Express.js vs NestJS

The minimalist Node meets angular's server-side cousin. Here's our take.

Express.js

Nice Pick

The minimalist Node.js framework that's so simple, you'll spend half your time reinventing the wheel.

Pros

• Lightweight and unopinionated, giving you full control over your stack
• Massive ecosystem of middleware for everything from auth to logging
• Easy to get started with minimal boilerplate

Cons

• Lacks built-in structure, leading to messy codebases without discipline
• Can become a dependency hell with too many third-party packages

NestJS

Angular's server-side cousin. All the decorators, none of the browser drama.

Pros

• Built-in dependency injection makes testing a breeze
• Modular architecture scales well for large projects
• Strong TypeScript support out of the box
• Integrates seamlessly with Express or Fastify

Cons

• Steep learning curve if you're new to Angular-style patterns
• Can feel over-engineered for simple APIs

The Verdict

Use Express.js if: You want lightweight and unopinionated, giving you full control over your stack and can live with lacks built-in structure, leading to messy codebases without discipline.

Use NestJS if: You prioritize built-in dependency injection makes testing a breeze over what Express.js offers.

The Bottom Line

Express.js wins

The minimalist Node.js framework that's so simple, you'll spend half your time reinventing the wheel.