What Is Nest.JS? Why Should You Use It?
Nest.JS is a popular framework used for building server-side applications. Are you a Nest.JS developer? Do you want to know how you can make the best use of Nest.JS? Interested in knowing how Nest.JS compares to other back-end frameworks? If yes, keep reading!
In a recent interview, Salman, a Turing engineer, answered the most popular questions related to Nest.JS. Here are the top insights. –
What is Nest.JS?
Nest.JS is a framework that helps build Node.JS server-side applications. The Nest framework is built using TypeScript which allows developers to build highly scalable and testable applications.
Also, read: Top 20 TypeScript Questions and Answers for 2023
What is Nest.JS used for? NestJs is created for monoliths as well as microservices. You can build Rest APIs, MVC applications, GraphQL applications, Web Sockets, or CLIs, and CRON jobs with it. As Nest applications are written in TypeScript, error detection at compile time safeguards the code and avoids errors while writing multiple microservices that have the same response mode. NestJS enables developers to build amazing, organized, and lightweight microservices.
Built on top of Express.JS, Nest.JS offers multiple functionalities and out-of-the-box APIs. Developers can leverage the features of Nest.JS to build applications with less code.
Nest.JS depends heavily on Angular architecture. A bunch of files is nested under a structured environment. Nest.JS divides the files into multiple modules helping developers focus on a single feature at a time.
How is Nest.JS different from other frameworks?
Nest.JS offers a good structure and CLI tools for beginners to get started. With the help of a single command, developers can scaffold a whole new feature. Nest.JS provides the module, controller, service and a testing pile to get started. Also, multiple templates and boilerplates are available for different projects. As the Nest framework is entirely in TypeScript, developers with no experience in backend development but experience in front-end development can easily use Nest. JS.
What is the learning curve for Nest.JS?
Developers who have a working knowledge of loops, syntax, and conditions in Angular and JavaScript can learn Nest. JS. The hard part is to learn about APIs and how to pass a request from the front end to the back end.
Developers must install the official documentation, and official CLI from npm packages to start. Adding code is easy as Nest.JS takes care of the security measurements for you. Multiple processes are present to add third-party operators and plugins to the Nest framework. For example Passport.js for authentication.
What is the difference between Nest.JS and Next.JS?
Next.JS deals with the front-end that users get to see and interact with on the website. Nest.JS deals with data storage and data management. For example: When you see a post on Facebook, the text, animation, and photo of how the visuals appear are done in Next.JS. Nest.JS will contain the code and data for the post in the back-end to push it forward to the front end.
What are some of the core concepts of Nest.JS?
The core concepts of Nest.JS are as follows:
- Modules: Modules help organize the code and split features into logical reusable units. Grouped TypeScript files are decorated with a “@Module” decorator that provides metadata. Nest.js uses this metadata to organize the application structure.
- Providers: Providers abstract any form of complexity and logic. Providers can be created and injected into controllers or other providers.
- Controllers: Controllers can handle incoming requests and return appropriate responses to the client-side of the application (for example, call to the API).
How are Nest.JS server-side framework applications different from client-side framework applications?
Server-side framework applications run on the server, whereas client-side applications run on the user’s web browser. Every website has a front end that the user interacts with and a back end that sends and retrieves data from the server. Developers who work on server-side frameworks build, design, and maintain the code, which makes data exchange possible. On the other hand, developers who work on front-end frameworks create feature-rich, visually appealing applications and websites.
Related Post: Best Front-End Frameworks for Software Development
For example, when a customer browses shoes on a website, they interact with the front end. After they select the item they want, put it in the shopping cart, and authorize the purchase, the website stores the information inside the database that resides on the server. A few days later, when the client checks on the delivery status, the server pulls the relevant information, updates it with tracking data, and presents it through the front-end.
Why should we use Nest.JS instead of Express.JS?
Nest.js and Express.js are both popular frameworks for building server-side applications in JavaScript. Here are some reasons why you might choose to use Nest.js instead of Express.js:
- Nest.js uses a modular architecture, which makes it easier to organize your code and reuse code across different parts of your application. Express.js does not provide this out of the box.
- Nest.js uses TypeScript, which provides optional static typing and improved code readability. This can be especially useful for large teams or complex applications. Express.js does not provide this by default, although you can use TypeScript with Express.js.
- Nest.js uses dependency injection, which makes it easier to manage dependencies and ensure that your application is modular and scalable. This can be especially useful for microservices development. Express.js does not provide this out of the box.
- Nest.js provides a testing module that makes it easy to write tests and ensure the reliability of your application. Express.js does not provide this out of the box, although you can use other testing frameworks with Express.js.
- Nest.js provides built-in support for a variety of features, such as WebSockets and GraphQL, which can be especially useful for certain types of applications. Express.js does not provide this out of the box, although you can add these features yourself or use plugins.
Nest.JS offers a lot of new functionality and layers in comparison to Express.JS. In Express.JS, developers must manually leverage third-party providers, whereas the process is automatic in Nest. JS.
Nest.JS operates on a clear architecture that helps divide applications into microservices using simple components like modules, controllers, and providers. Also, Nest.JS is heavily inspired by the Angular framework that ensures effortless testing and efficient codebase management.
Related Post: Angular 13 Features and Updates
Nest.js provides a layer of abstraction on top of Node.js, which means that it can leverage the features of Node.js as well as expose supercharged APIs for better performance and efficiency. The Nest framework allows access to tons of third-party modules to speed up the development process and an added layer of robustness to the code.
Nest.JS is also highly configurable with ORMs like TypeORM, which developers can use to work with databases. Features like Active Record and Data Mapper pattern developers can now leverage easily. The Active Record pattern can help you obtain simplicity, while the Data Mapper pattern can help your code be more maintainable.
Also, read: Why Should React.JS, Nest.JS, and Next.JS Developers Master JavaScript?
What are some of the best features of Nest.JS?
Nest.js is a popular open-source framework for building efficient, scalable, and enterprise-grade server-side applications in JavaScript using Node.js. Take a look at some of its best features:
Modular architecture: Nest.js enables developers to organize their code into modular blocks, making it easier to maintain and reuse code.
TypeScript support: Nest.js uses TypeScript, which provides optional static typing and improved code readability.
Dependency injection: Nest.js uses dependency injection to provide modularity, testing, and scalability.
Fast performance: Nest.js is built on top of the powerful Node.js platform, providing fast performance and efficient resource utilization.
Microservices support: Nest.js provides an easy way to develop and manage microservices, enabling developers to break down complex applications into smaller, more manageable components.
Testing support: Nest.js provides a testing module that makes it easy to write tests and ensures the reliability of applications.
Large community: Nest.js has a large and active community of developers, providing support and a wealth of resources and tutorials.
These are just some key features that make Nest.js a popular choice for server-side development.
What are microservices and why use Nest.JS for microservices?

What are microservices and why use Nest.JS for microservices?
Microservices is an architectural style that structures an application as a collection of services that are
- Highly maintainable and testable
- Loosely coupled
- Independently deployable
- Organized around business capabilities
- Owned by a small team
Microservices in Nest.JS can connect out of the box, not through the ad port of the apache server but internally through a TCP port. Also, socket-based connections are possible for microservices. Developers can specify microservice for the project so that the project behaves accordingly. Microservices are easy to scale and integrate with multiple items of a project.
Nest.JS helps build lightweight, well-structured, and amazing microservices and helps evolve the technology stack. The microservice architecture enables the rapid, frequent, and reliable delivery of large, complex applications. Out-of-the-box tools and features make development, extension, and maintenance efficient. However, the highlight of the Nest framework is the power of dependency injection which facilitates code reuse by injecting one module into another.
Can I get a high-paying job with Nest.JS?
Yes, with Turing you can. Turing helps developers get jobs in top US companies with unmatched compensation and long-term career growth. Visit the Jobs page to know more.
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