A minimal Go implementation to expose localhost servers to the internet via public tunnels.
Localtunnel is a tool that creates secure public tunnels to localhost servers, allowing developers to expose local web applications to the internet for testing or sharing. It solves the problem of needing to deploy applications to test webhooks, collaborate remotely, or demonstrate work-in-progress features. The current version (v3) is a minimal implementation written in Go, serving as both a usable tool and a historical archive of tunneling technology.
Developers who need to test webhooks, share local development servers with teammates or clients, or learn how tunneling systems work through a minimal codebase.
Developers choose Localtunnel for its simplicity and educational value—it's a minimal, open-source alternative to commercial tunneling services that demonstrates the core concepts without complexity. It's also historically significant as one of the pioneering tools in this space.
Expose localhost servers to the Internet
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With under 200 lines of Go code, it's easy to understand and modify, serving as an excellent educational resource for tunneling concepts.
Maintains branches with previous versions (v1, v2) that document the evolution of tunneling technology, useful for historical study and reference.
Leverages the Duplex library to simplify stream multiplexing, resulting in a clean and straightforward implementation for tunnel creation.
As open-source software, it allows customization and extension to fit specific needs, unlike proprietary alternatives.
The README explicitly states there is no public server available, requiring users to set up their own infrastructure or use it only locally.
It provides basic tunneling without additional tools like webhook management, authentication, or monitoring, which are standard in commercial services.
Binary releases are not set up, so users must install Go and compile from source, adding initial hurdles for non-Go developers.
localtunnel is an open-source alternative to the following products: