Swagger UI is a powerful tool that allows you to view and interact with API documentation generated in the OpenAPI Specification (formerly known as the Swagger Specification). Whether you need to check the API’s behavior or verify its design, Swagger UI makes it easy. While there are online versions of Swagger UI, there are times when you might prefer to run it locally. This tutorial walks you through setting up Swagger UI on your local machine.
What is Swagger UI?
Swagger UI is a tool designed to display and verify API definitions written in the OpenAPI Specification. It offers an interactive interface where developers can explore and test API endpoints directly. Setting up Swagger UI locally allows developers to work in real-time, helping them check and refine API definitions during development.
Why Use Swagger UI Locally?
Running Swagger UI locally offers a range of benefits, especially for developers working in isolated or private environments:
- Real-Time API Development: Check and interact with API definitions as you make changes.
- Offline Documentation: Access API documentation without needing an internet connection.
- Enhanced Privacy: Keep APIs private and secure during the development process.
- Mock Server Testing: Set up a local mock server to simulate API responses.
- Iterative API Changes: Quickly test and iterate on API changes before pushing them to production.
- CI/CD Pipeline Integration: Use local Swagger UI as part of your automated development and testing pipelines.
Advantages of Using Swagger UI Locally
- Offline Usage: No need for an internet connection to access the documentation.
- Real-Time API Feedback: Test API definitions and interactions in real-time on your local machine.
- Privacy: Ensure that APIs under development are not exposed to the outside world.
- Local Mock Server: Run and test APIs on your machine before deployment.
- Fast Response: Avoid server latency by running everything locally.
- Enhanced Security: Keep your local development environment secure without relying on external servers.
- Improved Productivity: Work at your own pace, without dependencies on external services.
- Easy Synchronization: Ensure that your API definition matches its implementation without delays.
How to Use Swagger UI Locally
Step 1. Install Swagger UI and Set Up the Development Environment
To begin, you’ll need to download and install Swagger UI locally. Here’s how:
- Clone the Swagger UI repository:
git clone https://github.com/swagger-api/swagger-ui.git
- Navigate into the cloned directory and start the local development server:
cd swagger-ui
npm run dev
- Once the server is running, you can access Swagger UI by navigating to: http://localhost:3200/
Step 2. Set Up a Local Web Server
If you want to use Swagger UI with your local API, you’ll need to configure a web server. Here’s how to set up a simple HTTP server using Node.js:
- Install the http-server module globally:
npm install -g http-server
- Navigate to your API’s directory and start the HTTP server with CORS enabled:
cd {your-oas-document-dir}
http-server --cors
- Access Swagger UI via: http://localhost:8080
Step 3. Prepare the Swagger Specification File
Create your Swagger Specification file (in JSON or YAML format) for your API. For example, you might have a file named swagger.yaml. The URL for this file will be: http://localhost:8080/swagger.yaml
Step 4. Load the Swagger Specification in Swagger UI
- Open the Swagger UI in your browser (at
http://localhost:3200). - Enter the URL for your Swagger file (e.g.,
http://localhost:8080/swagger.yaml) in the input field at the top of the page. - Click "Explore" to view and interact with your local API documentation.
Apidog: A Better Alternative to Swagger UI
If setting up a local server and managing Swagger UI seems complex, consider using Apidog, an API management tool designed for simplicity and efficiency.
Apidog can directly read and import Swagger JSON and YAML files, providing an intuitive platform for managing APIs. It allows you to quickly test APIs, generate and share beautiful documentation, and seamlessly integrate with your team. Apidog also offers features like automated API testing, mock server creation, and API monitoring—all in one platform.
FAQs for Swagger UI Localhost:
1. How to access Swagger UI on localhost?
Simply run your API project locally, then navigate to http://localhost:/swagger in your browser.
2. What is the URL for Swagger UI on localhost?
The default URL is http://localhost:<port>/swagger, depending on your setup.
3. How do you host Swagger documentation locally?
Enable Swagger UI in your startup code, launch the API project, and visit the /swagger endpoint to access the documentation.
4. What is the Swagger URL for localhost with .NET Core?
For .NET Core APIs, the URL is typically http://localhost:<port>/swagger/v1/swagger.json.
Summary
Swagger UI is a great tool for API development, especially when running locally. It enables you to interact with and test API definitions in real time, providing flexibility during the development process. However, for a more streamlined experience, Apidog offers a simpler and more powerful API management solution, making it easier to manage, test, and share API documentation.
Ready to make the switch? Try Apidog for efficient API management today!
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