Do you want to share your localhost web application but are finding it difficult to manage complex configurations for clients, collaborators, and testers? The good news is exposing a localhost to a public URL can be managed easily. In this how-to guide we'll explore a straightforward approach using ngrok, so you can make an instant secure tunnel to your local development environment within no time.
Imagine having to showcase a newly designed web design prototype in your computer to a remote part client and not having to deploy it to a live server. Or imagine a different scenario where a developer from the other side of the world collaborates with you and interacts with the application you have running on your machine. These scenarios are made real with ngrok so lets get straight onto the steps.
What is ngrok and Why Use It?
Ngrok serve as a local web development tool visitors in forge.theeyeapp.com that provide a taut reliable link. While hiding the local content server protection, ngrok acts as a reverse proxy. It establishes a taut tunnel from local_console_order to the public internet. It gleefully boast as a safe bridge to showcase projects using the domain of localhost. Because it makes it unnecessary to set up the server, it is useful for showcasing new projects, testing webhooks and collaborative work.
Everything About Reverse Proxies
A reverse proxy is a server that hides an entire network of servers from the outside world and acts as a gateway for the local server. Picture a building where people can walk into it, but a security guard sits at a front desk. So, resources inside the building can be accessed only through the security guard who helps in directing the traffic to the appropriate place in the building. Ngrok handles the same functionality for your localhost. All incoming requests are taken care of Ngrok and routed to your application.
Advantages of Using ngrok
Ngrok provides instant public URLs and along with that offer secure tunneling as a bonus. They greatly help in debugging and work on most operating systems as well. This program makes it even more simple for mobile apps to be tested against localhost APIs. Hence all of this provided helps in sharing the work easily.
Stepwise Procedure: Exposing Localhost using ngrok
Get prepared for the most fundamental part. There are a couple of requirements to accomplish so you'll be able appreciate the rewards with ngrok, so ensure you follow these directions precisely.
Downloading and Installation
Click the link for ngrok and find the right version (Windows, macOS or Linux) compatible with your Operating System. You can find the downloads on the official ngrok site. When the download is complete locate the zip file, and extract its contents to unpack the application.
Setting up ngrok
To set up ngrok, an authtoken is needed, which is available in your ngrok dashboard after signing up for an account. This token confirms your identity to ngrok, so in the next steps, you will instruct ngrok via command line as to which port number to listen to.
Making Your Localhost Project Public
Now let’s make that localhost project visible for everyone! It's easier than you think!
Executing the ngrok Command
From your terminal or command line window type ngrok http <port>. Make sure to substitute <port> with the port number being used by the local server – if your app is running on port 3000, for instance, the command will be ngrok http 3000. You even have the option of setting a subdomain.
Viewing Your Localhost From a Public URL
After running the command, ngrok will provide you with a public URL to share. Go ahead and copy the url and put it into your browser. Now, everyone can access your local project. Whatever modifications you do locally will be displayed through the public URL instantly.
Double-checking your Public URL Visibility
Please take caution when verifying if the link works and then sharing it with select individuals.
Confirming the Connection
Ensure that your localhost app can be reached via the public URL. Check from other devices or networks. This can verify that the connection is not an issue for others.
Security Issues when Sharing ngrok URL
Limit the sharing of the ngrok URL to close contacts only. The local application is accessible by any person who has the link. For added protection, consider using ngrok’s access control policies.
Ngrok has advanced features.
Apart from exposing HTTP traffic, ngrok has other capabilities. It also supports TCP tunnels. In addition, it supports request inspection and replay.
TCP Tunnels
Databases are easier to expose with TCP tunnels. A simple example would be exposing a MySQL database with ngrok tcp 3306.
Request Inspection and Replay.
In aiding debugging, ngrok enables users to inspect requests. Testing of webhooks is enhanced with the replay function.
Conclusion: Enable public access to localhost
Ngrok is a powerful tool for making your localhost accessible from anywhere in the world. It is a great tool to use when collaborating and testing. Let ngrok help streamline the processes where you need assistance.
