Local Development

How to setup a local Parse Server

Introduction

The Back4app local development is a complete environment to build and test apps locally using Back4app main features like Database, Cloud Functions, Files, Authentication, and Web-Hosting. The local development is mainly composed of the open-source Parse Server, Dashboard and a Database installed on your local machine to help you get running and prototyping quickly.

Back4app local development can also be a good fit for your prototyping, development, and continuous integration workflows.

If you prefer a more detailed explanation please check the video below.

Goal

Set up the Back4app local development environment

Prerequisites

To begin with this tutorial, you will need:

Step 1 - Connect your local machine to Back4app servers using the CLI

Follow the CLI guide and connect an existing app to your local machine or create a new one.

Command Line Interface

  • The Command Line Interface (CLI) is a tool that allows you to interact with the back4app platform via a terminal or command window.

Step 2 - Install and run Parse Server

The easiest way to install Parse locally is using NPM. Run the command below on your terminal or command window.

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npm install -g parse-server mongodb-runner

Once installed, start MongoDB, thus Parse Server can save the data on it:

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mongodb-runner start

Go to your Back4app dashboard and copy your APPLICATION_ID, CLIENT_KEY and MASTER_KEY under App Settings > Security & Keys. Paste the values and run the command below.

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parse-server --appId APPLICATION_ID --clientKey CLIENT_KEY --masterKey MASTER_KEY --databaseURI mongodb://localhost/test

Now your Parse Server is up an running !

Step 3 - Installing the Dashboard

The Parse Dashboard will improve your local developing experience by adding a user friendly interface to manage your app. Run the following command to install it.

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npm install -g parse-dashboard

Follow the same procedure that is described on the previous step, paste your app credentials and run the command below.

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parse-dashboard --dev --appId APPLICATION_ID --masterKey MASTER_KEY --serverURL http://localhost:1337/parse --appName MY_APP

TroubleShooting

In case you face any error when opening the local dashboard, on your browser replace the following URL:

http://0.0.0.0:4040/

to this:

http://localhost:4040/

Step 4 - Changing the Server URL

The main Server URL to connect to Parse in Back4app is https://parseapi.back4app.com , but you should change it in your code to connect to your local Parse instance.

If you followed the steps above, your Parse instance is running in http://localhost:1337/parse. Check our guide Connect to Back4App if you need more details on how to connect your app to a Parse Server.