> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.appmachine.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.appmachine.com/developers/javascript/develop-locally.md).

# Develop locally

## Develop JavaScript App locally

It is possible to develop your JavaScript code locally and test it in your app. To do this you need to have a development environment featuring an HTTP server.

We recommend using a build/development tool like [Vite](https://vitejs.dev/), it is an easy to use development environment for all kinds of frameworks. It offers support to easily create PWAs, and more. It is not required to use [Vite](https://vitejs.dev/), you can also use your own setup that hosts a development HTTP server.

### 1. Start your Dev Server[​](http://localhost:3000/guides/develop-js-app-locally#1-start-your-dev-server) <a href="#id-1-start-your-dev-server" id="id-1-start-your-dev-server"></a>

* **Start your development server**, for example, when using Vite run:

```
npm run dev
```

### 2. Copy the local server URL[​](http://localhost:3000/guides/develop-js-app-locally#2-copy-the-local-server-url) <a href="#id-2-copy-the-local-server-url" id="id-2-copy-the-local-server-url"></a>

* **Copy the URL** of your server. Vite uses as default: `http://localhost:3000`

![](http://localhost:3000/assets/images/local-development-terminal-start-974103c5d22d6866bf2a78620e46348b.png)

### 3. Setup your app[​](http://localhost:3000/guides/develop-js-app-locally#3-setup-your-app) <a href="#id-3-setup-your-app" id="id-3-setup-your-app"></a>

* Open your app in the designer and **open the JavaScript block**.
* **Enable Development Mode** by ticking the checkbox in the right side panel.
* Enter the **Development URL**.
* **Save** your changes.
* Click on the JavaScript block to **reload**.

![](http://localhost:3000/assets/images/local-development-setup-0f1b84c0360a291bfa1ba84244cc5186.gif)

<br>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.appmachine.com/developers/javascript/develop-locally.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
