DeepSeekDSH
Independent community guideNot affiliated with DeepSeek.Official source snapshot

Run a First Task in the DSH Web UI

Get past the first-run setup gates, choose a test workspace and model, make one controlled change and verify it on disk.

Independent editorial review: DeepSeekDSHSource checked: 0.1.5-rc.2 · 2026-09-11
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Use a disposable folder first

DSH can work with files and commands in the selected workspace. Do not begin with an important repository or a folder containing secrets.

STEP 1

Start the DSH Web UI

npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web

Leave the process running and open the address it prints. The default is http://127.0.0.1:3080.

DSH uses the directory where you start the process as its initial filesystem location, but that directory is not automatically selected as the Web UI workspace.

Remote/SSH launch

When DSH inherits an SSH connection, the current CLI intentionally suppresses automatic browser launch and still prints the host URL. Use your SSH client/editor's port-forwarding path. Do not copy old tutorials that use --host 0.0.0.0; the current shipped Web alias explicitly does not support that value yet.

SCREEN GUIDE · Start DSH
npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web
... DSH starts ...
Web UI: http://127.0.0.1:3080
Startup text can change; use the address printed by the running process.

Before the composer works: three first-run checks

1. Provider credential

Save a working provider credential under Settings → Models. Provider changes apply to the next request; the server does not need a restart.

2. Workspace

A fresh Web UI has no selected workspace even if you launched DSH from inside the project directory. Add and select the directory explicitly.

3. Model

Select a currently configured model. If a saved default points to a deleted provider, the composer shows Select model and blocks input.

If the page opens but feels “stuck,” check these three states before reinstalling Node or restarting the computer.

STEP 2

Choose a test workspace

Click Choose workspace, add a disposable folder and select it. The composer is unavailable until a workspace is selected.

Starting directory vs selected workspace

If you launched DSH from C:\project or ~/project, that only gives the process an initial filesystem location. The Web UI still requires an explicit workspace selection.

SCREEN GUIDE · Choose workspace
http://127.0.0.1:3080
Choose workspace
Click Choose workspace
Add the test folder
Select it
Confirm the composer becomes available
Select the session's working folder; file access still depends on the tools and permission policy.
STEP 3

Select a configured model

Open the model picker and choose a model from the provider you configured in Settings → Models.

Selecting a model makes it the default for new sessions. An existing session that already sent a request keeps the model recorded in its own log.

SCREEN GUIDE · Model picker
http://127.0.0.1:3080
Model picker
Open the model picker
Choose the configured provider
Select an available model
Use the live picker; model names can change.
STEP 4

Start with a repository tour

Before asking DSH to change a project, ask it to read the workspace. This is the first task in the official Web UI guide:

Summarize this repository and identify its main packages.

Compare the response with the actual top-level folders and package files. A useful first session teaches you where the model is accurate and where it needs a more specific question.

STEP 5

Make a read-only architecture map

Once the repository tour looks accurate, use a bounded follow-up:

Read this workspace only. Map the top-level folders, entry points and major dependencies. Return a Mermaid flowchart and list any uncertainty. Do not edit files or run commands that modify data.

Read the Mermaid text before rendering it. Treat it as a review aid, not a substitute for opening the referenced files.

STEP 6

Make one controlled change

Start with a change that is easy to inspect and undo:

Create a README.md file in this workspace that says “Hello from DeepSeek Harness”. Then summarize what you changed.
SCREEN GUIDE · First task
http://127.0.0.1:3080
First task
Start a new session
Send the prompt
Read the response
Stop if the requested action is not what you intended
A small file edit is easier to verify than a broad coding task.
STEP 7

Read approval requests

If DSH asks for approval, read the operation, path and command before accepting it. Reject an unexpected or destructive action.

SCREEN GUIDE · Before approving
Before approving
1Read the requested file or command
2Check the path
3Reject unexpected destructive actions
4Approve only what the task needs
Approval behavior depends on the active permission policy and preset.
STEP 8

Verify the file yourself

Open the workspace outside DSH. Confirm that README.md exists and contains the requested text.

SCREEN GUIDE · Verify the result
Verify the result
1Open the workspace folder
2Find README.md
3Open the file
4Check the text
The filesystem is the source of truth for a file-edit task.

Work in a bounded loop

State the scope

Name the workspace, allowed files and intended output before a change task starts.

Read approvals

Do not approve a command or file operation you do not understand.

Verify independently

Open changed files and run the relevant check outside the chat response.

Startup or port error? Open error-driven troubleshooting →

NEXTChoose a preset for the next session
Continue →