# Connect to Development Server

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[Install Devin Server](/setup-and-maintenance/installation/install-devin-server.md) on a dedicated **Development** server and read the [Network Considerations](/setup-and-maintenance/prerequisites/network-considerations.md) before continuing. 
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## Check Connection

Enter the URL of your Development Server to connect to the Devin Engine (see [#about-the-devin-engine](#about-the-devin-engine "mention")).  

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In Devin 1.2+, custom `HTTPS` and `FMNET` ports can be specified by clicking the **Advanced** option. 
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<figure><img src="/files/MpD4MqYt8GgADcqJyIew" alt=""><figcaption><p>The one-time process of connecting your app to your Development Server</p></figcaption></figure>

### <mark style="color:orange;">If the connection fails</mark>

If the connection to the Devin Engine isn’t verified, such as if FileMaker Pro on your computer has not connected to this server before, FileMaker Pro will block access. This prevents the Devin App from connecting to the Devin Engine. &#x20;

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### Open Hosts

From FileMaker Pro, go to **File** -> **Hosts**, or click the **Open Hosts** button (Devin App 1.2.1+)
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### Add Development Server as a Favorite Host

Click **+**, enter the server's **URL** and click **Save**.

<img src="/files/9XTZCXX0wz0O2GayKVFe" alt="" data-size="original">
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### Permit Connection

When prompted for allowing the connection, select **Always permit connection to this host** and click **Connect**. This setting prevents the need to grant permission each time FileMaker Pro restarts.

![](/files/zeTu3R26vUVgVFzU2WT5)

If FileMaker Pro asks you to log in to view hosted files on this server, you can skip it. Just click **Cancel** on the login prompt and then **Cancel** on the Hosts window. After that, return to the Devin App and retry the connection to Devin Engine.
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## About the Devin Engine

The Devin Engine is an `fmp12` file that’s automatically installed on your Development Server. It stores all project and server metadata, so nothing lives locally and everyone on your team can access it. It also serves as both the database and the routing layer for communication between the Devin App and Devin Server APIs.&#x20;

Devin App connects to the Devin Engine via FileMaker’s default *External Data Source* protocol — `FMNET (port 5003)` by default, and `HTTPS (port 443)` if HTTPS tunneling is enabled. To use custom `FMNET` or `HTTPS` ports, click the **Advanced** popover button in the connection dialog.


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