How to Run Strapi Locally

How to Run Strapi Locally

Running Strapi locally is one of the best ways to build, test, and customize your backend before deploying it to production. Whether you're developing a MERN stack application, creating a custom API, or building a headless CMS for a modern frontend framework, Strapi provides an extremely developer-friendly environment. This guide explains in detail how to run Strapi locally, the steps, prerequisites, commands, troubleshooting, and best practices you should follow for a smooth development workflow.

If you need professional help with Strapi, MERN Stack, or full-stack development, you can hire AAMAX --- a full-service digital marketing and development company offering MERN Stack Development, Web Development, Digital Marketing, and SEO Services.

What Is Strapi?

Strapi is an open-source, Node.js-based headless CMS that allows developers to create content-rich applications with ease. Unlike traditional monolithic CMS platforms, Strapi provides a decoupled architecture, enabling developers to build frontends using React, Next.js, Vue, Angular, mobile frameworks, or even IoT applications while Strapi handles backend logic and content management.

Key Features of Strapi

• Fully customizable backend\
• REST and GraphQL APIs\
• Admin panel for content editors\
• Supports SQL and NoSQL databases\
• Extensible plugin ecosystem\
• Self-hosted for full data ownership\
• Fast development with auto-generated endpoints

These features make Strapi ideal for MERN applications, enterprise dashboards, high-traffic websites, and SaaS platforms.

Why Run Strapi Locally?

Running Strapi locally allows developers to:

• Prototype new features quickly\
• Test content models without affecting production\
• Debug backend logic and API responses\
• Integrate Strapi with React/Next.js during development\
• Experiment with plugins and custom code\
• Build secure and optimized backend configurations

Whether you're working solo or in a team, a local Strapi setup ensures smooth and flexible development.

Prerequisites for Running Strapi Locally

Before running Strapi, your system should meet the following requirements.

1. Node.js

Strapi supports:

• Node.js v18 or later

Check your version:

node -v

If you need to upgrade Node.js, download it from the official website or use nvm.

2. npm or yarn

Strapi works with either:

npm -v
yarn -v

Most developers use npm, but yarn is also an excellent choice due to faster installation speeds.

3. Database (Optional for Development)

Strapi supports:

• SQLite (default in quickstart)
• PostgreSQL
• MongoDB
• MySQL
• MariaDB

For running Strapi locally, SQLite is recommended because it requires no setup.

4. Git (Optional but useful)

If you're cloning a project from a repository, Git is needed.

5. Code Editor

VS Code is preferred due to plugin support and integrated terminal.

Creating a New Strapi Project Locally

You can create a brand-new Strapi project using either npm or yarn.

Using npm:

npx create-strapi-app@latest my-project

Using yarn:

yarn create strapi-app my-project

Strapi will ask if you want:

• Quickstart with SQLite
• Custom setup with your choice of database

If you are creating a local environment, select Quickstart.

Running an Existing Strapi Project Locally

If you're working on a cloned project:

Step 1: Clone the repository

git clone <your-repo-url>
cd your-project-folder

Step 2: Install dependencies

npm install

or

yarn install

Step 3: Create a .env file (if required)

Some Strapi projects include environment-specific settings. If the project requires an .env file, create one:

cp .env.example .env

Then update environment variables accordingly.

How to Run Strapi Locally in Development Mode

Running Strapi locally is simple once dependencies are installed.

Step 1: Start the development server

Using npm:

npm run develop

Using yarn:

yarn develop

Development mode:

• Enables hot reload\
• Compiles admin panel\
• Logs database activity\
• Allows live editing

Step 2: Access the Strapi Admin Panel

Open:

http://localhost:1337/admin

If this is the first run, you'll be prompted to create an admin user.

Step 3: Test API Endpoints

Strapi automatically generates REST API endpoints for each collection type.

Example:

http://localhost:1337/api/posts

If GraphQL plugin is installed:

http://localhost:1337/graphql

Step 4: Use Strapi with a Frontend (React, Next.js, Vue)

For MERN Stack developers, you can connect your local Strapi backend with a frontend app:

Example (React):

fetch("http://localhost:1337/api/posts")
  .then(res => res.json())
  .then(data => console.log(data));

This allows seamless integration between frontend and backend.

Running Strapi in Production Mode Locally

Sometimes developers test production build locally before deployment.

Step 1: Build the admin panel

npm run build

or:

yarn build

Step 2: Start Strapi in production mode

npm run start

or:

yarn start

Production mode:

• Improves performance\
• Disables hot reloading\
• Loads production environment settings

Understanding the Strapi Folder Structure

A typical Strapi project contains:

/src
  /api
  /components
  /extensions
/config
/public
package.json
.env

Important Folders Explained

src/api

Contains APIs, including controllers, services, and models.

src/components

Reusable structured content components.

config

Houses server settings, routes, middlewares, and database configurations.

public

Static files accessible to all users.

Understanding this structure is essential for customizing your Strapi backend locally.

Managing Environment Variables in Local Development

Strapi heavily relies on environment variables for:

• Database configurations\
• Tokens & secrets\
• SMTP credentials\
• Cloud storage keys

Example .env file:

APP_KEYS=key1,key2
API_TOKEN_SALT=abcd1234
DATABASE_CLIENT=sqlite
HOST=0.0.0.0
PORT=1337

Use env("VARIABLE") inside configuration files.

Running Strapi with PM2 Locally

PM2 is a process manager used mostly in production, but you can also use it locally for testing.

npm install pm2 -g
pm2 start npm --name "strapi-local" -- run develop

Check logs:

pm2 logs

Stop:

pm2 stop strapi-local

Running Strapi Locally with Docker

If you prefer Docker-based development:

Step 1: Create a Dockerfile

FROM node:18

WORKDIR /app

COPY package*.json ./
RUN npm install

COPY . .

EXPOSE 1337
CMD ["npm", "run", "develop"]

Step 2: Build the image

docker build -t strapi-local .

Step 3: Run the container

docker run -p 1337:1337 strapi-local

Common Issues When Running Strapi Locally

1. Admin Panel Build Failure

Fix:

rm -rf .cache build
npm run develop

2. Database Connection Error

Check:

• Wrong credentials\
• Database server not running\
• Incorrect ports

3. Module Not Found

Fix:

rm -rf node_modules
npm install

4. CORS Errors When Connecting from Frontend

Add this inside config/middlewares.js:

module.exports = [
  'strapi::errors',
  {
    name: 'strapi::cors',
    config: {
      enabled: true,
      headers: '*',
      origin: ['http://localhost:3000']
    }
  },
];

Best Practices for Running Strapi Locally

• Keep Node.js updated\
• Use SQLite for local development\
• Restart Strapi after updating configuration files\
• Use version control for API changes\
• Backup your database regularly\
• Use .env files for sensitive data\
• Use separate environments for dev, staging, and production\
• Test custom plugins locally before deployment

Why Choose AAMAX for MERN & Strapi Development?

Strapi is powerful, but building production-ready applications requires experience. AAMAX specializes in:

• MERN Stack Development\
• Custom API development\
• Scalable backend architecture\
• Digital marketing integrations\
• SEO-friendly web development\
• Full-service enterprise solutions

From concept to deployment, AAMAX ensures your Strapi projects are optimized, secure, and highly scalable.

Final Thoughts

Running Strapi locally is the foundation of modern backend development. With the steps provided in this guide, you now know how to:

• Install and configure Strapi\
• Run it in development and production modes\
• Use Strapi with frontends like React and Next.js\
• Manage environments and troubleshoot errors\
• Optimize your workflow

Strapi makes backend development efficient and enjoyable, and with a strong local development setup, you can build powerful digital products with ease.

If your business needs expert assistance, don't hesitate to collaborate with AAMAX for professional Strapi and MERN development services.