Step-by-Step Guide to Installing DeepSeek Harness (dsh)

DeepSeek Harness (dsh) Overview

DeepSeek Harness (dsh) is an open‑source agent framework that enables large language models to operate on local files, execute commands, and invoke tools. It is in developer preview and requires Node.js ≥ 22.

Node.js Environment Check

node --version

Version output v22.x.x or higher → ready.

If the command is missing or the version is lower, install the latest LTS from the Node.js website, reopen the terminal, and re‑run.

Quick One‑Command Experience

npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web

First execution downloads dependencies (may take 1–2 minutes). When the terminal prints an address such as http://127.0.0.1:3080, open it in a browser.

⚠️ If the process hangs or is very slow, the cause is typically network latency to the npm registry. Switch to a domestic npm mirror or use the source‑code installation method.

Source Installation (Customization / Development)

Clone the repository

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

Install dependencies and build

pnpm install
pnpm run build

Start the service pnpm dsh web Open http://127.0.0.1:3080 in a browser.

Alternative Options

Community Docker image

docker run -d --name dsh -p 3080:3080 ghcr.io/huoxue1/deepseek-harness:latest

Community desktop version – a pre‑packaged Windows binary available on GitHub; unzip and run.

First‑Run Configuration – API Key

Open Settings in the left sidebar.

In the Model section, click “Add Provider” or “Add Custom Provider”.

Enter the API key. Options:

Official DeepSeek Open Platform – create and copy the key.

Other compatible platforms (e.g., Baidu Qianfan) – select “Custom Provider” and provide the endpoint and key.

Save the settings, return to the main screen, select a workspace directory (the project folder the AI should operate on), choose a model, and start chatting.

Tips

Run modes – preset modes such as “Standard” (full features) and “Minimal” (suitable for benchmarking) can be switched in the UI.

Network issues – when installing from source, configure npm or pnpm to use a domestic mirror if dependency downloads are slow.