Introduction
When you’re developing and testing changes to your Prebid.js setup, ensuring everything functions perfectly before deployment is critical. A common practice is to load Prebid.js script from a staging or local server into your production environment for final testing. This approach allows you to validate changes in a real-world setting without risking your live environment. However, managing this can be challenging, especially without the right tools. This is where tools like Charles, Fiddler, or Requestly come into play.
While proxy tools like Charles and Fiddler are powerful, people prefer Requestly for several reasons:
- Browser Extension: Requestly works directly in your browser, eliminating the need for context switching and bypassing installation permission issues.
- No VPN Issues: Unlike some proxy tools, Requestly works seamlessly without VPN-related complications.
- Modern UI: Requestly offers a user-friendly interface, making it easier to create and manage rules.
- Top-Notch Support: The Requestly team provides excellent support, ensuring you get the help you need when you need it.
Prerequisites
- Prebid.js: A working version of Prebid.js hosted on a staging server.
- Requestly Browser Extension: Install the Requestly extension in your browser. It’s available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Why Load from Staging or Local Environments?
- Avoid Downtime: Catching errors in staging prevents potential downtime on your live site.
- Ensure Compatibility: Verify that your changes work well with your live site’s existing setup.
- Test in Real-World Scenarios: Simulate how your setup will behave under real-world conditions without impacting actual users.
How to Load Prebid.js from Staging or Local Server
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to use Requestly to load your Prebid.js script from a staging server onto your production site. This method is efficient, safe, and allows for comprehensive testing without modifying your live environment.
Understanding the Replace Rule
Setting Up Requestly
Step 1: Install Requestly
Step 2: Create a New Replace Rule in Requestly
- Open Requestly: Go to requestly app , click on HTTP Rule .
- Choose Rule Type: Select Replace URLÂ from the list of options. This allows you to replace the URL of the Prebid.js script with your staging server URL.
- Configure the Rule:
- Replace URL: In the Original URL field, enter the URL of the Prebid.js script as it is loaded on the production site (e.g.,
https://cdn.production.com/prebid.js). - With: In the “Replace with” field, enter the URL of the Prebid.js script on your staging server (e.g.,
https://cdn.staging.com/prebid.js).
- Replace URL: In the Original URL field, enter the URL of the Prebid.js script as it is loaded on the production site (e.g.,
- Save the Rule: Give your rule a name (e.g., “Load Staging server”) and save it.
Testing Your Rule
After setting up the redirect, it’s important to test it to ensure it works properly.
Test URL Condition
Leverage the Test URL condition feature to confirm that the URLs you’re targeting match the conditions set in your rule.
To access the Test URL Condition popup:
- Navigate to the rule
- Click on the Test URL Condition button.
This will open a popup where you can input a URL to see if it meets the conditions defined in your rule.
Test the Rule
Use the Test this rule feature to ensure your redirect rule functions as intended before deployment.
To use this feature:
- Select the rule you want to test.
- Click on the Test button.
- Enter the Url you want to test
- Click Test RuleÂ
This will help you verify that your rule behaves correctly with live data and make necessary adjustments before going live.
Advanced Features of Requestly
Requestly offers some cool advanced features that can make your testing even better:
Modifying Query Parameters
Adjust query parameters in your API calls to simulate different scenarios.
Mocking API Responses
Test how your front-end handles different data by modifying API responses.
Delaying Network Requests
Simulate slow network conditions to test how your application performs.
