TEST_DATA_SAFETY_SIMPLE.md•2.59 kB
# How to Enable Test Data - Simple Guide
## The Situation
You've cloned the DollhouseMCP repository and want to run it locally. By default, the example personas and skills in the `data` folder won't load (this is intentional, to keep your environment clean).
## How to Run the MCP Server WITH Test Data
### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Open your terminal** (Terminal on Mac, Command Prompt on Windows)
2. **Navigate to the MCP server folder:**
```bash
cd /path/to/mcp-server
```
3. **Choose ONE of these options to run the server:**
**Option A: Run WITHOUT test data (default)**
```bash
npm run dev
```
**Option B: Run WITH test data (adds one thing to the front)**
```bash
DOLLHOUSE_LOAD_TEST_DATA=true npm run dev
```
That's it! The `DOLLHOUSE_LOAD_TEST_DATA=true` part is just something you type BEFORE the npm command, all on the same line.
## What's Actually Happening?
When you type:
```bash
DOLLHOUSE_LOAD_TEST_DATA=true npm run dev
```
You're doing two things at once:
1. Setting a temporary variable (`DOLLHOUSE_LOAD_TEST_DATA=true`)
2. Running the server (`npm run dev`)
This variable only exists for that one command. Next time you run `npm run dev` without it, test data won't load.
## Real Example
```bash
# Monday - Working on a new feature, don't need test data
cd /path/to/mcp-server
npm run dev
# Result: Server starts, portfolio is empty/clean
# Tuesday - Need to test with example personas
cd /path/to/mcp-server
DOLLHOUSE_LOAD_TEST_DATA=true npm run dev
# Result: Server starts, example personas/skills are available
# Wednesday - Back to regular development
cd /path/to/mcp-server
npm run dev
# Result: Server starts, portfolio is empty/clean again
```
## For Windows Users
If you're on Windows Command Prompt, it's slightly different:
```cmd
REM Option A: Without test data
npm run dev
REM Option B: With test data (two commands)
set DOLLHOUSE_LOAD_TEST_DATA=true
npm run dev
```
## The Key Point
- **You DON'T edit any files**
- **You DON'T change any configuration**
- **You just add `DOLLHOUSE_LOAD_TEST_DATA=true` before your npm command when you want test data**
- **It's temporary - only for that one time you run it**
## Why Would You Want Test Data?
Enable it when you want to:
- See example personas in action
- Test that elements are loading correctly
- Debug issues with specific element types
- Have some content to play with
Keep it disabled when you want to:
- Work with a clean environment
- Test your own custom personas
- Use the MCP server for real work
- Avoid clutter from test examples