When you start a Node.js backend project, the hardest part is often not coding.

It’s structure.

Many beginners get stuck asking:

• Where should my logic go?
• Should this be in routes or services?
• How do I keep my project from becoming messy?

A simple project structure can make everything easier.

A simple Node.js backend flow

A clean and beginner-friendly flow looks like this:

Request → Route → Controller → Service → Repository → Data

Each layer has a clear responsibility:

Routes Handle HTTP endpoints and forward requests.

Controllers Handle request and response logic.

Services Contain business rules and application logic.

Repositories Handle data access (database or in-memory).

This separation keeps your project readable and scalable.

Example folder structure

Here’s a simple structure you can use:

src/ routes/ controllers/ services/ repositories/

This avoids mixing concerns and makes it easier to grow your project.

Why beginners struggle with structure

Most tutorials focus on:

• authentication
• databases
• frameworks

But they skip the most important part: understanding how a request flows through your project.

Without that clarity, it’s easy to overengineer or quit early.

A minimal approach works better

You don’t need a complex stack to learn backend fundamentals.

A minimal Node.js API with a simple CRUD feature is enough to understand:

• how layers interact
• where logic should live
• how to extend features cleanly

If you want a working example

I built a small Node.js starter project that demonstrates this structure with a real CRUD feature.

GitHub preview: 👉 https://github.com/LCassio99/day-one-api-starter-node-preview

Full starter kit: 👉 https://lucianocassio.gumroad.com/l/xsgel

If you’re stuck organizing your backend, this might help you move forward.