API Mocking for Mobile Development

Mobile apps can't hit localhost. You need real URLs that work on physical devices, simulators, and CI servers. MockStation provides cloud-hosted endpoints that work everywhere.

The localhost Problem

Web developers can run a mock server on localhost. Mobile developers can't:

• Physical devices can't reach your computer's localhost
• iOS simulators need special configuration
• Android emulators use 10.0.2.2 instead of localhost
• CI builds run on different machines
• Team members each need their own setup

The Solution: Cloud-Hosted Mocks

MockStation gives you stable, public URLs that work everywhere:

React Native Example

// Works on iOS, Android, simulators, and CI
const API_BASE = __DEV__
  ? 'https://api.mockstation.io/v1/my-app'
  : 'https://api.mycompany.com';

export const fetchUsers = async () => {
  const response = await fetch(`${API_BASE}/users`);
  return response.json();
};

Flutter Example

class ApiConfig {
  static const bool isDev = bool.fromEnvironment('dart.vm.product') == false;

  static String get baseUrl => isDev
    ? 'https://api.mockstation.io/v1/my-flutter-app'
    : 'https://api.mycompany.com';
}

// Usage
final response = await http.get(
  Uri.parse('${ApiConfig.baseUrl}/products')
);

Swift/iOS Example

struct APIConfig {
    #if DEBUG
    static let baseURL = "https://api.mockstation.io/v1/my-ios-app"
    #else
    static let baseURL = "https://api.mycompany.com"
    #endif
}

func fetchUsers() async throws -> [User] {
    let url = URL(string: "\(APIConfig.baseURL)/users")!
    let (data, _) = try await URLSession.shared.data(from: url)
    return try JSONDecoder().decode([User].self, from: data)
}

Testing on Real Devices

With MockStation, testing on real devices is straightforward:

1. Build your app pointing to MockStation URLs
2. Install on your iPhone/Android device
3. App works immediately no special network config

Test on your phone during your commute. Demo to clients on their devices. No laptop required.

CI/CD for Mobile

MockStation URLs work in CI environments too:

• Bitrise: Set environment variable to mock URL
• GitHub Actions: Same mock URL as local development
• Fastlane: Configure for debug builds
• App Center: Test builds use mock backend

Your test suite runs against the same stable mock, whether locally or in CI.

Offline Development

While MockStation is cloud-hosted, you can:

• Cache responses for offline testing
• Use recorded responses in your test suite
• Combine with local caching layers

Get Started

Set up mock APIs for your mobile app:

1. Create a free account
2. Create a project for your mobile app
3. Add endpoints with realistic data
4. Use the mock URL in your app config
5. Test on any device instantly