ran
A lightweight, zero-dependency static file server for local development and testing.
Overview
ran is a minimalist static file server built for developers who need a quick and easy way to serve local files over HTTP. Its core philosophy is zero dependencies, ensuring a small footprint and rapid execution. This makes it an excellent choice for scenarios where you just need to get a web project up and running for local testing or previewing without the overhead of a full-fledged web server. The tool operates entirely from the command line, allowing users to specify a directory to serve and an optional port. It's designed for simplicity and speed, focusing solely on its primary function: delivering static content efficiently. While it doesn't offer advanced features like routing, proxying, or HTTPS, its straightforward nature is its strength for specific use cases in local development workflows.
Pricing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight due to zero dependencies
- Very fast for serving static content locally
- Simple to use with a straightforward command-line interface
- Quick setup for local development and testing
- Minimal resource consumption
Cons
- Lacks advanced server features (e.g., routing, middleware)
- Not suitable for production environments
- Limited configuration options
- No built-in support for HTTPS
- Requires command-line usage, which might be less intuitive for some users
Use Cases
Reviews & Ratings
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Best For
- Quickly previewing HTML/CSS/JS projects locally
- Testing static website builds
- Serving assets for front-end development
- Sharing local files over a network temporarily
- Prototyping web interfaces
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