Practical overview
When it fits
Use it when you need a developer-oriented local agent harness and want the project structure to center on plugins. The documented evidence supports Web UI startup and source preparation; plugin implementation details require the project’s development and architecture documentation.
Who it is for
- Developers building or extending AI agents
- Teams exploring a locally hosted, plugin-based agent workspace
- Developers experimenting with Cordis-powered agent components
Documented uses
- Launch the harness locally through its Web UI
- Prepare the project from a source checkout
- Organize agent functionality around plugins
- Explore a customizable agent application during development
Requirements & limits
The repository is public and open source under the MIT license. The npm launch path requires Node.js; the source path documents Git, pnpm, dependency installation, and a build step. The project is described as a developer preview with possible compatibility-breaking changes.
- The plugin architecture is a core design choice, but the supplied documentation does not specify the plugin API.
- The npm path provides a shorter local launch route, while the source path exposes the repository build workflow.
- The documented Web UI defaults to http://127.0.0.1:3080 for a local launch.
- Web and Desktop development targets are referenced, but the supplied run instructions detail the Web UI.
- The project’s preview status makes compatibility changes a relevant consideration.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Launch the Deepseek Harness Web UI from npm
Start the locally documented Web UI using the published npm package.
Before you start
- Node.js
- The @deepseek-ai/dsh npm package
Steps
Install Node.js.
Run the documented npx command: npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web.
Use the local Web UI address shown by the launcher; the default local address is http://127.0.0.1:3080.
Use --no-open when the server should run without opening a browser.
Expected outcome
The Deepseek Harness Web UI server starts locally; the default local launch address is http://127.0.0.1:3080.
Guide limitations
- The project is in developer preview and warns of compatibility-breaking changes.
- An SSH launch prints the host URL because the SSH client or editor manages the forwarded local address.
Prepare Deepseek Harness from a source checkout
Install dependencies and build the repository before starting its Web UI from source.
Before you start
- Git
- pnpm
- A local checkout of the Deepseek Harness repository
Steps
Clone https://github.com/deepseek-ai/deepseek-harness.git.
Change into the deepseek-harness directory.
Run pnpm install.
Run pnpm run build.
Run pnpm dsh web to use the built artifacts.
Expected outcome
The repository artifacts are prepared and the documented source-based Web UI command can use them without rebuilding.
Guide limitations
- The supplied instructions cover preparation and Web UI startup, not plugin implementation.
- The project warns that compatibility-breaking changes may occur during its developer preview.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 2 October 2026
- Original website title
- deepseek-ai/deepseek-harness · Official homepage title · retained in its source language