How to Run a Svelte Project: Simple Steps to Start

To run a Svelte project, first install dependencies with npm install, then start the development server using npm run dev. Open http://localhost:5173 in your browser to see your app running.

Syntax

Running a Svelte project involves two main commands:

• npm install: Installs all required packages listed in package.json.
• npm run dev: Starts the development server that watches your files and reloads the app automatically.

After running npm run dev, open http://localhost:5173 in your browser to view the app.

bash

npm install
npm run dev

Output

  > svelte-project@1.0.0 dev
  > vite

  vite v4.x.x dev server running at:
  > Local:    http://localhost:5173/
  > Network:  use --host to expose

  ready in 300ms.

Example

This example shows how to run a fresh Svelte project created with npm create vite@latest my-svelte-app -- --template svelte. After navigating into the project folder, run the commands to start the app.

bash

cd my-svelte-app
npm install
npm run dev

Output

  > my-svelte-app@1.0.0 dev
  > vite

  vite v4.x.x dev server running at:
  > Local:    http://localhost:5173/

Open http://localhost:5173 in your browser to see your Svelte app.

Common Pitfalls

1. Forgetting to install dependencies: Running npm run dev before npm install causes errors because packages are missing.

2. Using wrong port: The default port is 5173, not 3000. Make sure to open http://localhost:5173.

3. Not in project folder: Run commands inside your Svelte project directory where package.json is located.

bash

Wrong way:
npm run dev

Right way:
npm install
npm run dev

Quick Reference

Command	Purpose
npm install	Install project dependencies
npm run dev	Start development server
http://localhost:5173	URL to view running app

Key Takeaways

Always run npm install before npm run dev to install dependencies.

Use npm run dev to start the Svelte development server.

Open http://localhost:5173 in your browser to see your app.

Run commands inside your Svelte project folder.

Check the terminal output for the correct local URL and port.