YOUR AI PLATE HANDBOOK
Local development
Prepare the desktop checkout and find its active configuration.
Desktop source reviewed October 5, 2026
Requirements
- Use the AI Plate desktop source checkout. package.json specifies Node.js 20 or later.
- Run the desktop app from its project root.
- Use a test workspace and non-sensitive fixtures when developing an extension.
npm ci
npm run devConfiguration locations
Settings → System Configuration shows the resolved config.yaml and .env paths. The loader checks the current working directory first, then application resources and source-relative fallbacks. Do not assume the installation directory is the active configuration directory.
Custom packages live under AIPLATE_USERDATA/plugins/installed and AIPLATE_USERDATA/connectors/installed when that variable is set; otherwise the base is the process working directory. Use the app’s import UI for installed desktop builds.
ai-plate2/
config.yaml
.env # private; never distribute
plugins/installed/
connectors/installed/
plugin-sample/
connector-sample/Implementation sources
Paths in your AI Plate source checkout:
core/config.tscore/plugin-manager.tscore/connector-manager.ts
A small development loop
- Build a minimal tool or endpoint with a JSON result.
- Import, enable, and test it in Settings → Plugins or App Connectors.
- Use Reload for plugins after updating local packages; re-import a connector package when its manifest changes.
- Check a valid request, invalid arguments, service failure, and disable/re-enable behavior.
- Package a versioned release without keys, user data, or generated node_modules.