---
title: Manual Install
description: Deploy CowAgent manually (source code / Docker)
---

## Source Code Deployment

### 1. Clone the project

```bash
git clone https://github.com/zhayujie/chatgpt-on-wechat
cd chatgpt-on-wechat/
```

<Tip>
  For network issues, use the mirror: https://gitee.com/zhayujie/chatgpt-on-wechat
</Tip>

### 2. Install dependencies

Core dependencies (required):

```bash
pip3 install -r requirements.txt
```

Optional dependencies (recommended):

```bash
pip3 install -r requirements-optional.txt
```

### 3. Configure

Copy the config template and edit:

```bash
cp config-template.json config.json
```

Fill in model API keys, channel type, and other settings in `config.json`. See the [model docs](/en/models/index) for details.

### 4. Run

**Local run:**

```bash
python3 app.py
```

By default, the Web service starts. Access `http://localhost:9899/chat` to chat.

**Background run on server:**

```bash
nohup python3 app.py & tail -f nohup.out
```

## Docker Deployment

Docker deployment does not require cloning source code or installing dependencies. For Agent mode, source deployment is recommended for broader system access.

<Note>
  Requires [Docker](https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/) and docker-compose.
</Note>

**1. Download config**

```bash
wget https://cdn.link-ai.tech/code/cow/docker-compose.yml
```

Edit `docker-compose.yml` with your configuration.

**2. Start container**

```bash
sudo docker compose up -d
```

**3. View logs**

```bash
sudo docker logs -f chatgpt-on-wechat
```

## Core Configuration

```json
{
  "channel_type": "web",
  "model": "MiniMax-M2.5",
  "agent": true,
  "agent_workspace": "~/cow",
  "agent_max_context_tokens": 40000,
  "agent_max_context_turns": 30,
  "agent_max_steps": 15
}
```

| Parameter | Description | Default |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `channel_type` | Channel type | `web` |
| `model` | Model name | `MiniMax-M2.5` |
| `agent` | Enable Agent mode | `true` |
| `agent_workspace` | Agent workspace path | `~/cow` |
| `agent_max_context_tokens` | Max context tokens | `40000` |
| `agent_max_context_turns` | Max context turns | `30` |
| `agent_max_steps` | Max decision steps per task | `15` |

<Tip>
  Full configuration options are in the project [`config.py`](https://github.com/zhayujie/chatgpt-on-wechat/blob/master/config.py).
</Tip>