Web Serve

Product Introduction

1. Web Serve is a lightweight macOS application designed to host static files locally through an intuitive interface, enabling users to set up local servers without complex configurations. It supports HTTP server creation with directory selection, port customization, and real-time content updates for immediate previewing. The app operates offline and requires no internet connection, making it suitable for environments with restricted network access.
2. The core value lies in providing developers and content creators with instant local access to web resources while eliminating external hosting dependencies. It streamlines workflows by enabling rapid testing of static sites, sharing files across local networks, and simulating production domains during development. For IoT applications, it serves as a reliable local file repository for firmware updates and device logs.

Main Features

1. Web Serve creates local HTTP servers by allowing users to select any directory as the root folder, automatically generating accessible URLs via LAN or localhost. It supports custom port assignments and displays active server status with clickable links for instant access. Changes to files in the hosted directory are reflected immediately without requiring server restarts.
2. The app simulates custom domains by editing the hosts file or using local DNS configurations, enabling developers to test cross-origin resource sharing (CORS) policies and domain-specific functionalities. This feature helps replicate production environments locally for accurate debugging of authentication flows and cookie management.
3. It facilitates cross-device file sharing within a local network by hosting files accessible via any device’s browser, eliminating the need for USB drives or cloud services. For IoT systems, it acts as a centralized hub for devices to retrieve firmware updates, upload sensor logs, or access configuration files through standardized HTTP requests.

Problems Solved

1. The app addresses the inefficiency of relying on external web servers or internet connectivity for testing static websites and sharing files. Developers often face delays when deploying to remote servers for minor changes, which Web Serve eliminates by providing instant local hosting.
2. Primary users include front-end developers requiring real-time previews of HTML/CSS/JavaScript projects, designers collaborating on prototype feedback, and IoT engineers managing device fleets needing local file access. Educational users also benefit from hosting offline learning materials like PDFs and video tutorials.
3. Typical scenarios involve debugging responsive web designs across multiple devices via LAN access, sharing project drafts with clients during offline meetings, and providing IoT devices with secure local access to firmware binaries without exposing them to public networks.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike competitors requiring terminal commands or paid subscriptions for basic features, Web Serve offers a GUI-based solution with one-click server setup and domain simulation. It avoids bloat by excluding dynamic server capabilities, focusing solely on optimized static file delivery.
2. The app integrates macOS-specific features like native notifications for server status changes and Finder extensions for right-click directory hosting. Its in-app purchase model provides flexible tiered access without mandatory subscriptions, including lifetime licenses for power users.
3. Competitive strengths include zero data collection as confirmed by its privacy policy, sub-10MB installation size for resource efficiency, and compatibility with macOS 14.0+ including Apple Silicon optimization. The domain simulation tool uniquely combines with IoT support, absent in alternatives like Python’s SimpleHTTPServer or MAMP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What file types does Web Serve support? The app hosts all static file types including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, PDFs, and ZIP archives, with MIME types auto-configured for proper browser rendering. Dynamic server-side scripting (e.g., PHP) is unsupported as it focuses exclusively on static content.
2. How do I access hosted files from another device? Ensure both devices are on the same network, enter the server’s IP address (displayed in-app) followed by the port number in the second device’s browser. No additional software is required on client devices.
3. Can I test CORS-enabled APIs locally? Yes, use the domain simulation feature to assign a custom domain like api.localhost, then configure your project to send requests to this domain. This bypasses browser CORS restrictions during development.
4. Does it work without an internet connection? Yes, all servers operate locally without external dependencies. However, LAN-based device access requires a functional local network between host and client devices.
5. How are updates handled for IoT devices using Web Serve? IoT devices can send HTTP GET requests to retrieve versioned firmware files hosted in designated directories. The app logs all access attempts, enabling version control through directory organization.