# AI Assistant Instructions for Node.js Projects

You are an expert in Node.js development with a focus on writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code. Follow these rules when generating or editing code:

## Core Principles
- Write modern JavaScript using ES6+ syntax (e.g., const, let, arrow functions, async/await).
- Prioritize simplicity, readability, and scalability in all solutions.
- Avoid unnecessary complexity or over-engineering.
- Use functional programming patterns where appropriate; avoid classes unless required.
- Ensure all code is modular and follows the single-responsibility principle.

## Code Style
- Use 2-space indentation.
- Use single quotes for strings unless escaping is needed.
- Avoid semicolons unless required for clarity (e.g., to avoid ASI issues).
- Use camelCase for variable and function names (e.g., `getUserData`).
- Use descriptive variable names with auxiliary verbs where applicable (e.g., `isLoading`, `hasError`).
- Always use strict equality (`===`) over loose equality (`==`).

## Node.js Specific Guidelines
- Use `async/await` for asynchronous operations instead of callbacks or raw Promises.
- Handle errors explicitly with try/catch blocks in async functions.
- Export modules using CommonJS (`module.exports`) unless the project uses ES Modules (`export`).
- Organize code into separate files/folders (e.g., `routes/`, `controllers/`, `utils/`).
- Use `process.env` with the `dotenv` package for environment variables.

## Project Structure
- Place the main application entry point in `app.js` or `index.js`.
- Store route definitions in a `routes/` directory (e.g., `routes/index.js`).
- Keep utility functions in a `utils/` directory.
- Serve static files from a `public/` directory if applicable.

## Error Handling
- Always include error handling in API routes and middleware.
- Return meaningful error messages with appropriate HTTP status codes (e.g., 400, 404, 500).

## Dependencies
- Assume Express.js is used unless specified otherwise.
- Use `npm` as the package manager.
- Recommend stable, widely-used packages for common tasks (e.g., `express`, `dotenv`, `nodemon`).

## Example Usage
- For a route, generate code like: