Data Server

Data Server is a lightweight Python tool that turns JSON or CSV files into fully functional REST APIs with virtually no backend setup. It automatically discovers resources and generates CRUD endpoints, while supporting filtering, sorting, pagination, configurable latency, and persistence of changes back to the source data. (GitHub)

The Challenge

Frontend developers often need a working API while building and testing applications, but creating a dedicated backend, database, models, and endpoints can add unnecessary setup and slow down development. For prototypes, demos, and frontend development, a simple local data source should be enough to simulate realistic API behavior.

The Solution

Data Server was built to eliminate that setup. A developer can provide a JSON or CSV file and immediately have a REST API generated from its structure, with collection and item endpoints automatically mapped from the data. The server supports standard CRUD operations, filtering, sorting, pagination, configurable response behavior, and writes modifications back to the original file. (GitHub)

Outcome

The result is a developer-focused mock API server that makes it possible to go from static data to a usable REST API in seconds. It provides enough realistic API behavior to support frontend development and testing without requiring developers to manually build and maintain a backend for every prototype or test project. (GitHub)