The instance

Doso has one data plane: the **API’s database**. Web and Desktop are surfaces that talk to that API. There are no Solo/Shared storage products.

For where the stack runs, see Deployment.

What you run#

PieceRole
APIdoso-api — graphs, workflows, connections, authorization
DatabasePostgres next to the API (compose or hosted)
WebBetter Auth + UI at the instance origin
DesktopSame UI, pointed at that origin

SQLite remains for crate tests, the iOS sandbox, and an unadvertised Desktop fallback when server.json is empty. Do not pick it in Settings.

Settings#

Settings → Storage shows which database this API is using. On Desktop it also has Connect to server: the URL of the instance this surface should open (http://127.0.0.1:3000 or an allowlisted https://… origin).

Changing databases is an operator concern (DATABASE_URL, compose, or PUT /v1/settings/storage behind DOSO_ENABLE_STORAGE_MIGRATION). The product UI does not offer Solo ↔ Shared.

Git filestore#

The SQL graph is separate from the Git vault for library documents and thought events. See Git vault.

Summary#

QuestionAnswer
First run?./start.sh (deploy/local), then sign in at :3000.
Desktop?Connect to that instance.
Hosted?Same three boxes behind HTTPS.
Host CLIs?Connections + a paired runtime — Connections.