> ## 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.

# Develop locally

> Iterate on your game with dev mode and file generation

Once a project exists, most of your time is spent in the develop-and-iterate loop.

**1. Start dev mode**

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

`nf dev` serves the game and watches your files, so changes are picked up as you work. Keep it
running in a dedicated terminal.

**2. Point at a different config or directory**

Working in a monorepo or with multiple configs? Every command accepts `-d` and `-c`:

```bash theme={null}
nf dev -d ./packages/game -c nanoforge.dev.json
```

> [!NOTE]
>
> Need runtime values like a server address or ports? Put them in a `.env` file - see [Environment
> variables](https://docs.nanoforge.eu/docs/cli/configuration/environment-variables.md).


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