pnpm dev from source. All three give you the same product. They differ in who they are for and what they ask you to install.
Every way needs an agent Runtime on the computer that does the work. A Runtime is the agent program that does the work: Claude Code, Codex, or Pi.
This page helps you pick a way and points you to its steps.
Pick how to run Linger
Most people want the desktop app. Pick another way only when you serve several computers or work on the code.
The desktop app needs no terminal. Its Quick Install sets up a Linger server on this computer and connects the computer to it.
Run the desktop app
1
Download the package
Get the package for your computer from the Linger releases page.
2
Install and open it
Follow Install the desktop app for your system. macOS and Windows ask you to confirm the first launch.
3
Choose Quick Install
Setup checks this computer, offers a Runtime and local models, and asks before it downloads anything.
4
Talk to Another Me
When setup ends, Linger opens with this computer connected. Send your first message to Another Me.
Run a server with Docker Compose
Docker Compose builds every service from the source and runs it, PostgreSQL and voice included.Run from source with pnpm dev
pnpm dev runs every service on your machine with hot reload. You bring the PostgreSQL. It also runs a LiveKit server for voice while a voice key is set.
Keep learning
Install the desktop app
Install the app and connect this computer without a terminal.
Install with Docker Compose
Build Linger from source and serve several computers.
Choose a runtime
Check that your Runtime is installed and signed in.
How Linger works
Learn what Rooms, agents, Runtimes, and Computers each do.