Node.js Express Backend Pattern

Purpose

This skill helps the agent scaffold, explain, or adapt the nodejs-express-backend-pattern template — a Node.js REST API boilerplate with observability, security, and resilience built in. The agent should use it when the user wants a backend with Express, MongoDB, Redis, Sentry, JWT authentication, and production-oriented middleware.

When to use this skill

• The user wants to create a new REST API backend with Node.js and Express.
• The user asks for a production-ready or "observable" Node.js API template.
• The user mentions MongoDB/Mongoose, Redis, Sentry, rate limiting, or JWT auth and wants a starter.
• The user wants to clone, fork, or understand the structure of this repo (nodejs-express-backend-pattern).
• The user needs steps to set up env vars, run the app, or add routes/controllers following this template's conventions.

When NOT to use this skill

• The user wants a frontend or full-stack framework (Next.js, Nuxt, etc.).
• The user explicitly wants a different DB (PostgreSQL, MySQL) without Mongoose.
• The user wants a serverless/lambda architecture instead of a long-running Express server.