Generate REST API Endpoints in Node.js with Express

Use this AI prompt to scaffold complete REST API routes and controllers in Node.js using Express. Includes route setup, CRUD operations, and proper response formatting.

🧠 What This Prompt Does

This AI prompt helps you generate Express-based REST API endpoints for CRUD operations, including route and controller setup.
It accelerates backend development by providing structured, boilerplate-free code instantly.

💬 The Prompt

You are a backend engineer.
Generate a Node.js REST API using Express.

Requirements:

- Use Express Router
- Create CRUD routes for the provided entity
- Include controller functions
- Return JSON responses with proper status codes
- Add comments for clarity

Entity:
{{entity_name}}

⚙️ Example Input

{ "entity_name": "Product" }

🚀 Example Output (AI Generated)

import express from 'express';
const router = express.Router();

// Controller logic
const products = [];

router.get('/', (req, res) => res.json(products));

router.post('/', (req, res) => {
  const product = { id: Date.now(), ...req.body };
  products.push(product);
  res.status(201).json(product);
});

router.put('/:id', (req, res) => {
  const index = products.findIndex((p) => p.id == req.params.id);
  if (index === -1) return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Not found' });
  products[index] = { ...products[index], ...req.body };
  res.json(products[index]);
});

router.delete('/:id', (req, res) => {
  const index = products.findIndex((p) => p.id == req.params.id);
  if (index === -1) return res.status(404).json({ error: 'Not found' });
  products.splice(index, 1);
  res.status(204).end();
});

export default router;

📘 When to Use This Prompt

• When setting up new APIs quickly.
• For prototyping MVP backends or microservices.
• To generate consistent route/controller structure.

💡 Best Practices

• Keep controller logic separate from routes for scalability.
• Always validate input data (see validation prompt).
• Use middleware for error handling and logging.
• Add pagination and filtering for list endpoints.

🏁 Summary

This prompt generates complete REST API scaffolds using Express — perfect for rapid backend prototyping or structured production setups.