# Set up your computer or work in the browser

You either work on your own computer, which the setup app prepares, or in a remote workspace in the cloud, and both paths lead to the same project folder.

> Source: https://www.application-platform.com/en/docs/setup-your-computer/

Both paths provide Git, the runtimes of your tech stack, the ap CLI, and an editor and can be mixed.

## Path 1: Your own computer with the setup app

The setup app for macOS, Windows, and Linux from the [downloads page]({{< relref "/downloads" >}}) loads your organizations and projects after you sign in.

In the **Developer setup** it installs missing tools with administrator rights: Git, the runtimes from `.tool-versions`, the ap CLI, the platform extension for VS Code, Cursor, and Antigravity, and optionally editors, AI agents, Android SDK, and Xcode; a backend with a database needs Docker Desktop.

Under **Projects** you click **clone**; all repositories land in `~/Documents/application-platform/<organization>/<project>/`, and the app sets up a Git hook against changes to generated files and the links to `local-configuration`; on a Mac this folder must not be in iCloud.

Details are in [Working locally]({{< relref "working-locally" >}}), [Requirements]({{< relref "local-requirements" >}}), and [The setup app]({{< relref "local-app" >}}).

## Path 2: Remote workspace in the cloud

A remote workspace is an Ubuntu machine in the cloud with all tools and repositories, reachable via remote desktop or VS Code in the browser; locally you only install Tailscale.

Administrators create them under **Workspaces** with **Add workspace**; an active subscription and a project are required. **Connect** provides the credentials for remote desktop, **Apps** opens VS Code in the browser, and **More** shuts the workspace down; only running workspaces count toward your subscription's limit.

Details are in [Remote workspace]({{< relref "workspaces-overview" >}}), [Create a workspace]({{< relref "create-workspace" >}}), and [Connect to a workspace]({{< relref "workspace-vm-access" >}}).

## What we recommend

Take the setup app if you may install programs; mobile apps then run on simulators and devices, iOS apps only on a Mac. The remote workspace fits if you do not want to or may not install anything, if your device is too weak for Flutter or Docker, or if someone only helps out briefly.

Continue with [Open and run your project]({{< relref "open-and-run" >}}).