v1.1.0 · npm: express-instant

Fast, unopinionated, minimalist
JSON-configured server for Node.js

Clarity over complexity. Define routes, middleware, JWT auth, and MongoDB through a single config file — steal the speed of Express, skip the boilerplate.

npm install express-instant

Get Started

const config = {
  "port": 3000,
  "mongoDB": true,
  "routes": {
    "/health": { "GET": { "type": "template", "template": "health" } },
    "/auth/sign-up": { "POST": { "type": "template", "template": "signUp" } }
  }
};

// npx express-instant --config-file my-api.json

Not JSON Server. Not Nakama. Instant Express.

vs JSON Server

JSON Server turns a data file into mock CRUD. Instant Express turns a route config into a real API with auth templates and custom handlers.

vs PocketBase / Supabase

Those are full platforms with admin UIs. Instant Express is an npm install library — you own Express, MongoDB, and your JSON config.

Library + CLI

Use npx express-instant or import createApp in code. Register your own templates and middleware when you outgrow the defaults.

Escape hatches

Templates for 80% of routes. function, module, and import handlers for the rest — no lock-in.

Clarity over complexity. For every developer.

JSON APIs

Declare REST endpoints in JSON. Static files, nested routers, inline functions, ES modules, or built-in templates — one config, zero ceremony.

Auth templates

Drop-in signUp and signIn handlers with bcrypt, JWT, and MongoDB. Validators included. Production-shaped from day one.

Performance

Thin layer over Express — you keep the Node.js you know. No magic runtime, no codegen. Just config → listen.

Templates

Composable handler templates: health checks, CRUD collections, MongoDB services. Extend with your own modules like any Express middleware.

Get started in 30 seconds

npm install express-instant
Copy slices.example.json → my-api.json
npx express-instant --config-file my-api.json

curl http://localhost:3000/health
# → { "success": true, "status": "healthy", "uptime": ... }

Built-in templates

Template	Method	Description
`health`	GET	Health check + uptime
`signUp`	POST	Register user, hash password, JWT
`signIn`	POST	Authenticate and return JWT
`listItems`	CRUD	In-memory collection REST
`mongoItems`	CRUD	MongoDB collection REST
`requireAuth`	middleware	JWT Bearer guard for protected routes
`echo`	WebSocket	Connect + echo messages

Read the docs

Config reference, route types, templates, WebSockets, and environment variables.

View documentation

Fast, unopinionated, minimalist JSON-configured server for Node.js