vercel-labs

Replace port numbers with stable, named .localhost URLs. For humans and agents.

2,994
93
100% credibility
Found Feb 17, 2026 at 905 stars 3x -- GitGems finds repos before they trend. Get early access to the next one.
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AI Analysis
TypeScript
AI Summary

Portless replaces confusing local development port numbers with stable, memorable named localhost addresses to prevent conflicts and simplify sharing.

How It Works

1
🔍 Discover a simpler way

You get tired of remembering confusing numbers to access your local projects and learn about a tool that gives them friendly names instead.

2
📥 Add the helper tool

With one easy step on your computer, you install the free helper that makes project names work like magic.

3
🚀 Wake up the naming service

You turn on the background service once, and it stays ready to handle all your named projects without needing special permissions.

4
Name and launch your project

Tell the service a simple name for your project like 'myapp' and start it – everything connects automatically on a fresh spot.

5
🌐 Visit your named address

Open your web browser to the easy name like myapp.localhost and see your project come alive, no numbers to guess.

6
📋 See all your projects

Check a quick list anytime to view all running projects and their friendly names.

🎉 Develop happily forever

Share links easily with friends, avoid mix-ups between projects, and focus on creating without port headaches.

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Star Growth

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AI-Generated Review

What is portless?

Portless is a TypeScript CLI tool that swaps chaotic localhost ports for stable named URLs like myapp.localhost:1355. Install globally, start a lightweight proxy once (no sudo on port 1355), then prefix dev commands: `portless myapp next dev` auto-assigns a free port via the PORT env var and registers it. It kills port conflicts, cookie bleed, and "what port again?" Slack pings—especially in monorepos where services pile up.

Why is it gaining traction?

Unlike ttab or ngrok, portless needs zero config, auto-starts the proxy, and uses .localhost (native 127.0.0.1 resolution). Devs love the drop-in package.json scripts, subdomain support (api.myapp.localhost), and agent-proof stability—GitHub Copilot can hit consistent URLs without guessing. With 583 stars from Vercel Labs, it's hooking solo devs tired of replace port in recipe tweaks or manual GitHub Actions port swaps.

Who should use this?

Monorepo maintainers juggling Next.js, Vite, or API services; fullstack teams sharing localhost links without "run on 3001?"; AI workflow builders (replace GitHub Copilot hardcoded ports or GitHub repo local setups). Skip if you're on a single-port hobby project.

Verdict

Grab it for daily local dev—global install, solid CLI (`portless list`, `proxy stop`), excellent docs/README. 1.0% credibility score flags early maturity (labs project, modest stars), but 100% test coverage and macOS/Linux focus make it production-ready now. (187 words)

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