# grunt-express-server > Grunt task for running an Express Server that works great with LiveReload + Watch/Regarde ## Getting Started This plugin requires Grunt `~0.4.0` If you haven't used [Grunt](http://gruntjs.com/) before, be sure to check out the [Getting Started](http://gruntjs.com/getting-started) guide, as it explains how to create a [Gruntfile](http://gruntjs.com/sample-gruntfile) as well as install and use Grunt plugins. Once you're familiar with that process, you may install this plugin with this command: ```shell npm install grunt-express-server --save-dev ``` One the plugin has been installed, it may be enabled inside your Gruntfile with this line of JavaScript: ```js grunt.loadNpmTasks('grunt-express-server'); ``` ## The "server" task ### Setup In your project's Gruntfile, simply add a `script` property to your existing `server` object. ```js grunt.initConfig({ express: 'path/to/server.js' }) ``` ### Usage #### With [grunt-contrib-livereload](https://github.com/gruntjs/grunt-contrib-livereload) ```js grunt.initConfig({ watch: { express: { files: [ 'path/to/files/to/watch/**.js' ], tasks: [ 'express', 'livereload' ] } } }); grunt.registerTask('server', [ 'express', 'livereload', 'watch' ]) ``` This will let you override `grunt server` with a LiveReload-able Express Server. Finally, you can make changes to your API and watch the JSON change in your browser! #### With [grunt-contrib-watch](https://github.com/gruntjs/grunt-contrib-watch) ```js grunt.initConfig({ watch: { express: { files: [ '**/*.js' ], tasks: [ 'express' ], options: { nospawn: true //Without this option specified express won't be reloaded } } } }); grunt.registerTask('server', [ 'express', 'watch' ]) ``` ## Contributing In lieu of a formal styleguide, take care to maintain the existing coding style. Add unit tests for any new or changed functionality. Lint and test your code using [Grunt](http://gruntjs.com/). ## Release History ### v0.2.0 - Change `express-server` task to `express` - Config is set via `express: '...'` instead of `server: { script: '...' } ` ### v0.1.0 - Initial import from [Genesis Skeleton](https://github.com/ericclemmons/genesis-skeleton) & release