Create Your Own Yeoman-Style Scaffolding Tool with Caporal.js

This tutorial shows how to create a Node.js command-line interface (CLI) tool using Caporal.js to automate the creation of new JavaScript projects. Tired of repetitive project setup? This solution lets you build a customizable scaffolding tool to streamline your workflow.

The process leverages JavaScript and readily available libraries, eliminating the need for specialized tools or complex languages. This approach offers several advantages:

• Efficiency: Automate repetitive tasks associated with new project creation.
• Customization: Easily adapt the CLI to your specific project needs and preferences.
• Learning: Gain valuable experience in building command-line tools and automating workflows.

While existing tools like Yeoman offer similar functionality, building your own provides deeper understanding and unparalleled customization. This tutorial uses Caporal.js for CLI construction, prompt for user input, and shelljs for file system manipulation. The completed project is available on GitHub: https://www.php.cn/link/2f803d26ce47b9f9de9af69e5b73e3d1

Getting Started with Caporal.js

1. Create a project directory and initialize a package.json file with the following dependencies:

{
  "name": "scaffold",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "main": "index.js",
  "bin": {
    "scaffold": "index.js"
  },
  "dependencies": {
    "caporal": "^0.3.0",
    "colors": "^1.1.2",
    "prompt": "^1.0.0",
    "shelljs": "^0.7.7"
  }
}

2. Install the dependencies using npm install.

3. The bin entry in package.json specifies the CLI command (scaffold) and its entry point (index.js).

Building the index.js Entry Point

The index.js file defines the CLI commands and their actions. Our CLI will have a single create command with options for specifying a template and variant:

#!/usr/bin/env node

const prog = require('caporal');
const createCmd = require('./lib/create');

prog
  .version('1.0.0')
  .command('create', 'Create a new application')
  .argument('<template>', 'Template to use')
  .option('--variant <variant>', 'Which variant of the template to create')
  .action(createCmd);

prog.parse(process.argv);

Creating Project Templates

Templates define the project structure and files. Create a templates directory, then subdirectories for each template type (e.g., templates/node/default, templates/node/mvc). Each template directory should contain the necessary files and a package.json with placeholder variables (e.g., [NAME], [VERSION]). A _variables.js file lists these variables for user input.

Implementing the create Command

The lib/create.js file contains the logic for the create command:

{
  "name": "scaffold",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "main": "index.js",
  "bin": {
    "scaffold": "index.js"
  },
  "dependencies": {
    "caporal": "^0.3.0",
    "colors": "^1.1.2",
    "prompt": "^1.0.0",
    "shelljs": "^0.7.7"
  }
}

This function handles copying the template files, prompting the user for variable values, and replacing placeholders in the files. The shelljs.sed command is crucial for this dynamic replacement.

Making the CLI Globally Available

Run npm link in the project directory to make the CLI globally accessible. You can then run commands like scaffold create node --variant mvc from any directory.

Extending the CLI

The flexibility of this approach allows for significant extensions:

• Add more commands.
• Handle more complex variable replacements.
• Integrate deployment or build processes.

This tutorial provides a solid foundation for building a powerful and customizable project scaffolding tool. Remember to consult the GitHub repository for the complete code and further details.

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