SwitchHosts

SwitchHosts is an open-source alternative to proprietary hosts file managers that allows users to switch between different hosts configurations quickly. It provides a graphical interface for modifying the system hosts file, which is typically edited manually via a text editor with administrative privileges. This tool simplifies the process of mapping hostnames to IP addresses for development and testing purposes.

The application is available for desktop platforms and can be installed via direct downloads or the Chocolatey package manager on Windows. Users can manage their entries directly from the main application window or through the system tray for faster access. This setup allows for rapid transitions between different environment configurations without needing to open a terminal or a text editor every time a change is required.

Key features

• Management of system, local, remote, group, and folder hosts entries
• Quick switching of hosts via the main window or system tray
• Syntax highlighting for hosts files
• Find and replace functionality across hosts entries
• Manual, scheduled, or startup refresh for remote hosts
• Import and export of hosts data including URL backups
• Trashcan system for restoring or deleting entries
• Local HTTP API and post-apply command preferences

Built with Tauri, React, Jotai, and Mantine, the software stores its data in a dedicated folder in the user home directory. This directory contains a manifest for the hosts tree, separate files for local and remote content, and a JSON file for trashcan entries. The application includes a local HTTP API and allows users to configure proxy settings, update checks, and write modes within the preferences menu. It also supports the execution of post-apply commands to trigger other system actions after a hosts switch occurs.

SwitchHosts is designed for developers and network administrators who frequently change environment mappings and require a structured way to organize their hosts files.