# LocalStack

> LocalStack is a local emulator of AWS services that runs in a container, so you can test Terraform and applications without an AWS account.

- Source: https://www.itwonderlab.com/localstack/
- Published: 2026-08-30
- Updated: 2026-08-30
- Author: Javier Ruiz Jiménez (https://www.javierruizjimenez.com/)
- Site: IT Wonder Lab (https://www.itwonderlab.com/)

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**LocalStack** exposes S3, SQS, DynamoDB, Lambda and many other [AWS](https://www.itwonderlab.com/glossary/aws-services/) APIs on `localhost:4566`. Tests run fast, free and without risk to a real account.

### Key concepts

- **Edge endpoint**: one URL, `http://localhost:4566`, for every service.
- **awslocal**: the AWS CLI with the endpoint preconfigured.
- Not identical to AWS: check IAM and edge-case behavior in a real account.

### Learn it

Follow [Test Terraform locally with LocalStack](https://www.itwonderlab.com/localstack-terraform-aws-local/).