Local environment

the back4app local development environment allows you to build and test apps locally using its core features, such as database, cloud functions, files, authentication, and web hosting this setup consists of the open source parse server, parse dashboard, and a locally installed database, enabling you to prototype and iterate quickly this setup is ideal for prototyping, development, and continuous integration workflows goal set up a local development environment with back4app for a more detailed explanation, you can watch the tutorial video https //www youtube com/watch?v=zy8k b6flzy 1 connect your local machine to back4app servers using the cli follow the steps to connect an existing app to your local machine or create a new one see the cli guide https //www back4app com/docs/local development/parse cli 2 install and run the parse server the easiest way to install parse server locally is by using npm run the following command in your terminal npm install g parse server mongodb runner after installation, start the database so parse server can store data mongodb runner start go to your back4app dashboard and copy the application id, client key, and master key from dashboard > app settings > security & keys use these values to start your parse server parse server appid application id clientkey client key masterkey master key databaseuri mongodb //localhost/test 3 install parse dashboard to improve your development experience, install the parse dashboard for a user friendly interface npm install g parse dashboard use the same credentials from the previous step and run the following command to start the dashboard parse dashboard dev appid application id masterkey master key serverurl http //localhost 1337/parse appname my app if the parse dashboard fails to load, replace the url http //0 0 0 0 4040/ with http //localhost 4040/ 4 updating the server url by default, the main server url for back4app is https //parseapi back4app com however, for your local instance, you need to update your app's code to point to http //localhost 1337/parse troubleshooting common dashboard errors if you cannot access the parse dashboard locally, ensure you are using the correct localhost url database issues ensure the mongodb runner service is running properly before starting the parse server conclusion with your local parse server and parse dashboard set up, you now have a fully functional environment for developing and testing your back4app applications this local setup allows you to prototype new features, debug issues, and create apps faster without relying on a live environment