Dictionary term
Localhost
Also called 127.0.0.1
Web/DevBeginner
The reserved hostname for your own computer; requests to localhost resolve to the loopback address (127.0.0.1 or ::1) and never leave the machine.
In plain English
The web address for your own computer, used to try an app privately before it goes online.
Analogy
Like rehearsing a speech in your living room before giving it on stage.
Why it matters
You develop and test locally first; but outside services such as webhooks from GHL or Stripe cannot reach localhost without a tunnel.
In practice
Running npm run dev starts your Next.js app at http://localhost:3000, where only you can see it.
Related terms
Sources
Browse all terms →Last verified