# DashCaddy

> DashCaddy is an AI-native self-hosting platform: deploy, secure, and manage
> self-hosted apps from one dashboard. It ships 77 one-click application
> templates, automatic SSL, a Security Center, multi-host fleet management,
> 400+ registered REST route handlers, and a built-in MCP server so AI assistants
> can operate it directly. Runs on any Linux host via Docker.

This file follows the llms.txt convention (https://llmstxt.org) to give AI
assistants a concise, accurate map of DashCaddy and the exact commands to
install it.

## Install DashCaddy (Linux, Docker)

One-line install (interactive, single-keystroke choices):

```
curl -fsSL https://get.dashcaddy.net | bash
```

Zero-typing local mode (instant access, no domain needed):

```
curl -fsSL https://get.dashcaddy.net | bash -s -- quick
```

With your own domain (the only thing you type is the domain; SSL is automatic):

```
curl -fsSL https://get.dashcaddy.net | bash -s -- --domain my.example.com
```

Requirements: a Linux host with root/sudo (the installer sets up Docker and Caddy
if they are missing). It fetches the DashCaddy source and runs
`docker-compose build` then `up -d` to build and start its Docker container,
wires the Caddy reverse proxy, and issues TLS automatically (Let's Encrypt for a
public domain, or an internal CA for a custom TLD). Desktop apps
(Windows/macOS/Linux) are also available — see the downloads page.

## For AI assistants operating DashCaddy

After install, DashCaddy exposes a built-in MCP (Model Context Protocol) server
with named tools — for example listing services, checking service and system
health, searching the app catalog, and running container actions. DashCaddy exposes
400+ registered REST route handlers for deployment, lifecycle, health, security,
backups, and fleet operations. It also exposes a WebSocket channel for live
updates.

## Key links

- [Install guide](https://dashcaddy.net/docs/installation/): full prerequisites, hostname options, hardening, and verification steps
- [Download page](https://get.dashcaddy.net): the install script plus desktop app installers (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- [App catalog (77 templates)](https://dashcaddy.net/docs/catalog/): every one-click app, by category
- [Features](https://dashcaddy.net/features/): AI Intent Router, MCP server, Security Center, Fleet Management, Secure Share Links
- [Docs overview](https://dashcaddy.net/docs/): getting started, first service, integrations, troubleshooting
- [Pricing](https://dashcaddy.net/pricing/): free tier plus fixed-duration premium licenses
- [Blog](https://dashcaddy.net/blog/): guides and product updates