What is a WebContainer and how does it work?

WebContainer is a WebAssembly-based runtime that runs Node.js directly in your browser, eliminating the need for local installation.

How do I upload my project ZIP file?

Simply drag and drop your ZIP file into the circular upload zone, or click to browse and select it from your computer.

What file types are supported for upload?

We support .zip files containing any web project (HTML, CSS, JS, TypeScript, React, Next.js, Vue, Angular, etc.).

Does my project need a package.json file?

Yes, for Node.js-based projects. However, we also support static HTML projects without package.json.

How long does the installation process take?

Installation time depends on your project size and dependencies. Most projects complete in 30-60 seconds.

Is my code stored permanently?

Projects are stored in your browser's memory. For permanent storage, we recommend downloading your project.

Vite vs. Create React App vs. Next.js: Browser-Based Comparison

When building React applications in the browser, the choice of bundler and framework heavily impacts boot time and hot-module replacement (HMR) speeds.

Vite

Vite is incredibly fast in WebContainers. Because it leverages native ES modules, it skips the bundling step during development. It's the recommended choice for pure client-side React apps.

Next.js

Next.js provides a robust full-stack environment. While it takes slightly longer to boot due to its comprehensive Webpack/Turbopack setup, it fully supports Server Components and API routes inside the browser.

Create React App (CRA)

CRA is deprecated and noticeably slower in browser environments due to its heavy Webpack configuration. We strongly recommend migrating to Vite or Next.js for a better developer experience.