project-structure

# Project Structure Recommendation for AcmeCorp's E-Commerce API

## Directory Tree
```
acme-ecommerce-api/
├── src/
│   ├── controllers/          # Route handlers
│   │   ├── auth.controller.js
│   │   ├── product.controller.js
│   │   └── order.controller.js
│   ├── services/             # Business logic
│   │   ├── auth.service.js
│   │   ├── product.service.js
│   │   └── order.service.js
│   ├── models/               # Data models
│   │   ├── user.model.js
│   │   ├── product.model.js
│   │   └── order.model.js
│   ├── routes/               # API routes
│   │   ├── auth.routes.js
│   │   ├── product.routes.js
│   │   └── order.routes.js
│   ├── middlewares/          # Custom middlewares
│   │   ├── auth.middleware.js
│   │   └── error.middleware.js
│   └── utils/                # Utility functions
│       ├── logger.js
│       └── responseHandler.js
├── config/
│   ├── database.js           # DB configuration
│   ├── server.js             # Server setup
│   └── env.js                # Environment variables
├── tests/
│   ├── unit/                 # Unit tests
│   └── integration/          # Integration tests
├── .env                      # Environment variables
├── .gitignore
├── package.json
└── README.md
```

## Key Files Explained

### `src/controllers/`
Handles incoming HTTP requests and delegates to services. Separates concerns from business logic.

### `src/services/`
Contains core business logic. Example: `product.service.js` handles inventory checks and pricing calculations.

### `src/models/`
Defines data schemas and relationships. Uses Mongoose for MongoDB in this Node.js project.

### `config/database.js`
Centralized database connection configuration with connection pooling for performance.

## Why This Structure?
- **Scalability**: Separates concerns allows independent scaling of components.
- **Maintainability**: Clear hierarchy reduces cognitive load for new team members.
- **Testability**: Services and controllers can be mocked and tested in isolation.

### Next Steps
1. Initialize the project with `npm init -y`
2. Install dependencies: `npm install express mongoose dotenv`
3. Create the directory structure using the tree above
4. Implement the `auth` module first (most critical for e-commerce)

Would you like me to elaborate on any specific component or provide sample code for a particular file?