Setting Up Your Mock Server with Mockingbird
Tags: testing, webdev, mockingbird, tutorial
Published: 2024-05-16 21:45:01

## Introduction
Welcome to another article of our Mockingbird series! Today, we'll demonstrate how to set up a mock server quickly and effectively using Mockingbird - a tool designed to streamline your application development and testing processes. If you missed the introductory article, I recommend starting there to get a foundational understanding ([Read the first article here](https://dev.to/ozkeisar/mockingbird-new-tool-for-your-mock-environments-49j)). Let's dive into how you can configure your mock server in minutes.

## Why Use a Mock Server?
Before we begin, let's understand why a mock server is beneficial. Mock servers simulate API responses without having to set up a complete backend, allowing developers to test the front end independently, troubleshoot more efficiently, and improve team collaboration on projects. Now, let's set up your mock environment with Mockingbird.

## Configuring Your Mock Server

1. Set Up Your Server

- After creating your server instance in Mockingbird, click on the server name to open its details.
- Find the Target URL field and enter your real server's base URL. This action will let mockingbird act as a proxy when necessary


![Server details screen](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ikp8dbrqheoiweprd9q2.png)


> This feature allows you to start working with Mockingbird even if you don't have all the API calls registered locally.

## Redirect Your Application

- Click `Start Server` to activate your mock server, and then access the server's IP by clicking on the `Servers IP` button.
- With the IP address revealed, go to your application's code base and swap out the live server base URL with the Mockingbird server URL.


![Servers ip dialog](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fonffb8jj7rnmtqmn4kl.png)


## Monitoring API Calls
Navigate to the Mockingbird `console` by clicking on the console button on the top bar. Here, you'll observe all API requests that your application makes. The console not only captures incoming requests but also displays how each is handled, whether locally or forwarded to the real server.



![Mockingbird console](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/nyd0i13nj6ssp1qhpgst.png)

## Creating Local Routes
If Mockingbird detects an API call that isn't set up locally, you'll have the option to create it right from the console:

- **Add Parent**: let you define the parent path for your API.
- **Add Route**: Once the parent is established, you can add specific routes.
- **Add Response**: Finally, define the responses for your routes.

This will let you harvest the calls that exist on your real server and create a mock server in a few minutes!


![Example of API calls in mockingbird](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/i9z2ont0jit7pg857ckm.png)

## Conclusion
Mockingbird offers a straightforward and powerful way to develop and test against a mock server, managing API calls efficiently without complex configurations. By following these steps, you can set up your mock server and start testing your application in no time.

## Spread Your Wings and Fly with Mockingbird!
You can download Mockingbird from GitHub [releases](https://github.com/ozkeisar/mockingbird/releases) page.
Even if you don't plan on using it right away, consider supporting our project by starring and endorsing it on [GitHub](https://github.com/ozkeisar/mockingbird).

## Upcoming in This Series

- Setting up a GraphQL Mock Server with Mockingbird.
- Exploring the Power of Presets in Mockingbird.
- Managing Multiple Projects and Servers in Mockingbird.
- Dynamically Updating Mockingbird Responses from Automated Tests.

Feel free to ask questions, leave comments, or raise an issue on the [GitHub issues page](https://github.com/ozkeisar/mockingbird/issues). We're excited to see how you use Mockingbird to enhance your development workflow!

## Engage With Us
Join the discussion or share your experiences on our [subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/mockingbird_dev/) or directly in the comments below. Your feedback helps us improve and guides our future developments.