ngrok - Great tool to allow remote access to localhost

Since last few days, I've been playing with this super cool tool called ngrok : <a href="https://ngrok.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ngrok - Online in One Line</a> . My initial problem was that if I had to show my local server (created using XAMPP or MAMP) to anyone who's out of the local network (say in another city), I had no easy way. Sure, there are several services out there in the market; but I think ngrok deserves a special mention.

If you are developing stuff on your local server and want to show your work to your clients or team members, download this freeware tool from ngrok and install it. If you have configured a virtual host on your machine say 'local.dev' and want to avoid ICANN domain name collision error, run the following command

ngrok http -host-header=myapp.dev 80

What it does is create a secure tunnel which your remote team or client can use to view your local server behind firewall or router. They'll get a simple link similar to <somecode>.ngrok.io . All you need to do is pass this link to them and they'll view your local server as if they're browsing a real website.

The tool's been a great time-saver for me and it works right out of the box. Give it a try. If you have questions or comments, let's discuss them here.