> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nanoforge.eu/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# start

> Start a built NanoForge project

import { Note } from "mintlify/components";

## Overview

`nf start` serves a previously built NanoForge project. It launches the loader (the website that
loads the game) and, when enabled, the server. It can also serve over HTTPS when given a
certificate and key.

## Usage

```bash theme={null}
nf start
```

## Options

| Option                           | Description                                                       |
| -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `-d, --directory <directory>`    | Working directory of the command.                                 |
| `-c, --config <config>`          | Path to the configuration file. Default: `nanoforge.config.json`. |
| `-p, --port <port>`              | Port of the loader (the website that loads the game).             |
| `--client-dir <clientDirectory>` | Directory of the built client.                                    |
| `--server-dir <serverDirectory>` | Directory of the built server.                                    |
| `--watch`                        | Run in watch mode. Default: `false`.                              |
| `--cert <cert>`                  | Path to the SSL certificate for HTTPS.                            |
| `--key <key>`                    | Path to the SSL key for HTTPS.                                    |

## Examples

**Start on a custom port:**

```bash theme={null}
nf start --port 8080
```

**Start over HTTPS:**

```bash theme={null}
nf start --cert ./certs/cert.pem --key ./certs/key.pem
```

<Note>
  Environment variables (for example server addresses and ports) are read from a `.env` file at the
  project root when the game starts. See [Environment
  variables](../../configuration/2-environment-variables).
</Note>