# What is Localhost?

It is a situation where software runs only on the computer currently in use without connecting to the internet.

## Overview
When developers build a website, they do not upload it to the internet immediately. First, they test it on their own computers using the 'localhost' address. This is like your computer saying to itself, 'I am a server.' No one from the outside can see it; only you can see it.

*Analogy: It is like rehearsing a play in an empty room with only the actors before putting it on stage; there is no audience yet.*

## How it works
You access the software running on your own computer by typing 'localhost' into your browser's address bar.

## Where it is used
It is used in software development processes and testing phases.

## Commonly confused with
It can be confused with a website; however, localhost is exclusive only to your computer.

## Frequently asked questions
**Why do we use localhost?**
To fix errors safely on our own computer before exposing them to the internet.


## Related terms
- [IDE](/en/dictionary/ide/)
- [Deployment](/en/dictionary/deployment/)

## Related tools
- [Penpot](/en/discover/penpot/)
- [Project N.O.M.A.D](/en/discover/project-nomad/)
- [Jenkins](/en/discover/jenkins/)
- [OpenStock](/en/discover/openstock/)
- [Personal_AI_Infrastructure](/en/discover/personal-ai-infrastructure/)
- [Portless](/en/discover/portless/)
- [Flowsint](/en/discover/flowsint/)
- [Teslamate](/en/discover/teslamate/)

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Source: TreScout Dictionary · https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/localhost/