dev-server

Start development servers with automatic port selection and project detection.

5|2|Updated Jan 20, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #frontend #monorepo #startup #dev-server #port-management #environment-detection

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/petekp/agent-skills --skill dev-server-petekp

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: dev-server
Source: https://github.com/petekp/agent-skills/tree/main/skills/dev-server
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/petekp/agent-skills --skill dev-server-petekp

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Start development servers automatically while avoiding port conflicts and handling a variety of project setups, saving time and reducing manual steps.

Core Features & Use Cases

Intelligent port management: scans common dev ports, detects conflicts, and selects a safe port.
Environment-aware startup: detects Docker, monorepos, and different package managers to launch the right dev server.
Cleanup and auto-launch: cleans stale processes and opens the browser when the server is ready.

Use cases include spinning up React, Next.js, or other frontend/backend apps in a monorepo, or starting multiple apps in sequence with correct ports.

Quick Start

Start the development server for the current project using automatic port selection and automatic browser launch.

Frequently Asked Questions about dev-server

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I start a dev server without running into port conflicts?▼

Starting a dev server without port conflicts is handled by scanning common ports, detecting active conflicts, and automatically selecting a safe alternative to launch your local frontend or backend project.

Can I automatically launch multiple apps in a monorepo with correct ports?▼

Yes, you can launch multiple apps in a monorepo by detecting the workspace structure and package manager lockfiles, which allows the skill to start each application in sequence with correctly assigned, conflict-free ports.

Does the dev server startup process support docker-compose environments?▼

Yes, dev server startup supports docker-compose by detecting its presence in the project directory and using that signal to apply the appropriate launch logic for your containerized environment.

What is the best way to clean up stale processes before opening a local development server?▼

The best way to clean up stale processes before opening a local development server is to use an environment-aware startup script that terminates lingering tasks and automatically opens the browser once the chosen port is ready.

How does environment detection work for choosing the right dev server?▼

Environment detection for choosing the right dev server works by checking for docker-compose files, monorepo structures, and package manager lockfiles, using these signals to launch the appropriate dev server configuration.