Run NexGen locally without Docker.
The current project can be developed with Node.js, PostgreSQL, and a local static frontend server. Docker remains available for containerized deployment.
The complete setup instructions live in the repository root at SETUP_GUIDE.html. Use this page as the browser-friendly overview.
Prerequisites
Install Node.js 18+, PostgreSQL 15+, and a browser-based static server such as VS Code Live Server.
Configure environment
Copy backend/.env.example to backend/.env and set the PostgreSQL connection, JWT secret, and at least one AI provider key for AI testing.
Create the database
Create the nexgen_ai database and run npm run migrate from the backend folder.
Start the backend
Run npm run dev. The API listens on port 3000 by default and exposes /health.
Serve the frontend
Serve the frontend/ directory on port 5500 or 8080 for local development. The frontend automatically targets the local API in those development ports.
Verify
Register, sign in, open the dashboard, test chat and image generation, and inspect the backend logs for errors.
Local success is not production readiness.
Before deployment, complete webhook wiring, security testing, automated tests, monitoring, backups, and environment hardening.