What is our primary use case?
I mainly use ngrok for testing APIs, first locally, and then directly making a URL out of it using ngrok and sharing it with my team members so that they can test it on their side. For example, if I have been making any API of a database, then I can give that to any team member or front-end developer, they can test it from their side and we can see whatever is missing.
Beside this development, I am keen about working in the domain of machine learning. I am just a beginner, but still I try my best to train the model and then make certain types of APIs from it, and I can share my ML models' demos, either in interviews or with any senior.
As I mentioned, I have started working in URLs and APIs from the past six to seven months. At first, it was hard to make any changes and then test it locally, but if any team member of mine needed it, we had to go through and upload it, checking in on AWS, Azure, or GitHub. Then we had to solve the merges and merge conflicts, and then my team member could check out from that and get the latest version of whatever I had built, and then they could test it. Since ngrok has come, it has been easier and faster to test APIs from one system to another system globally.
What is most valuable?
ngrok helped my team in both ways. It makes it a little easier as we don't have to make every build whenever the API has needed some changes or testing, and the work has been faster because I can just directly make it in the form of a URL and my team members can check it out.
One of the best features is that we don't need any type of deployment. ngrok can directly turn my local URL into a global URL, and any other teammate of mine can check it out. Another feature is that it's HTTPS by default, so there is no need of SSL and no headache of SSL. Besides that, it gives developers like me a debugging power, so we can fix API bugs and save our time.
Every URL should be HTTPS secured, so it's very much convenient for me that my local URLs are directly going to convert into a global URL with HTTPS secure. As far as the debugging power is concerned, I can exactly see the request-response, my team members can see it, and we can help each other to fix API bugs faster and save time.
Mainly it helps with working faster and teamwork.
What needs improvement?
As the technology evolves, I believe that ngrok will also evolve, and with evolvement, it can make their system even better. The URLs that change every time would be something I would like to see fixed in the future. Besides that, I don't have any problems.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using ngrok since more than six months, as I have been developing multiple APIs in my company.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
ngrok is definitely stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It handles growth well. The scalability is up to the mark.
How are customer service and support?
I don't have any interaction with the customer support till now, but from the frequently asked questions, I have gotten my answers from them.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I haven't used any other solution till now. I have been very much satisfied with ngrok.
How was the initial setup?
It was easy and great. We got all the help that we needed. The doubt questions were cleared.
What about the implementation team?
The suggestion of ngrok was from one of my seniors. I first tested it, and I liked it. The result was satisfying. I haven't gone through any other alternatives.
What was our ROI?
Definitely, one of the main advantages is time saved and money saved.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
The suggestion of ngrok was from one of my seniors. I first tested it, and I liked it. The result was satisfying. I haven't gone through any other alternatives.
What other advice do I have?
I would say that ngrok is mainly for those who are working with APIs because it has been a time-saver and it increases your teamwork with other members. I would say whenever someone is in the beginner phase of building APIs and working within a team, they should definitely try ngrok. I would rate my overall experience with ngrok as a 9.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.