Step-by-Step Deployment Guide for React ANPR Web App

This comprehensive guide will walk you through setting up your local environment, running the app locally, building it for production, and deploying it to popular static hosts like Netlify and Vercel. Along with deployment steps, you’ll find important notes on HTTPS, camera permissions, and mobile device compatibility.

1. Set Up Local Development Environment

To start developing and testing the React ANPR web app on your machine, follow these steps:

  1. Install Node.js and npm: React apps require Node.js. Download the latest LTS version from  https://nodejs.org/en/. After installation, verify by running: 
    node -v
npm -v
  2. Clone or download your React ANPR app project: If you have a Git repository, clone it: 
    git clone <your-repo-url>
cd <your-repo-folder>
    Otherwise, extract your project files to a local directory.
  3. Install dependencies: Run npm inside your project folder to install all required packages: 
    npm install
    This will create a node_modules folder with all modules.

2. Run the App Locally

Once dependencies are installed, you can start the development server to run your app locally and see changes live.

  1. Execute the start command: 
    npm start
    This will launch a local dev server usually accessible at http://localhost:3000 in your browser.
  2. Open your favorite browser and go to http://localhost:3000. The React app should load and reflect your latest code.
  3. The development server usually supports hot reloading, so any code changes automatically reload the app in the browser.
  4. Use browser developer tools (F12 or Cmd+Option+I) to debug and troubleshoot.

3. Build the App for Production

To prepare your app for deployment, build an optimized static bundle:

  1. Run the build command: 
    npm run build
  2. This creates a build folder with static HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files optimized for performance and production readiness.
  3. You can preview the production build locally using a static server such as serve: 
    npm install -g serve
serve -s build
    This serves your built app typically on http://localhost:5000.

4. Deploy to Popular Static Hosts

Your React ANPR app is ready to go live! Here are beginner-friendly instructions for deploying your app to some popular platforms:

Netlify

  1. Create a free account at https://netlify.com.
  2. After logging in, click “New site from Git” on your dashboard.
  3. Connect your git repository (GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket) or drag-and-drop your build folder as a ZIP archive if manual upload is preferred.
  4. Configure build settings:
    • Build Command: npm run build
    • Publish Directory: build
  5. Click “Deploy site”. Netlify will build and host the app, providing you a live HTTPS URL.
  6. Access your app at the provided URL! You can customize domain and settings anytime within Netlify dashboard.

Vercel

  1. Create a free account at https://vercel.com.
  2. Click “New Project” and import your React app from GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.
  3. Vercel usually auto-detects React and suggests settings:
    • Framework: React
    • Build Command: npm run build
    • Output Directory: build
  4. Click “Deploy”. Vercel will build and publish your app on a unique HTTPS URL.
  5. Access your live site and customize domain/SSL through your Vercel dashboard.

Other Hosting Options

You can also host your built app using GitHub Pages, Firebase Hosting, AWS S3 + CloudFront, or your own server supporting static files. Always ensure your hosting supports HTTPS to enable secure camera access.

5. Notes on HTTPS and Camera Permissions & Mobile Tips

HTTPS and Camera Permissions

  • HTTPS is required: Modern browsers block access to camera hardware for apps served on non-secure origins. Your React ANPR app must be delivered over HTTPS in production (both Netlify and Vercel provide free HTTPS by default).
  • Camera Permissions: On first run, browsers will prompt users to allow camera access. Users must accept this to enable license plate capture.
  • Testing camera locally: When running locally, the development server usually uses localhost which is treated as a secure context by browsers. If you use an IP address instead or different hostname, HTTPS or special flags might be needed (e.g., Chrome's --unsafely-treat-insecure-origin-as-secure).
  • Privacy & security: Ensure your deployment respects privacy laws and informs users clearly about camera usage.

Mobile Device Compatibility Tips

  • Browser support: Use up-to-date mobile browsers like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox to guarantee full camera API support.
  • Responsive layout: The React app should respond well to smaller screens. If needed, verify or enhance your CSS styles for mobile breakpoints.
  • Camera Constraints: Adjust video stream constraints for mobile — allow selecting rear camera by specifying facingMode: "environment".
  • Touch interactions: Ensure all buttons and controls are large enough and spaced well for finger taps.
  • Performance: Mobile devices may have less processing power; consider optimizing your app or providing settings to reduce computational load.