Overview
Shelf HotReload is a lightweight wrapper that simplifies hot-reloading for Shelf-based web servers in Flutter applications. It enables developers to automatically restart the server when source files change, improving development efficiency without manual intervention. Designed for use during local development, it integrates seamlessly with Shelf's middleware and routing system. The package supports all major platforms, making it ideal for cross-platform backend services built with Flutter.
Use cases
- Live code updates during development
- Rapid iteration on Shelf APIs
- Cross-platform backend prototyping
- Development server automation
- Real-time API testing
Key features
- Automatic server restart on file changes
- Simple integration with Shelf routers
- Supports all Flutter platforms
- Minimal configuration required
- Built-in development-only mode
Suitable for
- Flutter developers building Shelf servers
- Backend service prototypes
- Local development workflows
- Teams prioritizing fast feedback loops
- Projects using Shelf for HTTP handling
Considerations
- Not intended for production use
- Requires manual setup for complex server configurations
- Limited to development environments
- May increase startup time slightly
- Does not support hot-reload for external dependencies