Alternative Parenting

**What You'll Build** A fully working Employee Management REST API with: * **CRUD endpoints** (POST, GET, PATCH, DELETE /employees) * **Pagination**, sorting, and filtering on the list endpoint * **Strong runtime validation** via *zod* * A typed, schema-first database layer via *Drizzle ORM* * **Environment-aware configuration** (development / production) * A multi-database PostgreSQL setup orchestrated via *Docker Compose* * A seed script to populate sample data * A **REST Client** app.http file to exercise every endpoint **What You'll Learn** By the end of this workshop you'll be able to: * Scaffold a NestJS application from scratch with `@nestjs/cli`. * Containerize a Node.js API using a multi-stage Dockerfile and *Docker Compose*. * Run PostgreSQL in Docker with auto-created databases via init scripts. * Load environment variables dynamically from `.env.${NODE_ENV}` files. * Wire up *Drizzle ORM* as a global NestJS module with proper lifecycle hooks. * Define a database schema in TypeScript and generate SQL migrations. * Validate request bodies and query params with *zod* using custom decorators (no class-validator). * Implement pagination, sorting, and filtering the right way. * Translate database errors (e.g. unique_violation) into proper HTTP responses (**409 Conflict**). * Write a seed script that works across environments. * Test the API end-to-end using the **VS Code REST Client**. **Prerequisites** Please install before the event: * Node.js : ≥ 22 [Download here](https://nodejs.org) * pnpm: ≥ 9 * `corepack enable && corepack prepare pnpm@latest --activate` * Docker Engine: ≥ 20.10 (With the Compose v2 plugin, `docker compose`, not `docker-compose`) * Git: latest [Download here](https://git-scm.com) * VS Code: latest [Download here](https://code.visualstudio.com) * VS Code extensions: * REST Client, ESLint, Prettier A working internet connection is required to download Docker images and npm packages.

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.