@hapi/hapi

Hapi (originally Happy.js) is a rich framework for building applications and services on Node.js, created by Eran Hammer at Walmart Labs. Unlike Express's minimalist approach, Hapi provides a comprehensive built-in feature set including input validation using Joi schemas, authentication with multiple strategies, caching with catbox, cookie management, and detailed request lifecycle hooks. Hapi's configuration-centric philosophy means most features are enabled through declarative route configuration rather than imperative middleware chains. The framework excels in enterprise environments where strict input validation, detailed logging, and robust error handling are essential. Hapi's plugin system allows teams to organize applications into isolated, composable modules with their own routes, handlers, and dependencies. The framework handles request validation, payload parsing, and authentication declaratively at the route level, reducing boilerplate and potential security oversights. Hapi's ecosystem includes official packages for templating (vision), static files (inert), and API documentation (lout), providing a batteries-included experience for teams that prefer convention over configuration.