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

# Self-Hosting

> Public self-hosting paths and how they differ from local-first installs.

Self-hosting means you run important infrastructure yourself instead of using Memory Crystal's hosted backend.

## Pick the right path

| Path                         | Use when                                                                         | Start here                                      |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| Local-first Docker backend   | You want Memory Crystal data on one machine with installer-managed Docker Convex | [Local-First Setup](/configuration/local-first) |
| External self-hosted backend | You operate your own service/deployment                                          | [Railway deployment](/self-hosting/railway)     |
| Hosted cloud                 | You want the simplest managed path                                               | [Quick Start](/quickstart)                      |

Local-first still uses hosted Memory Crystal auth/license. External self-hosting may require additional environment variables and deployment setup.

## Public boundary

Public docs should explain supported deployment behavior without exposing hosted SaaS-only internals such as billing, admin, private dashboard code, or internal planning docs.

## Source material

The strongest public sources are:

* `mcp-server/README.md`
* `apps/docs/self-hosting/railway.mdx`
* `.env.example`
* `scripts/convex-local-up.sh`
* `scripts/convex-local-doctor.sh`

## Common mistakes

* treating local-first as accountless/offline licensing
* mixing private SaaS architecture with public self-hosting guidance
* documenting the root web app deployment as if it were the MCP deployment path
* linking public users to internal contributor docs instead of the public local-first guide