Overview

Docker is the preferred install path for most users, but local LibreChat development should use npm. Running the app directly on your machine gives faster feedback, clearer debugging, and direct access to the monorepo workspaces without rebuilding containers after each change.

Recommended Toolchain

Use this toolchain for npm-based development:

Tool	Version
Node.js	`v24.16.0`
npm	`v11.16.0`
MongoDB	Atlas or Community Server

Node 24 satisfies LibreChat's runtime needs for CommonJS interop with ESM-only packages, WebCrypto, and the Fetch API. If your shell still reports an older Node version, run nvm use 24.16.0 from the LibreChat repository before installing dependencies.

Work In The Right Workspace

LibreChat is a monorepo. Pick the smallest workspace that owns the behavior you are changing:

Workspace	Use it for
`/packages/api`	New backend TypeScript services, controllers, and shared server logic
`/api`	Legacy Express server integration; keep changes thin
`/packages/data-schemas`	Database models, schemas, and database-specific shared logic
`/packages/data-provider`	Shared API types, endpoints, query keys, and data-service functions
`/client`	React application code
`/packages/client`	Shared frontend utilities

Daily Commands

Command	Purpose
`npm run smart-reinstall`	Install dependencies when needed and build compiled workspaces
`npm run reinstall`	Clean install after changing Node/npm versions or when dependency state is suspect
`npm run backend:dev`	Start the backend with file watching
`npm run frontend:dev`	Start the frontend dev server on port `3090`
`npm run build:data-provider`	Rebuild shared data-provider code after API/type changes
`npm run build`	Build all compiled workspaces through Turborepo

Development Resources

If you are new to repositories, forks, branches, and pull requests, start with GitHub's collaborative development guide.
Read the Contributor Guidelines before opening a PR.
Use Contributor Setup for the full local setup flow.
Use Code Standards and Conventions for workspace boundaries, import order, typing, testing, and frontend rules.