Quickstart
Run your first Modus app in a few minutes
In this quickstart we’ll show you how to get set up with Modus and its CLI and build a simple app that fetches a random quote from an external API. You’ll learn how to use the basic components of a Modus app and how to run it locally.
Prerequisites
- Node.js - v22 or higher
- Text editor - we recommend VS Code
- Terminal - access Modus through a command-line interface (CLI)
Building your first Modus app
Install the Modus CLI
The Modus CLI provides a set of commands to help you create, build, and run your Modus apps. Install the CLI using npm.
Initialize your Modus app
To create a new Modus app, run the following command in your terminal:
This command prompts you to choose between Go and AssemblyScript as the language for your app. It then creates a new directory with the necessary files and folders for your app. You will also be asked if you would like to initialize a Git repository.
Build and run your app
To build and run your app, navigate to the app directory and run the following command:
This command runs your app locally in development mode and provides you with a URL to access your app’s generated API.
Access your local endpoint
Once your app is running, you can access the graphical interface for your API at the URL located in your terminal.
This interface allows you to interact with your app’s API and test your functions.
Add a connection
Modus is a secure-by-default framework. To connect to external services, you need to add a connection in your app manifest.
Add the following code into your modus.json
manifest file:
Add a function
Functions are the building blocks of your app. Let’s add a function that fetches a random quote from the ZenQuotes connection you just created.
To add a function, create a new file in the root directory with the following code:
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