diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dd6e39f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+# Contributing to Phantom Fleet
+
+Thank you for your interest in contributing to Phantom Fleet!
+All contributions are welcome, including bug reports, bug fixes, new features, and documentation improvements.
+Before working on any significant changes, please open an issue to discuss your proposed changes and ensure they align with the project's direction to avoid any unnecessary work.
+
+## Local Setup
+
+### Frontend
+
+To run the frontend for development, run these commands:
+
+```sh
+cd client
+npm install
+npm run dev
+```
+
+If developing just the frontend, you can start the backend and database using `docker compose up`. Otherwise, follow the instructions below.
+
+### Backend
+
+To run the backend, you can simply:
+```sh
+go run cmd/phantom-fleet/main.go
+```
+
+Optionally, you can pass `--config <config file path>`.
+Whenever you make changes to the backend, stop the server and re-run the above command.
+
+You will also need to start the database. This can be done by running:
+```sh
+docker run -p 27017:27017 -d mongo
+```
+
+Then, be sure to set `MONGO_URI=mongo://localhost:27017` when running the backend.
+
+## Contribution Process
+
+1. Open an issue to discuss your proposed changes and ensure they align with the project's direction to avoid any unnecessary work.
+2. Perform the development work. Please include test coverage for all changes.
+3. Make any documentation updates.
+4. Perform a self-review of your code changes.
+5. Submit a pull request.
+6. Work with maintainers to resolve any feedback.
+7. Once approved, your changes will be merged into the main branch 🎉
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 2b9390d..d4bd3b0 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -95,6 +95,8 @@ The only phantom-fleet specific configuration setting `tls.ca_file`. When you st
 
 This project is in its early stages and may be unstable.
 
+If you are interested in contributing, please see our [contributor's guide](./CONTRIBUTING.md).
+
 **Short-term goals**:
 
 - Support more fields through the UI.
diff --git a/client/api/methods.ts b/client/api/methods.ts
index 742bd88..7ffa265 100644
--- a/client/api/methods.ts
+++ b/client/api/methods.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-const base = process.env.NODE_ENV === 'test' ? 'http://localhost:8080/api/1' : '/api/1';
+const base = ['development', 'test'].includes(process.env.NODE_ENV) ? 'http://localhost:8080/api/1' : '/api/1';
 
 class Methods {
     static async post(path: string, init?: RequestInit) {