I made my first service "caddy_gen" a web gui to help create Caddyfile

link to my first project: https://caddy-gen.vercel.app/

it is the first time i host a website on vercel, the idea came to me since i am a new user for caddy and wanted an easier way to generate my configuration.

the entire project is made with claude ai and is constantly updated based on feedback.

current version 0.2:
Enhance Caddyfile generator UI and functionality

  • Add support for multiple site configurations
  • Implement global settings with ACME CA options
  • Create tabbed interface for global config and generated Caddyfile
  • Improve form layout using Chakra UI components
  • Fix import issues and use Chakra UI icons
  • Implement edit mode for direct Caddyfile editing

will be updating to version 0.3 later tonight.
please help me improve the website, i am no expert in caddyfiles

also mobile support is planned.

5 Likes

v0.3:

  • Add Common Patterns section for quick configuration
  • Expand Global Configuration options
  • Improve site configuration form layout and labels
  • Implement log level selection
  • Refine UI for better user guidance and clarity
  • Include a footer with a link to the developer’s donation page
  • Style the link to be noticeable yet unobtrusive
  • Ensure the layout accommodates the new footer

more changes in v0.4 later

Very cool! Thank you for sharing! A lot of people are asking about Caddy GUIs.

2 Likes

@sato942 I really like the idea of a generation website like this. Maybe we could synergize a bit regarding the Reverse Proxy section.

I have spend months creating a Reverse Proxy GUI for the OPNsense and there is a very big and comprehensive jinja2 template for it.

Maybe this could give you a jumpstart with the reverse proxy generation.

https://github.com/opnsense/plugins/blob/master/www/caddy/src/opnsense/mvc/app/models/OPNsense/Caddy/Caddy.xml
https://github.com/opnsense/plugins/blob/master/www/caddy/src/opnsense/service/templates/OPNsense/Caddy/Caddyfile
https://github.com/opnsense/plugins/tree/master/www/caddy/src/opnsense/mvc/app/controllers/OPNsense/Caddy/forms
2 Likes

i will look into it

Update Caddyfile Generator to version 0.4

Changes:

  • Added validation checks for email and other inputs
  • Implemented tooltips for form fields to provide additional information
  • Added save/load functionality using local storage
  • Improved mobile responsiveness with a collapsible sidebar
  • Implemented syntax highlighting for the generated Caddyfile
  • Added a “Copy to Clipboard” button for the generated Caddyfile
  • Implemented drag-and-drop reordering for site configurations
  • Added import/export functionality for configurations
  • Implemented dark mode support
  • Updated UI components for better user experience
  • Fixed various bugs and improved overall performance

This update significantly enhances the functionality and user experience of the Caddyfile Generator tool.

1 Like

Version 0.5 Release Notes:

This release brings significant improvements to the Caddyfile Generator, enhancing both its functionality and code structure:

  1. Modular Architecture: Refactored the monolithic component into smaller, more manageable components (e.g., GlobalConfig, SiteList, CaddyfileDisplay), improving code readability and maintainability.

  2. Custom Hooks: Introduced custom hooks (useCaddyfileGenerator, useDebounce) to encapsulate complex logic and state management, promoting better separation of concerns.

  3. Improved State Management: Implemented more efficient state updates using the useCallback hook, reducing unnecessary re-renders.

  4. Enhanced Error Handling: Added more robust error checking and user feedback, especially for email validation and form submissions.

  5. Responsive Design: Improved mobile responsiveness with a collapsible sidebar for smaller screens.

  6. Dark Mode: Implemented a consistent dark mode across all components for better user experience in low-light environments.

  7. Accessibility Improvements: Added more ARIA labels and improved keyboard navigation throughout the application.

  8. Performance Optimizations: Implemented React.memo for certain components to prevent unnecessary re-renders.

  9. Code Splitting: Separated utility functions and type definitions into their own files for better organization and potential code-splitting in the future.

  10. Updated Dependencies: Ensured all dependencies are up-to-date and removed any unused imports.

This version lays a solid foundation for future enhancements and makes the codebase more maintainable for ongoing development. Users will benefit from a more responsive, accessible, and feature-rich experience when generating their Caddyfiles.

1 Like

Version 0.5.1: Bug fixes and improvements

  • Fixed handleAddSite function in useCaddyfileGenerator hook
  • Updated Sidebar component to properly pass onAddPattern prop
  • Changed CommonPatterns to use named export for consistency
  • Improved generateCaddyfileContent function to handle both root and reverse_proxy configurations
  • Updated SiteForm to treat encodings consistently
  • Enhanced error handling and user feedback in form submissions
  • Improved overall code consistency and removed unused variables
  • Updated README to reflect recent changes and improvements

This update addresses several minor bugs and inconsistencies, improving the overall functionality and user experience of the Caddyfile Generator.

1 Like

Changelog for version 0.5.2

Enhancements:

  • Added a new modal interface for adding custom sites, improving user experience
  • Implemented saving and loading of the generated Caddyfile along with configuration
  • Improved feedback when saving configurations, including warnings for missing Caddyfiles
  • Enhanced error handling during Caddyfile generation
  • Provided clearer user feedback for configuration save and load operations

Bug Fixes:

  • Fixed issue where “Add Custom Site” didn’t prompt for site details
  • Resolved potential issues with saving incomplete configurations

Developer Notes:

  • Refactored CaddyfileGenerator and useCaddyfileGenerator for better state management
  • Added new AddSiteModal component for improved code organization

Version 0.5.3

Major Changes and Improvements

  1. Drag and Drop Functionality:
  • Implemented a custom drag and drop solution to replace react-beautiful-dnd
  • Fixed errors related to dragging items, especially when only one item is present
  • Improved overall stability and user experience of the drag and drop feature
  1. Sidebar Updates:
  • Removed the site list from the sidebar for a cleaner interface
  • Kept other useful functions like “Add Custom Site” and “Common Patterns” in the sidebar
  1. Caddyfile Generation and Display:
  • Replaced the “Generate Caddyfile” button with a “Download Caddyfile” feature
  • The Caddyfile now updates automatically as changes are made
  • Added ability to download the current Caddyfile as a file
  1. Color Mode and Dark Mode Enhancements:
  • Implemented robust color mode handling to ensure consistent appearance across the application
  • Fixed text color inconsistency when switching between light and dark modes
  • Optimized Caddyfile display component to ensure proper re-rendering on color mode switches
  • Enhanced dark mode compatibility across all components
  • Improved initial color mode loading to prevent flickering on page load
  1. UI/UX Improvements:
  • Streamlined the interface for better user experience
  • Improved visual feedback in the Caddyfile editor
  • Enhanced overall responsiveness and performance
  • Ensured consistent styling and color transitions throughout the application
  1. Code Structure and Performance:
  • Updated App component structure for better color mode management
  • Optimized theme configuration for more efficient color mode handling
  • Improved component re-rendering logic to enhance performance during mode switches

This update significantly improves the stability, functionality, and user experience of the Caddyfile Generator, with a focus on drag-and-drop operations, color mode compatibility, and simplified Caddyfile management. The enhancements in color mode handling ensure a smooth and consistent visual experience across different system preferences and user interactions.

[0.6.0] - 2024-07-03

Added

  • Real-time Caddyfile syntax validation
  • Enhanced Global Configuration with advanced HTTPS options
  • Guided Tour for new users using react-joyride
  • Syntax highlighting for Caddyfile display
  • Reset configuration functionality with confirmation dialog

Improved

  • Error handling with more comprehensive suggestions
  • Global Configuration UI with accordion layout
  • Caddyfile Display component with better formatting
  • Overall user interface refinements
  • Caddyfile generation logic to prevent empty configurations
  • Validation to only run on non-empty Caddyfiles

Changed

  • Updated project dependencies
  • Refactored useCaddyfileGenerator hook
  • Modified GlobalConfig and CaddyfileDisplay components

Fixed

  • Various UI bugs and inconsistencies
  • Improved error handling in file operations
  • Issue with default Caddyfile always displaying on load
  • Validator running unnecessarily on empty Caddyfiles
  • Reset configuration not properly clearing the Caddyfile

Documentation

  • Updated README.md with new features and usage instructions
  • Added inline code documentation for complex functions
  • Created changelog
1 Like

[0.6.4] - 2023-07-17

Added

  • Implemented automatic saving of configuration to localStorage.
  • Added automatic loading of saved configuration on page load/refresh.
  • Introduced a 30-second interval for periodic auto-saving.
  • Added debug logging for configuration saves, loads, and site modifications.
  • Implemented a “Last auto-saved” timestamp display in the UI.

Changed

  • Updated Caddyfile generation to use tab indentation consistently.
  • Modified CaddyfileValidator to correctly handle tab-indented Caddyfiles.
  • Moved lastSaved state into the useCaddyfileGenerator hook for better consistency.
  • Refactored useCaddyfileGenerator hook to manage localStorage operations more effectively.
  • Updated CaddyfileGenerator component to handle loaded state validation.
  • Removed manual “Save Config” button as saving is now automatic.

Fixed

  • Resolved issue where site configurations were lost on page refresh.
  • Fixed indentation validation errors for generated Caddyfiles.
  • Corrected mismatch between Caddyfile generation and validation logic.
  • Addressed race condition between initial load and save operations.

Improved

  • Enhanced error handling and user feedback for configuration save and load operations.
  • Optimized state updates to trigger saves only when necessary.
  • Improved the reliability of configuration persistence across page refreshes and browser sessions.

Removed

  • Eliminated redundant save operations during the initial load of the application.

Security

  • Implemented error handling to prevent exposing sensitive information in case of localStorage failures.

Development

  • Added more comprehensive debug logging to aid in troubleshooting configuration-related issues.

[0.6.2] - 2023-07-15

Added

  • Implemented try_files directive support in the SiteForm component.

  • Added a new field for try_files in the SiteForm with an explanatory tooltip.

  • Implemented onDownload function in CaddyfileGenerator component for downloading the Caddyfile.

  • Added handleDownload function to CaddyfileDisplay component.

Changed

  • Updated the generateCaddyfileContent function to include the try_files directive when specified.

  • Modified the CommonPatterns component to include a new pattern for Single-Page Applications (SPAs).

  • Updated useCaddyfileGenerator hook to handle empty Caddyfiles correctly.

  • Modified GlobalConfig component to include isExpanded and onToggleExpand in PropTypes.

  • Refactored CaddyfileGenerator component export to resolve lazy loading issues.

  • Simplified CaddyfileGenerator import in App.js to fix Element type errors.

Fixed

  • Resolved import issues for Tooltip and InfoIcon in SiteForm component.

  • Removed unused imports to eliminate warnings.

  • Corrected the application of the className prop in the SiteList component.

  • Fixed potential issues with empty Caddyfile generation and validation.

Improved

  • Enhanced error handling and user feedback for Caddyfile generation and validation.

  • Improved consistency in prop types and component interfaces.

  • Optimized lazy loading implementation for better performance and error handling.

Removed

  • Eliminated unused validateCaddyfile import in CaddyfileDisplay component.

[0.6.1] - 2023-07-14

Added

  • PropTypes for all components to improve type checking and documentation.

  • Error boundary component to catch and handle runtime errors gracefully.

Changed

  • Standardized component exports to use named exports instead of default exports for better consistency.

  • Enhanced error handling in asynchronous operations, particularly in configuration saving and loading.

Fixed

  • Improved error messages and error state management throughout the application.

Security

  • Implemented more robust input validation to prevent potential security issues.
1 Like

Looking nice. I did notice that the Tour doesn’t work for me (clicking Next does nothing), and also when I click the “Add Static File Server” or “Add Reverse Proxy” or any of those blue buttons on the left side, they all bring up the same dialog box (“Add Custom Site”).

2 Likes

thank you, i am doing small changes everyday.

will fix these issues next.

1 Like

Nice! But tour doesn’t work, and I don’t understand what’s the difference between patterns. Looks like they all do the same