I’ve been there—spending hours setting up a backend when all I wanted was to focus on the front end. Enter Digesto, a tool that lets you define your data model in a YAML file, and watch as it does the heavy lifting, spinning up a backend for you. Let’s explore how this experimental Node.js library simplifies backend development for frontend devs like you. You can find the project on GitHub at Digesto. What is Digesto? At its core, Digesto is a time-saver. It’s designed for frontend developers who’d rather not wrestle with backend complexities. By writing a simple YAML file, you can auto-generate RESTful APIs for your app in just a few steps. No boilerplate, no fuss—just results. Why Should You Care? Here’s the deal: Digesto takes care of the backend so you can focus on what you’re good at—creating beautiful, functional frontends. With features like: One-Command Backend Creation: Provide a YAML file, and Digesto will generate a fully functional backend. CRUD API Generation: From listing to deleting records, it’s all automated. Validation Made Simple: Add rules like min, max, or required directly into your YAML. Readable Configurations: Keep it all in one straightforward YAML file. Future-Ready Design: With upcoming features like relationships and authentication, your app can grow without limitations. How It Works Step 1: Define Your Model Create a YAML file in backend/api.yml that describes your data. Ensure the backend folder is located at the root of your project, alongside package.json. This file serves as the central configuration for your backend. For example: name: My App tables: User: tableName: users properties: id: type: int primary: true generated: true name: type: varchar age: type: number validation: min: 18 Step 2: Set Up Environment Variables Before running Digesto, ensure you have a .env file in your project root with the following variables: DIGESTO_DATABASE_HOST="localhost" DIGESTO_DATABASE_PORT="5432" DIGESTO_DATABASE_USERNAME="username" DIGESTO_DATABASE_PASSWORD="password" DIGESTO_DATABASE_NAME="test" DIGESTO_SERVER_PORT=3000 These settings configure your database connection and server. Once set up, you’re ready to launch. Step 3: Launch with a Command Run the CLI tool with: npx digesto And that’s it. Digesto sets up the database, configures the endpoints, and gives you a working backend in minutes. Step 4: Focus on Your Frontend You’re now free to build your app without worrying about server-side code. Digesto handles the backend while you concentrate on crafting a stellar UI. What’s Next for Digesto? As an experimental project, Digesto is constantly evolving. Here’s what the team has planned: Relationships Between Entities Authentication and Permissions Admin Interfaces Database Migration Tools It’s early days, so expect some hiccups—but that’s also the exciting part. By trying it out now, you can help shape its development. Final Thoughts Digesto is all about making backend development as painless as possible. Whether you’re prototyping or building something for production, its YAML-first approach lets you hit the ground running. If you’re a frontend developer who’s tired of spinning wheels on backend setup, give Digesto a shot. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what will you build with it? I’ve been there—spending hours setting up a backend when all I wanted was to focus on the front end. Enter Digesto , a tool that lets you define your data model in a YAML file, and watch as it does the heavy lifting, spinning up a backend for you. Digesto Let’s explore how this experimental Node.js library simplifies backend development for frontend devs like you. You can find the project on GitHub at Digesto . Digesto What is Digesto? At its core, Digesto is a time-saver. It’s designed for frontend developers who’d rather not wrestle with backend complexities. By writing a simple YAML file, you can auto-generate RESTful APIs for your app in just a few steps. No boilerplate, no fuss—just results. Digesto Why Should You Care? Here’s the deal: Digesto takes care of the backend so you can focus on what you’re good at—creating beautiful, functional frontends. With features like: One-Command Backend Creation: Provide a YAML file, and Digesto will generate a fully functional backend. CRUD API Generation: From listing to deleting records, it’s all automated. Validation Made Simple: Add rules like min, max, or required directly into your YAML. Readable Configurations: Keep it all in one straightforward YAML file. Future-Ready Design: With upcoming features like relationships and authentication, your app can grow without limitations. One-Command Backend Creation: Provide a YAML file, and Digesto will generate a fully functional backend. One-Command Backend Creation: Provide a YAML file, and Digesto will generate a fully functional backend. One-Command Backend Creation: CRUD API Generation: From listing to deleting records, it’s all automated. CRUD API Generation: From listing to deleting records, it’s all automated. CRUD API Generation: Validation Made Simple: Add rules like min, max, or required directly into your YAML. Validation Made Simple: Add rules like min , max , or required directly into your YAML. Validation Made Simple: min max required Readable Configurations: Keep it all in one straightforward YAML file. Readable Configurations: Keep it all in one straightforward YAML file. Readable Configurations: Future-Ready Design: With upcoming features like relationships and authentication, your app can grow without limitations. Future-Ready Design: With upcoming features like relationships and authentication, your app can grow without limitations. Future-Ready Design: How It Works Step 1: Define Your Model Create a YAML file in backend/api.yml that describes your data. Ensure the backend folder is located at the root of your project, alongside package.json . This file serves as the central configuration for your backend. For example: backend/api.yml backend package.json name: My App tables: User: tableName: users properties: id: type: int primary: true generated: true name: type: varchar age: type: number validation: min: 18 name: My App tables: User: tableName: users properties: id: type: int primary: true generated: true name: type: varchar age: type: number validation: min: 18 Step 2: Set Up Environment Variables Before running Digesto, ensure you have a .env file in your project root with the following variables: .env DIGESTO_DATABASE_HOST="localhost" DIGESTO_DATABASE_PORT="5432" DIGESTO_DATABASE_USERNAME="username" DIGESTO_DATABASE_PASSWORD="password" DIGESTO_DATABASE_NAME="test" DIGESTO_SERVER_PORT=3000 DIGESTO_DATABASE_HOST="localhost" DIGESTO_DATABASE_PORT="5432" DIGESTO_DATABASE_USERNAME="username" DIGESTO_DATABASE_PASSWORD="password" DIGESTO_DATABASE_NAME="test" DIGESTO_SERVER_PORT=3000 These settings configure your database connection and server. Once set up, you’re ready to launch. Step 3: Launch with a Command Run the CLI tool with: npx digesto npx digesto And that’s it. Digesto sets up the database, configures the endpoints, and gives you a working backend in minutes. Step 4: Focus on Your Frontend You’re now free to build your app without worrying about server-side code. Digesto handles the backend while you concentrate on crafting a stellar UI. What’s Next for Digesto? As an experimental project, Digesto is constantly evolving. Here’s what the team has planned: Relationships Between Entities Authentication and Permissions Admin Interfaces Database Migration Tools Relationships Between Entities Relationships Between Entities Authentication and Permissions Authentication and Permissions Admin Interfaces Admin Interfaces Database Migration Tools Database Migration Tools It’s early days, so expect some hiccups—but that’s also the exciting part. By trying it out now, you can help shape its development. Final Thoughts Digesto is all about making backend development as painless as possible. Whether you’re prototyping or building something for production, its YAML-first approach lets you hit the ground running. If you’re a frontend developer who’s tired of spinning wheels on backend setup, give Digesto a shot. I’d love to hear your thoughts—what will you build with it?
