---
description: Build the backend proxy server as a standalone .exe file
---
# Build Backend Executable

This workflow explains how to package the Node.js backend (`backend_proxy.cjs`) into a standalone executable file (`.exe`) using [pkg](https://github.com/vercel/pkg).

## Prerequisites

- Node.js installed
- `npm` installed

## Steps

1.  **Install `pkg` globally** (if not already installed):
    ```powershell
    npm install -g pkg
    ```

2.  **Build the executable**:
    Run the following command in the project root (`c:\Data\Source\SIMP\WebFTP`):
    ```powershell
    pkg backend_proxy.cjs --targets node18-win-x64 --output webzilla-backend.exe
    ```
    - `--targets node18-win-x64`: Targets Node.js 18 on Windows 64-bit. Adjust as needed (e.g., `node18-macos-x64`, `node18-linux-x64`).
    - `--output webzilla-backend.exe`: The name of the output file.

3.  **Run the executable**:
    Double-click `webzilla-backend.exe` or run it from the terminal to start the server.

## Notes

- The executable will include the Node.js runtime and your script, so no external Node.js installation is required for the end user.
- Configuration files will still be stored in the user's AppData/Home directory as defined in the script.
