Overview
Shelf Proxy is a Dart package that provides a Shelf handler for forwarding HTTP requests to another server. It enables developers to create proxy servers easily within Flutter or Dart applications, allowing request interception and forwarding with minimal configuration. Ideal for backend integration, API gateway patterns, or testing environments, it supports all major platforms including mobile, web, and desktop. The package integrates seamlessly with the Shelf ecosystem, offering flexibility in handling incoming requests and routing them to external services.
Use cases
- API gateway implementation
- Testing and development proxies
- Backend service integration
- Request logging and monitoring
- Cross-origin request forwarding
Key features
- Simple integration with Shelf
- Supports all Dart platforms
- Configurable target URLs
- Transparent request/response forwarding
- Extensible middleware compatibility
Suitable for
- Backend developers using Shelf
- Full-stack Flutter apps needing proxy logic
- Dev/test environments requiring request routing
- Microservices communication setups
- API mocking and debugging
Considerations
- Requires proper error handling for downstream failures
- May introduce latency depending on target server
- Needs secure configuration for production use
- Limited built-in authentication mechanisms
- CORS policies must be managed externally