---
name: nodejs-best-practices
description: Node.js development principles and decision-making.
category: development
version: 4.1.0-fractal
layer: master-skill
---

# Node.js Best Practices

> Principles and decision-making for Node.js development in 2025.
> **Learn to THINK, not memorize code patterns.**

---

## ⚠️ How to Use This Skill

This skill teaches **decision-making principles**, not fixed code to copy.

- ASK user for preferences when unclear
- Choose framework/pattern based on CONTEXT
- Don't default to same solution every time

---

## 1. Framework Selection (2025)

## 🧠 Knowledge Modules (Fractal Skills)

### 1. [Decision Tree](./sub-skills/decision-tree.md)
### 2. [Comparison Principles](./sub-skills/comparison-principles.md)
### 3. [Selection Questions to Ask:](./sub-skills/selection-questions-to-ask.md)
### 4. [Native TypeScript](./sub-skills/native-typescript.md)
### 5. [Module System Decision](./sub-skills/module-system-decision.md)
### 6. [Runtime Selection](./sub-skills/runtime-selection.md)
### 7. [Layered Structure Concept](./sub-skills/layered-structure-concept.md)
### 8. [Why This Matters:](./sub-skills/why-this-matters.md)
### 9. [When to Simplify:](./sub-skills/when-to-simplify.md)
### 10. [Centralized Error Handling](./sub-skills/centralized-error-handling.md)
### 11. [Error Response Philosophy](./sub-skills/error-response-philosophy.md)
### 12. [Status Code Selection](./sub-skills/status-code-selection.md)
### 13. [When to Use Each](./sub-skills/when-to-use-each.md)
### 14. [Event Loop Awareness](./sub-skills/event-loop-awareness.md)
### 15. [Avoiding Event Loop Blocking](./sub-skills/avoiding-event-loop-blocking.md)
### 16. [Validate at Boundaries](./sub-skills/validate-at-boundaries.md)
### 17. [Validation Library Selection](./sub-skills/validation-library-selection.md)
### 18. [Validation Philosophy](./sub-skills/validation-philosophy.md)
### 19. [Security Checklist (Not Code)](./sub-skills/security-checklist-not-code.md)
### 20. [Security Mindset](./sub-skills/security-mindset.md)
### 21. [Test Strategy Selection](./sub-skills/test-strategy-selection.md)
### 22. [What to Test (Priorities)](./sub-skills/what-to-test-priorities.md)
### 23. [Built-in Test Runner (Node.js 22+)](./sub-skills/built-in-test-runner-nodejs-22.md)
### 24. [❌ DON'T:](./sub-skills/dont.md)
### 25. [✅ DO:](./sub-skills/do.md)