# start (Prisma CLI v7) (/docs/cli/v7/dev/start)

> For the complete Prisma documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.prisma.io/docs/llms.txt). A markdown version of any docs page is available by appending `.md` to its URL.

Start one or more stopped local Prisma Postgres servers

Location: CLI > v7 > dev > start

The `prisma dev start` command starts existing [local Prisma Postgres](https://www.prisma.io/docs/local-development/postgres) instances in the background.

## Usage [#usage]

```bash
prisma dev start [options] <name>
```

## Arguments [#arguments]

| Argument | Description                                          |
| -------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| `<name>` | Name(s) or glob pattern(s) of the server(s) to start |

## Options [#options]

| Option    | Description          | Default |
| --------- | -------------------- | ------- |
| `--debug` | Enable debug logging | `false` |

> [!NOTE]
> This command only works with instances that already exist. Use `prisma dev` to create a new instance.

## Examples [#examples]

### Start a specific database [#start-a-specific-database]

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma dev start mydb
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm prisma dev start mydb
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn prisma dev start mydb
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma dev start mydb
```

### Start multiple databases with a pattern [#start-multiple-databases-with-a-pattern]

Start all databases starting with `mydb`:

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma dev start mydb*
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm prisma dev start mydb*
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn prisma dev start mydb*
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma dev start mydb*
```

## Related pages

- [`ls`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/v7/dev/ls): List available local Prisma Postgres servers
- [`rm`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/v7/dev/rm): Remove local Prisma Postgres servers
- [`stop`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/v7/dev/stop): Stop local Prisma Postgres servers