Bootstrap Your Project Fast: A JSON Server Tutorial

Unlock the Power of JSON Server: A Fast and Flexible Way to Mock APIs

Are you tired of waiting for backend routes to be finished before testing your frontend app? Do you want to validate how your app’s interface reacts when receiving data from the backend quickly and easily? Look no further than JSON Server, a powerful tool that enables you to spin up a fake REST API in under five minutes.

Getting Started with JSON Server

To get started, you’ll need to install JSON Server globally using npm. Once installed, you can create your first server configuration by creating a db.json file that defines endpoints and sample data. No further configuration is required!

Understanding JSON Server Configuration

In your db.json file, you’ll define plural endpoints that contain an array of objects, each representing a database record. For example, an authors endpoint might return one author object with an ID of 1 and a name of Michiel Mulders. JSON Server generates several routes for plural endpoints, including GET /authors, GET /authors/1, POST /authors, PUT /authors/1, PATCH /authors/1, and DELETE /authors/1.

Singular endpoints, on the other hand, can only return one object and do not allow arrays. They also have a limited set of operations available, including GET /library, POST /library, PUT /library, and PATCH /library.

Starting Your First JSON Server

To start your server, use the json-server command in the command line, telling it to watch your db.json configuration file. You can verify that your server is running by sending a GET request to http://localhost:3000/authors/1. If it returns a result, you’re ready to explore other endpoints.

Sending Requests with JSON Server

JSON Server allows you to send various types of requests, including GET, POST, PUT, and PATCH requests. You can use tools like Postman or curl to send requests, making sure to pass the correct headers and request bodies.

Advanced Requests with JSON Server

JSON Server also supports advanced requests, including filtering, sorting, and searching. You can sort data using the _sort option, filter data by defining the field and required value, and search for specific values using the full text search option.

Defining Relationships with JSON Server

One of the most powerful features of JSON Server is its ability to define relationships between endpoints. You can link data entities by using the singular form of another data entity in your database, appending the id keyword. This allows you to query for related data and even include parent resources in your requests.

4 Useful Tips for Using JSON Server

To get the most out of JSON Server, here are four useful tips:

1. Database snapshotting: Take a snapshot of your current database state by hitting s + enter on your keyboard.
2. Add custom routes: Create aliases for existing routes using a routes.json file.
3. Change port: Change the port used by JSON Server with the --port option.
4. Custom middleware: Define custom middleware to add extra headers to requests or modify data.

Conclusion

JSON Server is a powerful tool that allows frontend developers to quickly spin up a fake REST API and validate how their app’s interface reacts when receiving data from the backend. With its simplicity, speed, and flexibility, JSON Server is an essential tool for any developer looking to streamline their development process.