Changelog for Template-NEXT: Versions 0.3.0 and 0.3.1

This changelog covers the major transformation of Template-NEXT, including the complete architectural rewrite in version 0.3.0 and the highly requested current directory support feature in version 0.3.1.

Version 0.3.0 - Complete Architecture Overhaul

This version represents a fundamental transformation of Template-NEXT, moving from a simple git clone wrapper to a sophisticated project generator that rivals industry-standard tools.

Major Changes in 0.3.0

1. Fresh Next.js Creation Method:

   • Completely replaced git cloning with create-next-app for fresh project generation
   • Eliminates inherited git history and provides clean project initialization
   • Automatic cleanup of default Next.js files for a minimal starting point

2. Professional CLI Interface:

   • Built entirely new CLI using Commander.js for robust argument parsing
   • Added comprehensive --help system with detailed usage instructions
   • Implemented --version command with proper version information display

3. Strategic Dependency Management:

   • Introduced version pinning strategy for stability and reliability
   • Added --latest flag option for users who want bleeding-edge versions
   • Strategically pinned Next.js 15, Prettier ^3.5.0, and Prettier-Tailwind ^0.6.0 for optimal stability

New Features in 0.3.0

1. Enhanced Template System:

   • Professional Template-NEXT branding throughout the generated project
   • Updated templates for Next.js 15 App Router architecture
   • Pre-configured Shadcn/ui components with automated installation
   • Clean, minimal project structure maintaining the Template-NEXT philosophy

2. Advanced CLI Options:

   • --skip-git: Skip git repository initialization for specific workflows
   • --skip-install: Skip dependency installation for faster setup
   • --latest: Override pinned versions with latest available packages

3. Automated Configuration Setup:

   • Automatic Prettier configuration with Tailwind CSS plugin
   • VSCode settings optimization for enhanced development experience
   • Git repository initialization with proper .gitignore setup

Technical Improvements in 0.3.0

1. Modular Architecture:

   • Organized codebase with separate utilities, commands, and templates
   • Dedicated utility classes for file operations and package management
   • Professional logging system with color-coded messages using Chalk

2. Enhanced User Experience:

   • Real-time progress indicators during project creation
   • Professional styling with colors and icons for better feedback
   • Improved error handling with clear, actionable error messages

Version 0.3.1 - Current Directory Support

Building upon the solid foundation of 0.3.0, this version adds the most requested feature: the ability to initialize Template-NEXT projects in the current directory, matching the behavior of industry-standard tools.

New Features in 0.3.1

1. Current Directory Initialization:

   • Users can now run npx @edward-hyde/template-next . to initialize in the current directory
   • Added --here flag as an alternative method for current directory setup
   • Smart detection of whether users want a new directory or current directory initialization

2. Intelligent Conflict Detection System:

   • Automatically identifies conflicting files that may be overwritten
   • Distinguishes between conflicting files and safe files that can coexist
   • Provides clear user prompts with detailed information about potential conflicts

3. Context-Aware User Experience:

   • Success messages tailored to the initialization method used
   • Provides appropriate next steps based on whether a new directory was created
   • Smart instruction generation (includes cd command only when needed)

Enhanced Functionality in 0.3.1

1. Smart File Management:

   • Conflicting Files (requires user confirmation): package.json, next.config.js, next.config.ts, src/, app/, pages/, tailwind.config.js, tailwind.config.ts
   • Safe Files (automatically preserved): .git/, .gitignore, README.md, environment files (.env*), IDE configurations (.vscode/, .idea/)

2. Improved User Prompts:

   • Clear warnings when conflicting files are detected
   • User-friendly confirmation dialogs with detailed file lists
   • Graceful handling of edge cases and ambiguous situations

3. Enhanced CLI Feedback:

   • Context-aware success messaging based on initialization method
   • Improved progress indicators with real-time updates
   • Professional error messages with troubleshooting guidance

User Experience Improvements in 0.3.1

1. Industry-Standard Behavior:

   • Matches the behavior of popular tools like create-react-app ., npm init, and similar CLIs
   • Familiar workflow for developers coming from other project generators
   • Flexible initialization options to suit different development preferences

2. Intelligent Directory Detection:

   • Automatically determines user intent based on command arguments
   • Handles various scenarios gracefully without user confusion
   • Clear prompts when situations are ambiguous

Improvements from v0.2.x to v0.3.x

The transformation from Template-NEXT v0.2.x to v0.3.x represents a complete architectural overhaul:

Strategic Version Pinning

Template-NEXT v0.3.x implements strategic version pinning for optimal stability:

Breaking Changes from v0.2.x

• Installation method remains unchanged: npx @edward-hyde/template-next
• Template structure: Now uses fresh Next.js creation instead of git clone approach
• Dependencies: Updated to latest stable versions with strategic pinning for reliability
• Directory structure: Maintains the familiar /src/app structure from previous versions

Summary of Changes

• Version 0.3.0 introduced a complete architectural transformation:

  • Fresh Next.js project creation methodology
  • Professional CLI interface with comprehensive options
  • Strategic dependency pinning for stability
  • Enhanced template system with modern Next.js 15 support
  • Modular codebase architecture for maintainability

• Version 0.3.1 built upon this foundation with:

  • Current directory initialization support
  • Intelligent conflict detection and management
  • Context-aware user experience improvements
  • Industry-standard CLI behavior matching popular tools

Conclusion

The progression from Template-NEXT v0.2.x to v0.3.1 represents a complete evolution from a simple git clone tool to a professional-grade project generator. Version 0.3.0 established the new architectural foundation, while 0.3.1 added the flexibility and user experience features that make Template-NEXT competitive with industry-standard tools.

These updates maintain Template-NEXT's core philosophy of clean, minimal project generation while providing the professional features and reliability that developers expect from modern CLI tools. The strategic dependency pinning ensures long-term stability, while the enhanced user experience makes project creation more intuitive and flexible than ever before.

We encourage all users to upgrade to version 0.3.1 to benefit from these significant improvements. As always, your feedback helps us continue refining Template-NEXT to serve the Next.js development community better. Happy coding!