures that all developers on a team follow a consistent project structure and code style.

3. Scalability

As projects grow, the modular structure created by the CLI simplifies maintenance and scaling efforts.

4. Ease of Use

Even beginners can quickly get up to speed with NestJS by leveraging the CLI’s intuitive commands and scaffolding features.

How to Install and Use Nest CLI

1. Install Nest CLI

To use Nest CLI, you need Node.js and npm installed on your machine. Run the following command to install the CLI globally:

npm install -g @nestjs/cli

2. Create a New Project

Start a new project by running:

nest new project-name

3. Run the Application

Navigate into your project directory and start the development server:

cd project-name
npm run start

4. Generate Files

Use the generate command to create controllers, services, and more:

nest generate controller users
nest generate service auth

Comparing Nest CLI to Laravel’s php artisan

As shown above, Nest CLI and php artisan serve similar purposes, but each is tailored to their respective frameworks.