Getting Started

Dyad builds full-stack apps with local-first AI. Connect cloud APIs like AskCodi when needed.

What is Dyad?

Dyad is a free, open-source AI app builder. It runs locally on your computer first. It connects to cloud AI when you need advanced capabilities. Use React, Next.js, and Portal frameworks to build full-stack applications.

Dyad provides hybrid development. You work offline with local models. Connect to cloud AI for complex tasks. The open-source community contributes to its development.

Core Capabilities

Local-First Architecture: Works offline with local models. Connects to cloud selectively. Saves API costs for routine tasks while keeping data private.

Full-Stack Generation: Creates complete applications. Builds frontend and backend components. Handles component structure, state management, routing, and backend integration.

Multi-Framework Support: Works with React, Next.js, and other frameworks. Generates appropriate code for each stack. Understands specific patterns and conventions.

OpenAI-Compatible Integration: Connects to services like AskCodi. Use local models for private work. Use cloud models for complex tasks requiring current knowledge.

Open Source: Transparent development. Community contributions. Customize for specific needs.

Installation Process

1. Download Dyad from https://www.dyad.sh/#download
2. Run the installer
3. Follow on-screen instructions

Dyad requires no complex dependencies. Launch from your applications menu after installation. The first run shows the main workspace.

Getting Started with Local Development

Explore Dyad's local AI capabilities first. Local models run entirely on your computer. This provides privacy and immediate response times.

Use local development for:

• Private applications (data stays local)
• Offline app structure generation
• Testing AI features (no API costs)
• Learning architecture (no cost concerns)

Dyad includes local model recommendations. Download models based on your system requirements.

Connecting Cloud AI Services

Connect cloud providers through Settings → Model Providers. Add custom providers that follow OpenAI specifications. Include AskCodi's model selection.

Configuration Options

Model Management: Configure multiple providers. Use local models for private work. Use cloud providers for tasks requiring current knowledge.

Framework Selection: Choose React, Next.js, or Portal. Pick the stack that fits your project requirements.

Project Structure: Generate file structures and component hierarchies. Dyad understands different architectures for your chosen framework.

Integration: Generate code for backend services, APIs, and data sources. Dyad handles configuration details.

Building Applications

1. Describe what you want to build (natural language)
2. Choose your technology stack
3. Iterate with natural language prompts
4. Connect to external services (databases, APIs)
5. Review and export generated code

Dyad generates the complete application structure for you.

Best Practices

Privacy: Use local models for sensitive development. Keep data local. Use cloud APIs for current information only.

Model Selection: Choose models based on complexity and cost. Use local models for routine tasks. Use cloud models for complex architecture.

Architecture: Leverage Dyad's full-stack understanding. Create well-structured applications with proper separation of concerns.

Incremental Development: Start basic. Add complexity gradually. This gives better control of generated code.

Hybrid Workflows: Use local models first. Connect cloud models for complex functionality.

Advantages

Dyad provides privacy and cost control. Work offline. Control your data. Use cloud services selectively.

The open-source nature provides transparency. You can verify how applications generate. Full-stack understanding creates integrated frontend and backend components.

Troubleshooting

Model Download Problems:

• Check internet connection
• Verify available disk space
• Some models need significant storage

API Connection Issues:

• Confirm API keys are correct
• Check internet connection
• Verify firewall settings allow API requests

Performance Problems:

• Check system resources
• Close other applications
• Large models need significant RAM/GPU

Provider Configuration:

• Verify API endpoint and key formatting
• Remove extra spaces or invalid characters

Key Points

• Free, open-source AI app builder
• Local-first approach with cloud connectivity
• Full-stack apps with React, Next.js, Portal
• OpenAI-compatible integration (AskCodi)
• Connect cloud AI when needed
• Works offline with local models
• Full-stack development in one interface