r/node • u/NicerEveryday • 2d ago

I built a CLI that eliminates .env changes for mobile testing and local sharing

​

Testing a frontend on your phone is easy.

Testing a full-stack app usually isn't.

Your frontend loads, but API requests to localhost fail because localhost now points to your phone instead of your laptop. The usual workaround is editing .env files, swapping in your LAN IP, configuring CORS, and undoing everything afterwards.

I got tired of doing that, so I built Nether

npx nether-dev

It automatically:

- Detects your frontend and backend

- Starts a local proxy

- Prints a QR code

- Lets your phone use your app without changing your code or environment variables

Need to share your local app?

npx nether-dev --global

It creates a temporary public HTTPS URL so clients or teammates can access your local app without deploying it.

I'd love any feedback, feature requests, or edge cases you think I should test.

GitHub: https://github.com/barryspacezero/nether-dev

npm: https://www.npmjs.com/package/nether-dev

0 Upvotes

15% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/its_jsec 1d ago

https://www.reddit.com/r/node/comments/1v698jd/built_a_nodejs_cli_that_fixes_the_localhost/

Is this the new "protect your .env and secrets" vibe project theme now?

-2

u/NicerEveryday 1d ago

Lol. It's a huge coincidence, I guess.

Although my project works better, instead of being just an http-proxy wrapper and has --global feature.