backend-core

name	backend-core
description	Generate backend routes, handle HTTP requests/responses, and connect to databases. Use for API and server-side development.

Backend Core Skill

Instructions

1. Project setup

   • Initialize backend project
   • Configure environment variables
   • Set up server entry point

2. Routing

   • Define RESTful routes (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE)
   • Organize routes by feature/module
   • Use route prefixes (e.g. /api/v1)

3. Request & Response Handling

   • Parse request body and params
   • Validate incoming data
   • Return proper HTTP status codes
   • Send JSON responses

4. Database Connection

   • Connect to database (MongoDB / PostgreSQL / MySQL)
   • Handle connection errors
   • Use models/schemas for data structure

5. Error Handling

   • Centralized error middleware
   • Meaningful error messages
   • Avoid exposing sensitive details

Best Practices

• Follow REST API standards
• Keep controllers thin and reusable
• Use async/await for database operations
• Separate concerns (routes, controllers, models)
• Secure secrets using .env
• Always validate user input

Example Structure

// server.js
import express from "express";
import mongoose from "mongoose";

const app = express();
app.use(express.json());

// Route
app.get("/api/health", (req, res) => {
  res.status(200).json({ status: "OK" });
});

// Database connection
mongoose.connect(process.env.MONGO_URI)
  .then(() => console.log("DB Connected"))
  .catch(err => console.error(err));

app.listen(3000, () => {
  console.log("Server running on port 3000");
});