Why Nest js over Express js

Nest.js is built on top of Express.js, so it's not a matter of choosing one over the other. Rather, Nest.js is a framework that is designed to work seamlessly with Express.js (and other platforms like Fastify) to provide additional features and benefits. Here are some reasons why you might consider using Nest.js over using plain Express.js:

• Opinionated Architecture

Nest.js enforces a modular and structured architecture based on the Dependency Injection (DI) principle. It promotes the use of modules, controllers, and services, making the codebase more organized and maintainable, especially for larger projects.

• TypeScript Support

Nest.js has first-class support for TypeScript, which is a typed superset of JavaScript. TypeScript provides static typing and enhanced tooling, making your code more reliable, easier to refactor, and better documented.

• Decorators and Metadata

Nest.js utilizes decorators to define routes, middleware, and other functionalities. This simplifies the process of defining routes and handling HTTP requests, making the code more declarative and readable.

• Dependency Injection (DI)

Nest.js leverages DI to manage dependencies between different components of the application. This leads to more modular and testable code, as it decouples the application's components.

• Built-in Support for WebSockets

Nest.js provides built-in support for WebSockets, making it easier to create real-time applications and chat applications.

• Out-of-the-box Scalability

Nest.js has built-in support for microservices architecture, making it easier to build scalable and distributed applications.

• Middleware Support

Nest.js allows you to use middleware efficiently, making it easier to add cross-cutting concerns like logging, authentication, and error handling.

• Community and Ecosystem

Nest.js has a growing and active community with various plugins, libraries, and tools to extend its functionality. It also has an extensive collection of official and community-supported modules that can save development time.

• Consistency Across the Stack

Nest.js offers a consistent development experience across the entire stack, from the frontend to the backend, as it can be used in combination with client-side frameworks like Angular and client libraries like microservices.

• Built-in Testing Utilities

Nest.js comes with testing utilities and support for unit testing, integration testing, and end-to-end testing, making it easier to ensure code quality and reliability.

That being said, Express.js is a lightweight and flexible framework, and it might be the better choice for smaller projects or when you need maximum control over the application's behavior. Ultimately, the decision of whether to use Nest.js or Express.js depends on the specific requirements and complexity of the project at hand.