Runtime Requirements

ChatFrame is designed to be a self-contained desktop application, minimizing external runtime dependencies for its core functionality.

Core Application

The main ChatFrame application, built on Tauri and the Vercel AI SDK, includes everything needed to run the UI, manage providers, and handle local RAG. It does not require you to install runtimes like Node.js or Python to operate.

Model Context Protocol (MCP) Servers

The only scenario where you may need external runtimes is when you choose to run specific Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers.

• Dependency on Server: An MCP server is an external program that exposes tools to the LLM. If an MCP server is written in a specific language (e.g., Python or Node.js), you will need to have that runtime installed on your system to run the server.
• User Control: ChatFrame does not bundle these runtimes. This design choice ensures that you maintain control over your own environment, avoiding version conflicts and unnecessary bloat.

"Do I need to install Node.js or Python to use MCP servers? Only if you choose to run MCP servers that require them (e.g., the Postgres MCP server needs Node.js). ChatFrame does not bundle runtimes; you control your own environment to avoid version conflicts and bloat." [1]

Summary