2.7 KiB
| title | category | subcategory | description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Never touch your local /etc/hosts file in OS X again | development | full-stack | Learn how to streamline your developer experience by setting up your computer to automatically handle *.test domains using Homebrew and Dnsmasq. Say goodbye to manually editing your hosts file each time. This guide offers an easy-to-follow process for both setup and testing, ensuring smoother project management and development. |
Overview
Ever had to edit your /etc/hosts file on your OS X machine each time you spin up a new *.test domain? If so, you know it can be a manual, time-consuming process. But, good news! I'm about to teach you how to automate this using Homebrew and Dnsmasq. With the right setup, your computer will handle these domains effortlessly, streamlining your developer experience.
To get started, you'll need Homebrew installed. Next up, you'll install Dnsmasq using a simple brew command. You'll then create a specific config directory, followed by setting up your *.test domains, and configuring the port to the default DNS port. It may sound a bit technical, but don't worry, I've got you covered with a step-by-step guide.
Once the setup is complete, we will move on to autostarting it now and setting it to autostart after each reboot. Then, onto the fun part, testing! We'll test the new setup, create a resolver directory and add your nameserver to the resolvers. The aim is to ensure smooth project management and development, and most importantly, never having to manually edit your hosts file each time you create a new *.test domain. Rejoice in the simplified brilliance of your new development process!
To set up your computer to work with *.test domains, e.g. project.test, awesome.test and so on, without having to add to your hosts file each time.
Requirements
Install
brew install dnsmasq
Setup
Create config directory
mkdir -pv $(brew --prefix)/etc/
Setup *.test
echo 'address=/.test/127.0.0.1' >> $(brew --prefix)/etc/dnsmasq.conf
Change port to default DNS port
echo 'port=53' >> $(brew --prefix)/etc/dnsmasq.conf
Autostart - now and after reboot
sudo brew services start dnsmasq
Test
dig testing.testing.one.two.three.test @127.0.0.1
Add to resolvers
Create resolver directory
sudo mkdir -v /etc/resolver
Add your nameserver to resolvers
sudo bash -c 'echo "nameserver 127.0.0.1" > /etc/resolver/test'
Test
---
title: Make sure you haven't broken your DNS.
---
ping -c 1 www.google.com
---
title: Check that .dev names work
---
ping -c 1 this.is.a.test.test
ping -c 1 iam.the.walrus.test