Guide · Open source
How to use Nest (nestjs/nest): install and get started
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Nest is an open-source framework for building server-side applications with Node.js. It is written for TypeScript and can also be used with JavaScript, and it organizes code into modules, controllers, and services. This guide explains what Nest is, what you need before starting, how to get the source code, and how to decide whether it fits your project.
NestJSnestjs/nest · ★ 77k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check Node.js. Confirm Node.js is installed, since it is the only listed prerequisite.
- 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/nestjs/nest in the folder where you keep projects.
- 3Open the project folder. Change into the cloned directory and look through the files to see how it is set up.
- 4Read the documentation. The README supplied here was empty, so use the project homepage at https://nestjs.com for official guidance.
- 5Learn the structure. Get familiar with modules, controllers, and services, which are the core pieces Nest uses.
- 6Decide if it fits. Compare your project size and need for enforced structure against the good-fit and poor-fit notes in this guide.
What is Nest and what does it do?
Nest is a progressive Node.js framework for building server-side applications. Its project description says it is meant for efficient, scalable, enterprise-grade back-end apps.
The framework organizes code into modules, controllers, and services. That structure is intended to keep larger back-end projects consistent as they grow.
- Language: TypeScript, with JavaScript also supported
- Licence: MIT
- Core building blocks: modules, controllers, and services
What do you need before you start?
The only prerequisite listed for this project is Node.js. Install it before working with Nest.
The README supplied for this page was empty, so no other requirements, such as specific Node.js versions, are verified here. Check the repository for current details.
- Node.js
How do you get the Nest source code?
The install method for this project is listed as other. The documented step is to clone the repository with git. Run the command below in a terminal where you want the project folder to appear.
This clones the source repository. The README did not describe any further setup steps, so do not assume a particular install or run command beyond what the repository itself documents.
- Make sure git and Node.js are installed
- Run the clone command in the folder where you keep your projects
- Open the cloned folder and read the repository files for next steps
git clone https://github.com/nestjs/nestHow is a Nest project organized?
Nest asks you to split an application into modules, controllers, and services. Modules group related features, controllers handle incoming requests, and services hold the logic those controllers use.
This split is the main reason teams pick Nest. It gives every project the same shape, so new developers can find code in predictable places.
- Modules: group related features together
- Controllers: handle incoming requests
- Services: hold business logic that controllers call
Who should use Nest, and who should choose something else?
Nest suits teams building larger back-end APIs in TypeScript who want enforced structure. Developers coming from Angular-style or dependency-injection-based frameworks will likely find its patterns familiar.
It is a poor fit for very small scripts or single-endpoint services, where the framework adds more structure than you need. It is also not the right pick if you want a minimal, unopinionated library, because Nest is opinionated about how code is organized.
- Good fit: larger back-end APIs, TypeScript teams, enforced structure
- Good fit: developers used to Angular-style or dependency injection
- Poor fit: tiny scripts or one-endpoint services
- Poor fit: people who want a minimal, unopinionated library
Which comparable projects should you consider?
The project lists Express, Fastify, Koa, and AdonisJS as comparable projects. These are other ways to build Node.js servers, with different levels of structure.
This guide does not benchmark or rank these options. Compare them against your own team's needs and the features you actually use.
- Express
- Fastify
- Koa
- AdonisJS
What people use it for
- Building larger back-end APIs in TypeScript that need a consistent structure
- Moving a team with Angular-style or dependency-injection experience onto server-side code
- Preparing a back-end that may later add microservices or WebSocket support, based on the repository topics
Frequently asked questions
Is Nest free to use?
Yes, the project is licensed under MIT, as listed in its repository information. Check the license file in the repository for the full terms.
What do I need to install Nest?
The only prerequisite listed for this project is Node.js. The repository is cloned with git using the command shown on this page.
Can I use Nest with JavaScript instead of TypeScript?
Yes. The project is written in TypeScript and is usable with JavaScript, according to the project description.
What is Nest good for?
It is described as a framework for efficient, scalable, enterprise-grade server apps. It fits best when a larger back-end needs enforced structure.
How does Nest compare to Express or Fastify?
Express, Fastify, Koa, and AdonisJS are listed as comparable projects. Nest is opinionated about code structure, while a minimal library may suit you better if you want less structure. This page does not benchmark them.
Why is my Nest setup not working?
The README supplied for this page was empty, so no troubleshooting steps are verified here. Check the repository issues and the official homepage at https://nestjs.com.
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Our verdict
Nest is a good choice for teams building larger TypeScript back-end APIs who want enforced structure and modules, controllers, and services. It is a poor choice for tiny scripts, single-endpoint services, or anyone who wants a minimal, unopinionated library; in that case, a lighter option such as Express or Fastify may suit you better.
Install options & downloads