How to Specify a Port to Run a Create-react-app Based Project?

How to Specify a Port to Run a create-react-app Based Project?

If you are working with a create-react-app based project, you may have noticed that it runs on a default port, usually 3000. However, there might be instances where you need to specify a different port to run your project. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to specify a port for your create-react-app based project.

Method 1: Using the PORT Environment Variable

The create-react-app build system allows you to specify the port using the PORT environment variable. This method is useful if you want to set the port temporarily or if you are working with a hosting platform that requires you to use a specific port.

To specify a port using the PORT environment variable, follow these steps:

1. Open your project’s terminal or command prompt.
2. Navigate to the root directory of your create-react-app project.
3. Set the PORT environment variable using the following command:

PORT=4000 npm start

This command sets the PORT environment variable to 4000 and starts the development server on that port. Replace 4000 with your desired port number.

Method 2: Modifying the package.json File

If you want to specify a port permanently for your create-react-app project, you can modify the package.json file. This method is useful if you always want your project to run on a specific port, regardless of the environment.

To modify the package.json file to specify a port, follow these steps:

1. Open your project’s package.json file.
2. Locate the “scripts” section.
3. Modify the “start” script by adding the “–port” flag followed by your desired port number. For example:

"start": "react-scripts start --port 4000"

This modification sets the port to 4000 when running the start script.

Method 3: Using the Command Line

If you prefer to specify the port directly from the command line without modifying any files, you can use the following command:

npx create-react-app my-app --port 4000

This command creates a new create-react-app project named “my-app” and sets the port to 4000. Replace 4000 with your desired port number.

Now that you know different methods to specify a port for your create-react-app based project, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Whether you prefer using environment variables, modifying the package.json file, or specifying the port directly from the command line, you have the flexibility to run your project on your desired port.

Happy coding!