CTGen
🧠 Overview
CTGen is a developer productivity tool that automates the scaffolding of modern web and API projects. Supporting both Next.js (TypeScript) and .NET (C#), it generates directory structures, boilerplate code, configuration files, and even Docker/CI setups. CTGen is designed to help developers start new projects quickly, with best practices and sensible defaults out of the box.
🛠️Technology Stack
Built as a Node.js CLI using TypeScript for type safety and maintainability, distributed via npm.
✨ Core Capabilities
✨Key Features
Next.js & .NET Support
Scaffold full-featured projects with a single command
App Directory Structure
Generates organized folders and config files
Database Setup
Optional Postgres setup and .env configuration
🧱 Architecture & Stack
📊Project Structure
📦CLI Size
📋Template Count
🖥️Platform Support
⏱️Install Time
🛠️ Design Philosophy
Developer Productivity Focus
Developer ToolsChallenge:
Eliminate the repetitive, time-consuming setup work that developers face when starting new projects, while ensuring best practices are followed.
Solution:
Created a CLI tool that automates project scaffolding with a focus on developer experience, providing both quick defaults and customization options.
Impact:
Reduced project setup time from hours to seconds, allowing developers to focus immediately on building features rather than configuration.
📈 Development Timeline
📅Project Journey
Initial Concept
Identified common pain points in project setup
Core CLI Development
Built basic command structure and template engine
Next.js Templates
Created templates for Next.js projects
.NET Templates
Added support for .NET project scaffolding
Initial Release
Published to npm and announced to the community
Expansion Phase
Adding more templates and customization options
🚧 WIP + Future Roadmap
✨Upcoming Features
NestJS Support
Templates for NestJS backend projects
React Native
Mobile app project scaffolding
Full-stack Templates
Combined frontend/backend setup in one command
🔗 Summary
Impact Assessment
Developer ProductivityChallenge:
Create a tool that significantly reduces the time and effort required to start new development projects with best practices.
Solution:
Developed CTGen as a cross-platform CLI that automates project scaffolding for both Next.js and .NET applications, offering both quick defaults and customization options.
Impact:
CTGen accelerates the start of new projects by automating the boring parts—directory setup, boilerplate, config, and CI. It's ideal for developers who want to focus on building, not setup, and ensures every project starts with a solid foundation.