Install & environment

Goal

Prepare a machine that can run npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web or a source checkout without fighting PATH, ports, or permissions.

Prerequisites checklist

1. Node.js LTS on PATH (node -v, npm -v).
2. Network access to npm (or a configured mirror).
3. A DeepSeek API key from the official platform when you need live model calls (this site does not issue keys).
4. A disposable workspace folder for the first experiments — not your entire home directory.

Path A — Quick experience (npx)

npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web

This pulls the developer-preview package and starts a local Web UI (commonly on http://127.0.0.1:3080). Keep the terminal open while you work.

Path B — Source install (contributors)

git clone https://github.com/deepseek-ai/deepseek-harness

Follow the repository README for install scripts. Prefer source when you are authoring Cordis plugins or tracking upstream day-to-day.

Environment tips

• Prefer a clean Node version manager (nvm/fnm) over ad-hoc installs.
• If corporate proxies block npx, fix npm registry/proxy first — DSH cannot work around a broken package fetch.
• Document which OS user owns the workspace so sandbox/file tools behave predictably.

FAQ

• npx hangs or never opens the UI? Work the ladder (Node engines → registry → port 3080 → API key) in Fix npx and port 3080, then the itemized Troubleshoot page.
• Is this chapter a second quickstart? No — narrative install lives in npx quickstart; this chapter is the environment checklist.

Next

Open Quick start first task and complete one low-risk loop in the UI.