---
title: "Core Server Setup"
slug: "server"
description: "Learn Rocket Chat server development. Understand architecture, components, and secure collaboration setup for developers."
updated: 2026-08-11T18:22:20Z
published: 2026-08-13T16:54:17Z
canonical: "developer.rocket.chat/server"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.rocket.chat/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Core Server Setup

> [!WARNING]
> ⚠️ This is not a deployment guide. If you want to deploy a workspace for your team or organization, refer to [Deploy Rocket.Chat](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/deploy-rocketchat). The recommended deployment methods are [Docker](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/deploy-with-docker-docker-compose) and [Kubernetes](https://docs.rocket.chat/docs/deploy-with-kubernetes).

The Rocket.Chat server is the core application that powers the web, desktop, and mobile clients. This section guides you through setting up a development environment, working with the source code, and understanding how the server is organized.

Before setting up your environment, familiarize yourself with the codebase:

- [GitHub repository](https://github.com/RocketChat/Rocket.Chat): Explore the source code.
- [Repository structure guide](/v1/docs/repository-structure): Get an overview of workspace packages, directories, and module entry points.
- [Server architecture and components](/v1/docs/server-architecture): Learn more about Rocket.Chat platform structure and how various component interacts.

## Getting started

Choose your path below to set up, build, and customize the server:

- [Set up your local server environment](/v1/docs/server-environment-setup): Step-by-step installation guides for macOS, Linux, or Windows.
- [Customize your server](/v1/docs/server-customization): Learn how to add custom UI components, modify default behaviors, and adapt the server to specific organizational needs.