Local Node.js & PostgreSQL Setup

I have already written most of the application logic with Claude’s help; what is missing is a clean, working local environment. PostgreSQL is installed on my machine, and I’d like everything wired up through VS Code so I can run, debug, and iterate without hurdles.

Your task is to:

• configure Node.js locally (install any required version managers or runtimes if needed)
• organise the project folder, add or adjust package.json, and install all necessary npm packages
• create the connection layer so the code talks to my local PostgreSQL instance (env variables, connection string, initial test query)
• set up convenient VS Code launch/debug settings and helpful scripts (start, dev, test)
• walk me through the steps you take so I fully understand the configuration

I’ll consider the job complete once I can open the project in VS Code, hit Run/Debug, and see the server connecting successfully to PostgreSQL with no errors.