# Quickstart

Three steps: create a backend, install ownbackend on the device that will run
it, connect the two.

## 1. Create a backend

Sign in at [https://app.ownbackend.com](https://app.ownbackend.com) with your email: you get a
code by email, no password. Your account is created the first time.

Choose **New backend** and pick a name: lowercase letters, digits and dashes,
like `bookings` or `my-shop`. Your app will be at
`https://<name>.ownbackend.app`. The page then shows the commands for step 2
and 3, with a one-time **connect code** (valid for 30 minutes).

## 2. Install ownbackend on your device

On Linux or macOS:

```sh
curl -fsSL https://ownbackend.com/install.sh | sh
```

It installs the `ownbackend` command to `~/.local/bin`, without admin
rights. On Windows, download
[ownbackend-windows-amd64.exe](https://ownbackend.com/download/latest/ownbackend-windows-amd64.exe).

## 3. Connect and start

In the folder where your app's backend should live (the dashboard shows the
exact command, code included):

```sh
ownbackend connect --relay wss://app.ownbackend.com <code>
ownbackend serve
```

`connect` links this device to your backend and shows a **backup recovery
code**: keep it somewhere safe, it's the only way to read your backups on
another device. `serve` starts the backend; your app is online at
`https://<name>.ownbackend.app` within seconds. It also prints the
command that connects your AI agent to the backend.

The backend keeps its files in a hidden `.ownbackend` folder next to where
you run it (its data there is git-ignored). Your app's built frontend goes
in `dist/` (Vite's default build folder), and it's served at your app's
address.

### Or let your AI agent do it

With ownbackend's [MCP server](/docs/mcp.md), an agent can create the backend
(you approve it in the browser), link the device and design the data.

### Or start from the device

Without a code, `ownbackend serve --relay wss://app.ownbackend.com` shows a link and a
code; open the link, sign in, pick the name and approve.

## Next

- Keep it running when you close the terminal or restart:
  `ownbackend service install` ([Running on your device](/docs/devices.md)).
- Build your app on it: connect your AI agent (the command `serve` prints,
  or the [MCP server](/docs/mcp.md) page) and ask it to build the app.
  Details for the agent: [Using your backend from an app](/docs/api.md).