No Database? No Problem! Build Local Mock APIs with JSON Server

A Mock service simulates backend API data, enabling frontend developers to rapidly debug pages or test various data scenarios. This article demonstrates how to build a local Mock service in three simple steps using JSON Server, requiring only a JSON file and no database setup! Table of Contents 1. Prerequisites Install Node.js Install JSON Server 2. Building the Mock Service Step 1: Create a Mock Data File (db.json) Step 2: Start the JSON Server Step 3: Verify API Endpoints 3. Debugging and Extensions Auto-Update Data Debugging with Apidog 4. FAQ Port Conflicts Data Not Updating 5. Conclusion I. Prerequisites 1. Install Node.js Ensure Node.js is installed (download from https://nodejs.org). Verify by running in terminal: node -v && npm -v If version numbers are displayed, installation is complete. 2. Install JSON Server Open the terminal in your IDE (e.g., VS Code) and execute: npm install -g json-server If permission errors occur, try: sudo npm install -g json-server II. Building the Mock Service in 3 Steps Step 1: Create a Mock Data File Create a folder (e.g., mock-demo) and add a db.json file with the following content: { "users": [ { "id": 1, "name": "John Doe", "age": 25 }, { "id": 2, "name": "Jane Smith", "age": 30 } ], "posts": [ { "id": 1, "title": "First Post", "author": "John Doe" } ] }

Feb 27, 2025 - 11:15

No Database? No Problem! Build Local Mock APIs with JSON Server

A Mock service simulates backend API data, enabling frontend developers to rapidly debug pages or test various data scenarios. This article demonstrates how to build a local Mock service in three simple steps using JSON Server, requiring only a JSON file and no database setup!

Table of Contents
1. Prerequisites

Install Node.js

Install JSON Server

2. Building the Mock Service

Step 1: Create a Mock Data File (db.json)

Step 2: Start the JSON Server

Step 3: Verify API Endpoints

3. Debugging and Extensions

Auto-Update Data

Debugging with Apidog

4. FAQ

Port Conflicts

Data Not Updating

5. Conclusion

I. Prerequisites

1. Install Node.js

Ensure Node.js is installed (download from https://nodejs.org).

Verify by running in terminal:

node -v && npm -v

If version numbers are displayed, installation is complete.

2. Install JSON Server

Open the terminal in your IDE (e.g., VS Code) and execute:

npm install -g json-server

If permission errors occur, try:

sudo npm install -g json-server

II. Building the Mock Service in 3 Steps

Step 1: Create a Mock Data File

Create a folder (e.g., mock-demo) and add a db.json file with the following content:

{
  "users": [
    { "id": 1, "name": "John Doe", "age": 25 },
    { "id": 2, "name": "Jane Smith", "age": 30 }
  ],
  "posts": [
    { "id": 1, "title": "First Post", "author": "John Doe" }
  ]
}