How to Use the Command 'nest' (with Examples)

NestJS is a progressive Node.js framework for building efficient, reliable, and scalable server-side applications. Its CLI, nest, is a command-line tool that assists developers in easily creating and managing NestJS projects. The nest command offers various functionalities such as initializing projects, managing dependencies, and building or serving the application. This article will explore specific use cases of the nest command to better utilize its capabilities.

Use case 1: Display Information About Installed Nest Version

Code:

nest info

Motivation:

As a developer, it is essential to know what version of the tools and frameworks you are working with, especially in collaboration with various team members or when referencing specific documentation. Knowing the version of NestJS installed can be crucial in diagnosing issues or ensuring compatibility with various packages and features.

Explanation:

• info: This argument directs the nest command to fetch and display the version information and other relevant details about the current NestJS environment setup.

Example Output:

Nest CLI Version: 8.0.0 
Nest Entity Library Version: X.X.X
Node Version: 14.17.5

Use case 2: Create a New NestJS Project in a Directory of the Same Name

Code:

nest new project_name

Motivation:

Initiating a new project with the NestJS framework often involves setting up a standard structure. The nest new command streamlines this process, enabling developers to quickly scaffold projects with all initial configurations and dependencies, making it a great starting point for new application development.

Explanation:

• new: Indicates that a new application or project template should be created.
• project_name: Serves as the identifier for not only the directory name where the files will reside but also the project itself.

Example Output:

✅ New project successfully created!
👉  To get started, first cd project_name 
💡 Run npm run start to start the project

Use case 3: Build a Specific NestJS Project

Code:

nest build project_name

Motivation:

Before deploying or running a NestJS application in production, it is imperative to build the application. Building compiles the TypeScript files into JavaScript, optimizing the code for performance and ensuring everything runs seamlessly.

Explanation:

• build: Marks the operation to compile and bundle the application code.
• project_name: Targets the specific project directory that is to be built.

Example Output:

Building the project...
Project built successfully into /dist directory

Use case 4: Run a Specific NestJS Project

Code:

nest start project_name

Motivation:

Running a project is the final step to see your application in action. The nest start command allows developers to serve the project locally, facilitating testing and development in an interactive environment.

Explanation:

• start: Specifies that the application should commence execution.
• project_name: Identifies which NestJS project directory should be executed.

Example Output:

Starting the project...
Nest application project_name started on port 3000

Use case 5: Import a Library into the Current NestJS Project

Code:

nest add library_name

Motivation:

Incorporating libraries is crucial for adding specific functionalities or integrations into a project. The command nest add makes this process more convenient, managing the dependency installation and, in some cases, integration configurations.

Explanation:

• add: Triggers the installation and setup for the chosen library.
• library_name: Represents the specific library you wish to integrate into your existing project.

Example Output:

Adding library library_name...
Library library_name added successfully

Conclusion

The nest command is a powerful tool in the NestJS ecosystem, simplifying various operations such as initializing, building, and running projects. This guide covered essential commands to help you efficiently manage your NestJS applications, each demonstrating the versatility of the CLI to enhance development workflows. By utilizing these commands, you can ensure streamlined project development and maintain high efficiency in your work with NestJS.