Layout and UI

Goal

This snapshot advances Circuit Daily by teaching you to render Handlebars pages with Bootstrap 5.

Every numbered folder is a complete app. Run this stage independently, then compare it with the previous folder.

Prerequisites

Use Node.js 20+, npm, and a terminal. You should recognize TypeScript modules, decorators, and HTTP verbs.

Port 3001 must be free. Copy .env.example before starting database stages.

• Node.js and npm
• A code editor and terminal
• Docker from part 4 onward

Concepts

Handlebars escapes values by default. Shared layouts keep navigation consistent; Bootstrap provides readable defaults.

Keep controllers thin: accept input, call services, render Handlebars views. Escape stays on by default in templates.

Walkthrough

Configure the Express view engine, pass sample posts to home, and extend a base layout.

Read the example, then open the matching snapshot. The repository includes the surrounding setup and error handling.

res.render('home', { title: 'Home', posts: SAMPLE });

Run and verify

Enter 03-Layout-And-UI, install dependencies, copy .env.example when present, and start Nest on port 3001.

Open http://127.0.0.1:3001. Watch the terminal for validation and database errors.

git clone https://github.com/michaeldunga1/fcc-nestjs-blog.git
cd fcc-nestjs-blog/03-Layout-And-UI
npm install
cp .env.example .env
npm run start:dev

Troubleshooting

Missing view errors mean the views path is wrong relative to the Nest dist/src layout.

Missing-module errors usually mean npm install ran in another snapshot. For Postgres failures, confirm Docker and the circuit_NN database name.

• Read the first error first
• Restart after environment changes
• Never commit .env or node_modules

Try this

Render a friendly empty state when the posts list is empty.

Test a happy path and one invalid or unauthorized request.

• Make one small change
• Test it in the browser
• Compare with the next snapshot only after it works