# Getting started

Learn how to get started with AppKit.

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## Introduction[​](#introduction "Direct link to Introduction")

AppKit is a TypeScript SDK for building production-ready Databricks applications with a plugin-based architecture. It provides opinionated defaults, built-in observability, and seamless integration with Databricks services.

AppKit simplifies building data applications on Databricks by providing:

* **Plugin architecture**: Modular design with built-in server and analytics plugins
* **Type safety**: End-to-end TypeScript with automatic query type generation
* **Production-ready features**: Built-in caching, telemetry, retry logic, and error handling
* **Developer experience**: Remote hot reload, file-based queries, optimized for AI-assisted development
* **Databricks native**: Seamless integration with SQL Warehouses, Unity Catalog, and other workspace resources

## Prerequisites[​](#prerequisites "Direct link to Prerequisites")

* [Node.js](https://nodejs.org) v22+ environment with `npm`
* Databricks CLI (v0.287.0 or higher): install and configure it according to the [official tutorial](https://docs.databricks.com/aws/en/dev-tools/cli/tutorial).

## Quick start[​](#quick-start "Direct link to Quick start")

Learn how to create and deploy a sample Databricks application that uses AppKit with the Databricks CLI.

### Bootstrap a new Databricks app[​](#bootstrap-a-new-databricks-app "Direct link to Bootstrap a new Databricks app")

Run the following command to bootstrap the new Databricks app with AppKit:

```sh
databricks apps init

```

Follow the prompts to bootstrap the app codebase in the current working directory.

The command will guide you through the process of:

* creating a new Databricks app
* scaffolding the app codebase with selected features
* installing dependencies
* (optionally) deploying the app to Databricks
* (optionally) running the app in development mode

Learn more about the various [development flows](/appkit/docs/development.md) available with AppKit.

### Deploy the app to Databricks[​](#deploy-the-app-to-databricks "Direct link to Deploy the app to Databricks")

Run the following command to deploy the app to Databricks:

```sh
databricks apps deploy

```

This deploys the sample app to Databricks.

## Next steps[​](#next-steps "Direct link to Next steps")

* **[App management](/appkit/docs/app-management.md)**: Manage your AppKit application throughout its lifecycle using the Databricks CLI
* **[API reference](/appkit/docs/api/appkit.md)**: Explore the complete API documentation
* **[Core concepts](/appkit/docs/core-principles.md)**: Learn about AppKit's design principles and architecture
