building locally

Definition

Building locally refers to the process of developing and testing software on a personal computer or local server before deploying it to a live environment. This approach allows developers to create and modify applications in a controlled setting, ensuring that they can identify and fix issues without affecting the end users. Local builds typically involve using tools and frameworks that simulate the production environment, enabling developers to test their code thoroughly.

Why it matters

Building locally is crucial as it allows for faster development cycles and immediate feedback. Developers can experiment with new features and debug issues without the risk of disrupting the live application. This practice also helps in maintaining a stable production environment, as only thoroughly tested code is deployed. Furthermore, it fosters a more efficient workflow, enabling teams to collaborate effectively while minimising potential risks associated with direct changes in production.

Example in VCA

In the Vibe Code Academy (VCA) course, students are encouraged to build their projects locally using tools like Next.js and Git. For instance, a student might create a new feature for their web application on their local machine, test it thoroughly, and use Git to manage version control. Once satisfied with the functionality and performance, they can push their changes to a staging branch for further testing before deploying to production.

Another Real World Example

A common example of building locally can be seen in web development companies that use local servers to develop websites. For instance, a team might set up a local environment using Docker to replicate their production server. They can then build and test new features, such as an updated user interface, ensuring everything works as intended. After thorough testing, the changes are pushed to a staging environment for final review before going live.

Common mistakes

One common mistake is not replicating the production environment accurately, leading to unexpected issues when deploying.
Developers may forget to update their local dependencies, causing discrepancies between local and production environments.
Some may skip testing their local builds thoroughly, which can result in bugs appearing in the live application.
Failing to use version control properly can lead to loss of work or difficulty in tracking changes made during local development.
Not regularly syncing with the main repository can create conflicts and complicate the integration process.

Related terms

<a href="/glossary/git" data-glossary="git" class="glossary-term">git</a>
<a href="/glossary/nextjs" data-glossary="nextjs" class="glossary-term">nextjs</a>
<a href="/glossary/production" data-glossary="production" class="glossary-term">production</a>
<a href="/glossary/staging" data-glossary="staging" class="glossary-term">staging</a>
<a href="/glossary/repo" data-glossary="repo" class="glossary-term">repo</a>
<a href="/glossary/environment-variables" data-glossary="environment-variables" class="glossary-term">environment-variables</a>
<a href="/glossary/app-router" data-glossary="app-router" class="glossary-term">app-router</a>
<a href="/glossary/migrations" data-glossary="migrations" class="glossary-term">migrations</a>