hostc

Expose a local web service (HTTP + WebSocket) through a hostc tunnel.

hostc creates a public URL for a local web service, forwards HTTP requests and WebSocket upgrades, keeps the session alive, and reconnects automatically when the control connection drops.

Install

npm install -g hostc

Or run it without installing:

npx hostc@latest 3000

Requirements

• Node.js 18 or newer
• A local HTTP service or WebSocket-capable web service listening on a port

Usage

hostc <port> [--local-host <host>] [--qr]

Examples

hostc 3000
hostc 3000 --local-host 0.0.0.0
hostc 3000 --qr

Options

• --local-host <host>: Host of the local service. Defaults to localhost.
• --qr: Show a scannable QR code for the public URL when stdout is a TTY.

Environment Variables

• HOSTC_SERVER_URL: Override the Hostc server URL for local development, staging, or self-hosted testing. Defaults to https://hostc.dev.
• HOSTC_DISABLE_UPDATE_CHECK: Set to 1 to disable the interactive npm update check.
• HOSTC_DISABLE_ERROR_REPORTING: Set to 1 to disable sanitized fatal error reports.
• DO_NOT_TRACK: Set to 1 to disable sanitized fatal error reports.

Example:

HOSTC_SERVER_URL=http://127.0.0.1:8787 hostc 3000

What It Does

• Opens a tunnel to a public *.hostc.dev URL
• Proxies HTTP requests to your local service
• Proxies WebSocket upgrades on the same local port
• Refreshes the session automatically
• Reconnects after transient tunnel disconnects

Example Output

$ hostc 3000
Tunnel ready t-a1b2c3d4 -> http://localhost:3000/
Public URL: https://t-a1b2c3d4.hostc.dev

$ hostc 3000 --qr
Tunnel ready t-a1b2c3d4 -> http://localhost:3000/
Public URL: https://t-a1b2c3d4.hostc.dev
Scan on your phone:
<QR code shown in interactive terminals>

Notes

• Tunnel subdomains are assigned automatically
• Custom subdomains are not currently exposed by the CLI
• QR code output is shown only when --qr is passed and stdout is a TTY
• Press Ctrl+C to close the tunnel

Links

• Website: https://hostc.dev
• Repository: https://github.com/akazwz/hostc