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v4.0.3
4The Next-Gen Framework
for Node.js and TS
Build modern APIs with file-based routing, instant hot reload, and a complete dev environment in your browser.
What makes Lithia different
We built Lithia to solve the problems that slow down API development. Here's what you get that no other framework offers.
File-based Routing
Your folder structure becomes your API structure. No configuration, no manual routing, no boilerplate.
Just create files and they become routes automatically.
Lithia Studio
A complete development environment in your browser. Test routes, view logs, monitor performance, all in one place.
No need to switch between tools anymore.
Instant Hot Reload
See your changes in milliseconds. No server restarts, no manual refreshes, no waiting.
The fastest development experience possible.
TypeScript-First
Full type safety without any configuration. Just write code and get auto-complete, type checking, and IntelliSense.
Works out of the box, no setup required.
Quick Start
From zero to production in 3 steps
Get your API up and running in less than 60 seconds
1
Install
Create a new Lithia project with a single command
npx create-lithia-app@latest
2
Create Route
Add a file in src/routes and it becomes an API endpoint
src/routes/users/route.get.ts
3
Done!
Your API is live with hot reload and Lithia Studio
localhost:3000/users
Installation
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Your First Route
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PERFORMANCE
Development Experience
Real-world benchmarks on a M1 MacBook Pro with a small REST API project (5 routes, 3 services). Your results may vary.
Express v4.18
Minimalist
build time
988ms
server restart
615ms
NestJS v10.0.0
Full-featured
build time
2081ms
server restart
1346ms
Lithia v4.0.1
Modern approach
build time
15ms
hot-reload
<1ms
140x
Faster Builds
~2s vs ~15ms
∞
True Hot-reload
No server restarts
SWC
Fast Compilation
Rust-powered
COMPARISON
Framework Comparison
See how Lithia compares to popular Node.js frameworks
| Feature | Lithia | Express | Nestjs | Fastify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| File-based routing | Yes | No | No | No |
| Built-in dev UI | Yes | No | No | No |
| Zero config | Yes | No | No | Partial |
| Decorators | No | No | Yes | No |
| Middleware system | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TypeScript support | Yes | manual | Yes | Yes |
| Hot reload | instant | restart | restart | restart |
| Performance | high | medium | medium | high |
| Learning curve | easy | easy | steep | medium |
| Ecosystem | growing | mature | mature | mature |
Supported
Not supported
Partial support
Lithia Studio
Everything you need, in one place
While other frameworks force you to juggle between your editor, terminal, and testing tools, Lithia Studio puts it all in your browser.
http://localhost:8473
Real-time Dashboard
Monitor CPU, memory, requests, and performance metrics at a glance.
Route Explorer
Visualize your entire API structure as an interactive tree.
Route Tester
Test any endpoint instantly without leaving your browser.
Live Logs
Stream, filter, and search logs in real-time with syntax highlighting.
Configuration Viewer
Inspect all server settings and active configuration live.
Visual Route Builder
Create new routes with a visual interface, no code needed.
Access Lithia Studio at localhost:8473
Automatically available when your server is running. No installation, no configuration.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Lithia
Get Started
Ready to build your next API?
Start building modern APIs with file-based routing, instant hot reload, and a complete development environment in your browser.
Lithia is open-source and growing. Help us make it better.
Free and open-sourceMIT LicenseMade with ❤️