| name | rawr-start-project |
| description | Use to run, start, launch, or use a sub project - detects and starts frontend and/or backend services so the project is usable in the browser |
Start Project
Overview
Detect the project structure, identify how to start each part, and launch everything so the user can immediately use the project.
Detection
Check the project root for these patterns in order:
Single fullstack app:
package.json with dev script at root, no separate frontend/ or backend/ subdirectories with their own package.json- Run:
pnpm dev
Separate frontend + backend:
frontend/package.json AND backend/package.json (or client/ and server/)- Run both concurrently in background
Other patterns:
Makefile with a dev or start target - use make devdocker-compose.yml - ask user if they want Docker or direct- Backend only (no frontend dir) - run the backend, note it's API only
How to Start
- Read
package.json (and subdirectory ones if present) to find the actual dev/start script
- Check lockfile to confirm package manager:
pnpm-lock.yaml → pnpm (default), yarn.lock → yarn, package-lock.json → npm
- Check
.env exists - if not, remind user it may be needed (don't block on this)
- Run each process using Bash with
run_in_background: true
- After launching, report what's running and the likely URL(s)
Common URLs
After starting, tell the user where to look:
- Vite frontend: usually
http://localhost:5173
- Next.js: usually
http://localhost:3000
- Express backend: check the port in the source or
.env, commonly 3001, 4000, 8080
Quick Reference
| Pattern | Command |
|---|
Root package.json only | pnpm dev at root |
frontend/ + backend/ | pnpm dev in each, background |
client/ + server/ | pnpm dev in each, background |
| Next.js | pnpm dev at root |
Notes
- Default to pnpm unless a different lockfile is present
- Always run in background so the terminal stays usable
- If
node_modules is missing, run pnpm install first (check before starting)
- If ports are already in use, report the error - don't try to kill processes without asking
