portless-rs

Replace port numbers with stable .localhost URLs for local development — built with Rust, only 1MB

14
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100% credibility
Found Feb 24, 2026 at 12 stars -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
Rust
AI Summary

Portless provides stable .localhost subdomain URLs for local development apps instead of changing port numbers.

How It Works

1
🔍 Discover Portless

You hear about a simple tool that turns confusing local web addresses like localhost with numbers into easy names like myapp.localhost.

2
📥 Set It Up

You add the tool to your computer quickly so it's ready to use.

3
🚀 Start Your Project

You run your usual project command but add a fun name like 'myproject' to make it yours.

4
🌐 See It Live

Open your browser and visit myproject.localhost – your app appears instantly with no port hassle!

5
📋 Check Running Apps

Peek at a list of all your active projects and their simple web addresses anytime.

🎉 Smooth Development

Enjoy building your apps locally with memorable names that make everything feel organized and fun.

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is portless?

Portless replaces ephemeral port numbers like localhost:3000 with stable .localhost URLs (e.g., myapp.localhost:1355) for local development. Run `portless myapp npm run dev` and it auto-assigns a free port in 4000-4999, launches a background HTTP/WebSocket proxy on port 1355, and forwards traffic—no /etc/hosts hacks needed. Built in Rust as a 1MB binary with Homebrew/npm installs, it supports Vite, Next.js, Astro, and more by injecting framework flags automatically.

Why is it gaining traction?

It eliminates port conflicts and memorization during multi-app workflows, unlike manual tunneling tools or browser extensions. WebSocket passthrough and auto-cleanup of routes when apps exit make it seamless, plus skip via PORTLESS=0 for CI. Like replacing port in recipe or github copilot replace for dev setup, it streamlines local proxies without sudo for port 80.

Who should use this?

Frontend devs on Vite/SvelteKit tired of --port flags and port clashes when replace github repo with local. Backend teams running Express/Nuxt side-by-side, or full-stack folks juggling dashboard.localhost and api.localhost during hot reloads. Avoid if you're on Windows (Unix-only) or need production-grade stability yet.

Verdict

Try it for solo local dev—solid docs and framework smarts punch above 10 stars—but 1.0% credibility signals early alpha; test thoroughly before team adoption. Rust efficiency shines, but watch for edge cases in proxy daemonizing.

(187 words)

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