Understanding NX Workspace Structure: A Complete Guide for Angular Developers

Hey Angular developers! ?? Following up on our introduction to NX, today we'll break down the NX workspace structure in a way that's easy to understand, even if you're just getting started with monorepos.

What's Inside an NX Workspace?

Imagine your NX workspace as a well-organized house. Each room has its specific purpose, and everything has its place. Let's walk through each part:

1. The Root Directory: Your Project's Home Base

When you first create an NX workspace, you'll see several important files:

my-workspace/
├── package.json     (Your project dependencies)
├── nx.json         (NX configuration)
├── apps/           (Your applications live here)
├── libs/           (Your shared code lives here)
└── tools/          (Your workspace tools)        

2. The nx.json File: Your Workspace's Command Center

Think of nx.json as your workspace's control panel. Here's what it does for you:

json

{
  "npmScope": "mycompany",
  "tasksRunnerOptions": {
    "default": {
      "runner": "nx/tasks-runners/default",
      "options": {
        "cacheableOperations": [
          "build",
          "test",
          "lint"
        ]
      }
    }
  }
}        

Let's break this down:

• npmScope: This is like your project's last name - all your packages will start with this
• tasksRunnerOptions: Controls how NX runs your tasks and manages caching
• cacheableOperations: Lists which operations NX should remember and speed up next time

3. The Apps Directory: Where Your Applications Live

The apps folder is where your main applications reside. Here's a typical structure:

apps/
├── admin/              (Admin dashboard application)
│   ├── src/
│   └── project.json
├── client/            (Client-facing application)
│   ├── src/
│   └── project.json
└── api/               (Backend application)
    ├── src/
    └── project.json        

?? Pro Tip: Keep your apps folder light! The real magic happens in the libs folder.

4. The Libraries Directory: Your Code's Treasury

The libs folder is where you'll spend most of your time. Here's how to organize it effectively:

libs/
├── shared/           (Shared code used across apps)
│   ├── ui/          (Reusable UI components)
│   └── utils/       (Common utilities)
├── feature-a/       (Feature-specific code)
└── feature-b/       (Another feature module)        

Think of libraries as LEGO blocks - small, reusable pieces that you can mix and match to build your applications.

Best Practices That Will Save You Time

1.Follow the Rule of Three

• If you use something in three or more places, move it to a shared library
• This prevents code duplication and makes updates easier

2. Use Meaningful Names

? libs/shared/auth/login
? libs/stuff/misc/auth        

3.Create Boundaries

• Keep related code together
• Use tags to enforce boundaries:

bash:

nx g @nx/angular:lib auth --tags="scope:shared,type:feature"        

Real-World Examples

Let's say you're building an e-commerce platform. Here's how you might structure it:

my-workspace/
├── apps/
│   ├── shop/          (Customer-facing store)
│   └── admin/         (Admin dashboard)
├── libs/
│   ├── shared/
│   │   ├── ui/        (Buttons, forms, layouts)
│   │   └── utils/     (Date formatters, validators)
│   ├── products/
│   │   ├── feature/   (Product pages)
│   │   └── data/      (Product services)
│   └── orders/
│       ├── feature/   (Order management)
│       └── data/      (Order processing logic)        

Common Questions Answered

Q: How do I know what should be an app vs. a library?

A: Apps are entry points - they compose features together. Libraries are the building blocks that make up those features.

Q: When should I create a new library?

A: Create a new library when you have:

• Reusable code shared between apps
• A distinct feature set
• Code that needs to be versioned separately

Getting Started Steps

1. Create your workspace:

bash

npx create-nx-workspace@latest my-workspace --preset=angular        

2. Add your first library:

bash

nx g @nx/angular:lib shared-ui        

3.View your workspace structure:

nx graph         

Looking Forward

Understanding your workspace structure is like having a good map - it helps you navigate your project efficiently and make better decisions about where new code should live.

Next week, we'll dive into creating and managing libraries in NX. We'll cover how to build reusable components and share them across your applications effectively.

#Angular #NX #WebDevelopment #JavaScript #TypeScript #Frontend #Monorepo #CodingBestPractices #SoftwareArchitecture #DeveloperTips

?? Remember: Good architecture isn't about getting it perfect the first time - it's about making it easy to change later!