---
title: Twenty Apps
description: Build and manage Twenty customizations as code.
---

<Warning>
Apps are currently in alpha testing. The feature is functional but still evolving.
</Warning>

## What Are Apps?

Apps let you build and manage Twenty customizations **as code**. Instead of configuring everything through the UI, you define your data model and logic functions in code — making it faster to build, maintain, and roll out to multiple workspaces.

**What you can do today:**
- Define custom objects and fields as code (managed data model)
- Build logic functions with custom triggers
- Define skills and agents for AI
- Deploy the same app across multiple workspaces

## Prerequisites

- Node.js 24+ and Yarn 4
- Docker (for the local Twenty dev server)

## Getting Started

Create a new app using the official scaffolder. It can automatically start a local Twenty instance for you:

```bash filename="Terminal"
# Scaffold a new app — the CLI will offer to start a local Twenty server
npx create-twenty-app@latest my-twenty-app
cd my-twenty-app

# Start dev mode: automatically syncs local changes to your workspace
yarn twenty dev
```

### Local Server Management

The SDK includes commands to manage a local Twenty dev server (all-in-one Docker image with PostgreSQL, Redis, server, and worker):

```bash filename="Terminal"
# Start the local server (pulls the image if needed)
yarn twenty server start

# Check server status
yarn twenty server status

# Stream server logs
yarn twenty server logs

# Stop the server
yarn twenty server stop

# Reset all data and start fresh
yarn twenty server reset
```

The local server comes pre-seeded with a workspace and user (`tim@apple.dev` / `tim@apple.dev`), so you can start developing immediately without any manual setup.

### Authentication

Connect your app to the local server using OAuth:

```bash filename="Terminal"
# Authenticate via OAuth (opens browser)
yarn twenty remote add --local
```

The scaffolder supports two modes for controlling which example files are included:

```bash filename="Terminal"
# Default (exhaustive): all examples (object, field, logic function, front component, view, navigation menu item, skill, agent)
npx create-twenty-app@latest my-app

# Minimal: only core files (application-config.ts and default-role.ts)
npx create-twenty-app@latest my-app --minimal
```

### How to use a local Twenty instance

If you're already running a local Twenty instance, you can connect to it instead of using Docker. Pass the port your local server is listening on (default: `3000`):

```bash filename="Terminal"
# During scaffolding
npx create-twenty-app@latest my-app --port 3000

# Or after scaffolding
yarn twenty remote add --local --port 3000
```

From here you can:

```bash filename="Terminal"
# Add a new entity to your application (guided)
yarn twenty entity:add

# Watch your application's function logs
yarn twenty function:logs

# Execute a function by name
yarn twenty function:execute -n my-function -p '{"name": "test"}'

# Execute the pre-install function
yarn twenty function:execute --preInstall

# Execute the post-install function
yarn twenty function:execute --postInstall

# Build the app for distribution
yarn twenty build

# Publish the app to npm or a Twenty server
yarn twenty publish

# Uninstall the application from the current workspace
yarn twenty uninstall

# Display commands' help
yarn twenty help
```

See also: the CLI reference pages for [create-twenty-app](https://www.npmjs.com/package/create-twenty-app) and [twenty-sdk CLI](https://www.npmjs.com/package/twenty-sdk).

## Project structure (scaffolded)

When you run `npx create-twenty-app@latest my-twenty-app`, the scaffolder:

- Copies a minimal base application into `my-twenty-app/`
- Adds a local `twenty-sdk` dependency and Yarn 4 configuration
- Creates config files and scripts wired to the `twenty` CLI
- Generates core files (application config, default function role, pre-install and post-install functions) plus example files based on the scaffolding mode

A freshly scaffolded app with the default `--exhaustive` mode looks like this:

```text filename="my-twenty-app/"
my-twenty-app/
  package.json
  yarn.lock
  .gitignore
  .nvmrc
  .yarnrc.yml
  .yarn/
    install-state.gz
  .oxlintrc.json
  tsconfig.json
  README.md
  public/                           # Public assets folder (images, fonts, etc.)
  src/
  ├── application-config.ts           # Required - main application configuration
  ├── roles/
  │   └── default-role.ts               # Default role for logic functions
  ├── objects/
  │   └── example-object.ts             # Example custom object definition
  ├── fields/
  │   └── example-field.ts              # Example standalone field definition
  ├── logic-functions/
  │   ├── hello-world.ts                # Example logic function
  │   ├── pre-install.ts                # Pre-install logic function
  │   └── post-install.ts               # Post-install logic function
  ├── front-components/
  │   └── hello-world.tsx               # Example front component
  ├── views/
  │   └── example-view.ts                # Example saved view definition
  ├── navigation-menu-items/
  │   └── example-navigation-menu-item.ts # Example sidebar navigation link
  ├── skills/
  │   └── example-skill.ts                # Example AI agent skill definition
  └── agents/
      └── example-agent.ts                # Example AI agent definition
```

With `--minimal`, only the core files are created (`application-config.ts`, `roles/default-role.ts`, `logic-functions/pre-install.ts`, and `logic-functions/post-install.ts`).

At a high level:

- **package.json**: Declares the app name, version, engines (Node 24+, Yarn 4), and adds `twenty-sdk` plus a `twenty` script that delegates to the local `twenty` CLI. Run `yarn twenty help` to list all available commands.
- **.gitignore**: Ignores common artifacts such as `node_modules`, `.yarn`, `generated/` (typed client), `dist/`, `build/`, coverage folders, log files, and `.env*` files.
- **yarn.lock**, **.yarnrc.yml**, **.yarn/**: Lock and configure the Yarn 4 toolchain used by the project.
- **.nvmrc**: Pins the Node.js version expected by the project.
- **.oxlintrc.json** and **tsconfig.json**: Provide linting and TypeScript configuration for your app's TypeScript sources.
- **README.md**: A short README in the app root with basic instructions.
- **public/**: A folder for storing public assets (images, fonts, static files) that will be served with your application. Files placed here are uploaded during sync and accessible at runtime.
- **src/**: The main place where you define your application-as-code

### Entity detection

The SDK detects entities by parsing your TypeScript files for **`export default define<Entity>({...})`** calls. Each entity type has a corresponding helper function exported from `twenty-sdk`:

| Helper function | Entity type |
|-----------------|-------------|
| `defineObject()` | Custom object definitions |
| `defineLogicFunction()` | Logic function definitions |
| `definePreInstallLogicFunction()` | Pre-install logic function (runs before installation) |
| `definePostInstallLogicFunction()` | Post-install logic function (runs after installation) |
| `defineFrontComponent()` | Front component definitions |
| `defineRole()` | Role definitions |
| `defineField()` | Field extensions for existing objects |
| `defineView()` | Saved view definitions |
| `defineNavigationMenuItem()` | Navigation menu item definitions |
| `defineSkill()` | AI agent skill definitions |
| `defineAgent()` | AI agent definitions |

<Note>
**File naming is flexible.** Entity detection is AST-based — the SDK scans your source files for the `export default define<Entity>({...})` pattern. You can organize your files and folders however you like. Grouping by entity type (e.g., `logic-functions/`, `roles/`) is just a convention for code organization, not a requirement.
</Note>

Example of a detected entity:
```typescript
// This file can be named anything and placed anywhere in src/
import { defineObject, FieldType } from 'twenty-sdk';

export default defineObject({
  universalIdentifier: '...',
  nameSingular: 'postCard',
  // ... rest of config
});
```

Later commands will add more files and folders:

- `yarn twenty dev` will auto-generate two typed API clients in `node_modules/twenty-sdk/clients`: `CoreApiClient` (for workspace data via `/graphql`) and `MetadataApiClient` (for workspace configuration and file uploads via `/metadata`).
- `yarn twenty entity:add` will add entity definition files under `src/` for your custom objects, functions, front components, roles, skills, and more.

## Authentication

The first time you run `yarn twenty auth:login`, you'll be prompted for:

- API URL (defaults to http://localhost:3000 or your current workspace profile)
- API key

Your credentials are stored per-user in `~/.twenty/config.json`. You can maintain multiple profiles and switch between them.

### Managing workspaces

```bash filename="Terminal"
# Login interactively (recommended)
yarn twenty auth:login

# Login to a specific workspace profile
yarn twenty auth:login --workspace my-custom-workspace

# List all configured workspaces
yarn twenty auth:list

# Switch the default workspace (interactive)
yarn twenty auth:switch

# Switch to a specific workspace
yarn twenty auth:switch production

# Check current authentication status
yarn twenty auth:status
```

Once you've switched workspaces with `yarn twenty auth:switch`, all subsequent commands will use that workspace by default. You can still override it temporarily with `--workspace <name>`.

## Use the SDK resources (types & config)

The twenty-sdk provides typed building blocks and helper functions you use inside your app. Below are the key pieces you'll touch most often.

### Helper functions

The SDK provides helper functions for defining your app entities. As described in [Entity detection](#entity-detection), you must use `export default define<Entity>({...})` for your entities to be detected:

| Function | Purpose |
|----------|---------|
| `defineApplication()` | Configure application metadata (required, one per app) |
| `defineObject()` | Define custom objects with fields |
| `defineLogicFunction()` | Define logic functions with handlers |
| `definePreInstallLogicFunction()` | Define a pre-install logic function (one per app) |
| `definePostInstallLogicFunction()` | Define a post-install logic function (one per app) |
| `defineFrontComponent()` | Define front components for custom UI |
| `defineRole()` | Configure role permissions and object access |
| `defineField()` | Extend existing objects with additional fields |
| `defineView()` | Define saved views for objects |
| `defineNavigationMenuItem()` | Define sidebar navigation links |
| `defineSkill()` | Define AI agent skills |
| `defineAgent()` | Define AI agents with system prompts |

These functions validate your configuration at build time and provide IDE autocompletion and type safety.

### Defining objects

Custom objects describe both schema and behavior for records in your workspace. Use `defineObject()` to define objects with built-in validation:

```typescript
// src/app/postCard.object.ts
import { defineObject, FieldType } from 'twenty-sdk';

enum PostCardStatus {
  DRAFT = 'DRAFT',
  SENT = 'SENT',
  DELIVERED = 'DELIVERED',
  RETURNED = 'RETURNED',
}

export default defineObject({
  universalIdentifier: '54b589ca-eeed-4950-a176-358418b85c05',
  nameSingular: 'postCard',
  namePlural: 'postCards',
  labelSingular: 'Post Card',
  labelPlural: 'Post Cards',
  description: 'A post card object',
  icon: 'IconMail',
  fields: [
    {
      universalIdentifier: '58a0a314-d7ea-4865-9850-7fb84e72f30b',
      name: 'content',
      type: FieldType.TEXT,
      label: 'Content',
      description: "Postcard's content",
      icon: 'IconAbc',
    },
    {
      universalIdentifier: 'c6aa31f3-da76-4ac6-889f-475e226009ac',
      name: 'recipientName',
      type: FieldType.FULL_NAME,
      label: 'Recipient name',
      icon: 'IconUser',
    },
    {
      universalIdentifier: '95045777-a0ad-49ec-98f9-22f9fc0c8266',
      name: 'recipientAddress',
      type: FieldType.ADDRESS,
      label: 'Recipient address',
      icon: 'IconHome',
    },
    {
      universalIdentifier: '87b675b8-dd8c-4448-b4ca-20e5a2234a1e',
      name: 'status',
      type: FieldType.SELECT,
      label: 'Status',
      icon: 'IconSend',
      defaultValue: `'${PostCardStatus.DRAFT}'`,
      options: [
        { value: PostCardStatus.DRAFT, label: 'Draft', position: 0, color: 'gray' },
        { value: PostCardStatus.SENT, label: 'Sent', position: 1, color: 'orange' },
        { value: PostCardStatus.DELIVERED, label: 'Delivered', position: 2, color: 'green' },
        { value: PostCardStatus.RETURNED, label: 'Returned', position: 3, color: 'orange' },
      ],
    },
    {
      universalIdentifier: 'e06abe72-5b44-4e7f-93be-afc185a3c433',
      name: 'deliveredAt',
      type: FieldType.DATE_TIME,
      label: 'Delivered at',
      icon: 'IconCheck',
      isNullable: true,
      defaultValue: null,
    },
  ],
});
```

Key points:

- Use `defineObject()` for built-in validation and better IDE support.
- The `universalIdentifier` must be unique and stable across deployments.
- Each field requires a `name`, `type`, `label`, and its own stable `universalIdentifier`.
- The `fields` array is optional — you can define objects without custom fields.
- You can scaffold new objects using `yarn twenty entity:add`, which guides you through naming, fields, and relationships.

<Note>
**Base fields are created automatically.** When you define a custom object, Twenty automatically adds standard fields
  such as `id`, `name`, `createdAt`, `updatedAt`, `createdBy`, `updatedBy` and `deletedAt`.
  You don't need to define these in your `fields` array — only add your custom fields.
  You can override default fields by defining a field with the same name in your `fields` array,
  but this is not recommended.
</Note>

### Defining fields on existing objects

Use `defineField()` to add custom fields to existing objects — both standard objects (like `company`, `person`, `opportunity`) and custom objects defined by other apps. Each field lives in its own file and references the target object by its `universalIdentifier`.

To reference standard objects, import `STANDARD_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIERS` from `twenty-sdk`. This constant provides stable identifiers for all built-in objects and their fields:

```typescript
// src/fields/apollo-total-funding.field.ts
import {
  defineField,
  FieldType,
  STANDARD_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIERS,
} from 'twenty-sdk';

export default defineField({
  universalIdentifier: 'c90ae72d-4ddf-4f22-882f-eef98c91e40e',
  objectUniversalIdentifier:
    STANDARD_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIERS.company.universalIdentifier,
  type: FieldType.CURRENCY,
  name: 'apolloTotalFunding',
  label: 'Total Funding',
  description: 'Total funding raised by the company',
  icon: 'IconCash',
});
```

Key points:

- `objectUniversalIdentifier` tells Twenty which object to attach the field to. Use `STANDARD_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIERS.<objectName>.universalIdentifier` for standard objects.
- Each field requires its own stable `universalIdentifier`, a `name`, `type`, `label`, and the target `objectUniversalIdentifier`.
- You can scaffold new fields using `yarn twenty entity:add` and choosing the field option.
- `STANDARD_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIERS` is also exported as `STANDARD_OBJECT` for convenience — both refer to the same constant.

Available standard objects include: `attachment`, `blocklist`, `calendarChannel`, `calendarEvent`, `calendarEventParticipant`, `company`, `connectedAccount`, `dashboard`, `favorite`, `favoriteFolder`, `message`, `messageChannel`, `messageParticipant`, `messageThread`, `note`, `noteTarget`, `opportunity`, `person`, `task`, `taskTarget`, `timelineActivity`, `workflow`, `workflowAutomatedTrigger`, `workflowRun`, `workflowVersion`, and `workspaceMember`.

Each standard object also exposes its field identifiers. For example, to reference a specific field on a standard object in role permissions:

```typescript
STANDARD_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIERS.company.fields.name.universalIdentifier
```

#### Relation fields on existing objects

You can also define relation fields that link existing objects to your custom objects:

```typescript
// src/fields/people-on-call-recording.field.ts
import { defineField, FieldType, RelationType, STANDARD_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIERS } from 'twenty-sdk';
import { CALL_RECORDING_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIER } from 'src/objects/call-recording';
import { CALL_RECORDING_ON_PERSON_ID } from 'src/fields/call-recording-on-person.field';

export default defineField({
  universalIdentifier: '4a2b3c4d-5e6f-7a8b-9c0d-1e2f3a4b5c6d',
  objectUniversalIdentifier:
    CALL_RECORDING_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIER,
  type: FieldType.RELATION,
  name: 'person',
  label: 'Person',
  relationTargetObjectMetadataUniversalIdentifier:
    STANDARD_OBJECT_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIERS.person.universalIdentifier,
  relationTargetFieldMetadataUniversalIdentifier:
    CALL_RECORDING_ON_PERSON_ID,
  relationType: RelationType.MANY_TO_ONE,
});
```

### Application config (application-config.ts)

Every app has a single `application-config.ts` file that describes:

- **Who the app is**: identifiers, display name, and description.
- **How its functions run**: which role they use for permissions.
- **(Optional) variables**: key–value pairs exposed to your functions as environment variables.
- **(Optional) pre-install function**: a logic function that runs before the app is installed.
- **(Optional) post-install function**: a logic function that runs after the app is installed.

Use `defineApplication()` to define your application configuration:

```typescript
// src/application-config.ts
import { defineApplication } from 'twenty-sdk';
import { DEFAULT_ROLE_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIER } from 'src/roles/default-role';

export default defineApplication({
  universalIdentifier: '4ec0391d-18d5-411c-b2f3-266ddc1c3ef7',
  displayName: 'My Twenty App',
  description: 'My first Twenty app',
  icon: 'IconWorld',
  applicationVariables: {
    DEFAULT_RECIPIENT_NAME: {
      universalIdentifier: '19e94e59-d4fe-4251-8981-b96d0a9f74de',
      description: 'Default recipient name for postcards',
      value: 'Jane Doe',
      isSecret: false,
    },
  },
  defaultRoleUniversalIdentifier: DEFAULT_ROLE_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIER,
});
```

Notes:
- `universalIdentifier` fields are deterministic IDs you own; generate them once and keep them stable across syncs.
- `applicationVariables` become environment variables for your functions (for example, `DEFAULT_RECIPIENT_NAME` is available as `process.env.DEFAULT_RECIPIENT_NAME`).
- `defaultRoleUniversalIdentifier` must match the role file (see below).
- Pre-install and post-install functions are automatically detected during the manifest build. See [Pre-install functions](#pre-install-functions) and [Post-install functions](#post-install-functions).

#### Roles and permissions

Applications can define roles that encapsulate permissions on your workspace's objects and actions. The field `defaultRoleUniversalIdentifier` in `application-config.ts` designates the default role used by your app's logic functions.

- The runtime API key injected as `TWENTY_API_KEY` is derived from this default function role.
- The typed client will be restricted to the permissions granted to that role.
- Follow least‑privilege: create a dedicated role with only the permissions your functions need, then reference its universal identifier.

##### Default function role (*.role.ts)

When you scaffold a new app, the CLI also creates a default role file. Use `defineRole()` to define roles with built-in validation:

```typescript
// src/roles/default-role.ts
import { defineRole, PermissionFlag } from 'twenty-sdk';

export const DEFAULT_ROLE_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIER =
  'b648f87b-1d26-4961-b974-0908fd991061';

export default defineRole({
  universalIdentifier: DEFAULT_ROLE_UNIVERSAL_IDENTIFIER,
  label: 'Default function role',
  description: 'Default role for function Twenty client',
  canReadAllObjectRecords: false,
  canUpdateAllObjectRecords: false,
  canSoftDeleteAllObjectRecords: false,
  canDestroyAllObjectRecords: false,
  canUpdateAllSettings: false,
  canBeAssignedToAgents: false,
  canBeAssignedToUsers: false,
  canBeAssignedToApiKeys: false,
  objectPermissions: [
    {
      objectUniversalIdentifier: '9f9882af-170c-4879-b013-f9628b77c050',
      canReadObjectRecords: true,
      canUpdateObjectRecords: true,
      canSoftDeleteObjectRecords: false,
      canDestroyObjectRecords: false,
    },
  ],
  fieldPermissions: [
    {
      objectUniversalIdentifier: '9f9882af-170c-4879-b013-f9628b77c050',
      fieldUniversalIdentifier: 'b2c37dc0-8ae7-470e-96cd-1476b47dfaff',
      canReadFieldValue: false,
      canUpdateFieldValue: false,
    },
  ],
  permissionFlags: [PermissionFlag.APPLICATIONS],
});
```

The `universalIdentifier` of this role is then referenced in `application-config.ts` as `defaultRoleUniversalIdentifier`. In other words:

- **\*.role.ts** defines what the default function role can do.
- **application-config.ts** points to that role so your functions inherit its permissions.

Notes:
- Start from the scaffolded role, then progressively restrict it following least‑privilege.
- Replace the `objectPermissions` and `fieldPermissions` with the objects/fields your functions need.
- `permissionFlags` control access to platform-level capabilities. Keep them minimal; add only what you need.
- See a working example in the Hello World app: [`packages/twenty-apps/hello-world/src/roles/function-role.ts`](https://github.com/twentyhq/twenty/blob/main/packages/twenty-apps/hello-world/src/roles/function-role.ts).

### Logic function config and entrypoint

Each function file uses `defineLogicFunction()` to export a configuration with a handler and optional triggers.

```typescript
// src/app/createPostCard.logic-function.ts
import { defineLogicFunction } from 'twenty-sdk';
import type { DatabaseEventPayload, ObjectRecordCreateEvent, CronPayload, RoutePayload } from 'twenty-sdk';
import { CoreApiClient, type Person } from 'twenty-client-sdk/core';

const handler = async (params: RoutePayload) => {
  const client = new CoreApiClient();
  const name = 'name' in params.queryStringParameters
    ? params.queryStringParameters.name ?? process.env.DEFAULT_RECIPIENT_NAME ?? 'Hello world'
    : 'Hello world';

  const result = await client.mutation({
    createPostCard: {
      __args: { data: { name } },
      id: true,
      name: true,
    },
  });
  return result;
};

export default defineLogicFunction({
  universalIdentifier: 'e56d363b-0bdc-4d8a-a393-6f0d1c75bdcf',
  name: 'create-new-post-card',
  timeoutSeconds: 2,
  handler,
  triggers: [
    // Public HTTP route trigger '/s/post-card/create'
    {
      universalIdentifier: 'c9f84c8d-b26d-40d1-95dd-4f834ae5a2c6',
      type: 'route',
      path: '/post-card/create',
      httpMethod: 'GET',
      isAuthRequired: false,
    },
    // Cron trigger (CRON pattern)
    // {
    //   universalIdentifier: 'dd802808-0695-49e1-98c9-d5c9e2704ce2',
    //   type: 'cron',
    //   pattern: '0 0 1 1 *',
    // },
    // Database event trigger
    // {
    //   universalIdentifier: '203f1df3-4a82-4d06-a001-b8cf22a31156',
    //   type: 'databaseEvent',
    //   eventName: 'person.updated',
    //   updatedFields: ['name'],
    // },
  ],
});
```

Common trigger types:
- **route**: Exposes your function on an HTTP path and method **under the `/s/` endpoint**:
> e.g. `path: '/post-card/create',` -> call on `<APP_URL>/s/post-card/create`
- **cron**: Runs your function on a schedule using a CRON expression.
- **databaseEvent**: Runs on workspace object lifecycle events. When the event operation is `updated`, specific fields to listen to can be specified in the `updatedFields` array. If left undefined or empty, any update will trigger the function.
> e.g. `person.updated`

Notes:
- The `triggers` array is optional. Functions without triggers can be used as utility functions called by other functions.
- You can mix multiple trigger types in a single function.

### Pre-install functions

A pre-install function is a logic function that runs automatically before your app is installed on a workspace. This is useful for validation tasks, prerequisite checks, or preparing workspace state before the main installation proceeds.

When you scaffold a new app with `create-twenty-app`, a pre-install function is generated for you at `src/logic-functions/pre-install.ts`:

```typescript
// src/logic-functions/pre-install.ts
import { definePreInstallLogicFunction, type InstallLogicFunctionPayload } from 'twenty-sdk';

const handler = async (payload: InstallLogicFunctionPayload): Promise<void> => {
  console.log('Pre install logic function executed successfully!', payload.previousVersion);
};

export default definePreInstallLogicFunction({
  universalIdentifier: '<generated-uuid>',
  name: 'pre-install',
  description: 'Runs before installation to prepare the application.',
  timeoutSeconds: 300,
  handler,
});
```

You can also manually execute the pre-install function at any time using the CLI:

```bash filename="Terminal"
yarn twenty function:execute --preInstall
```

Key points:
- Pre-install functions use `definePreInstallLogicFunction()` — a specialized variant that omits trigger settings (`cronTriggerSettings`, `databaseEventTriggerSettings`, `httpRouteTriggerSettings`, `isTool`).
- The handler receives an `InstallLogicFunctionPayload` with `{ previousVersion: string }` — the version of the app that was previously installed (or an empty string for fresh installs).
- Only one pre-install function is allowed per application. The manifest build will error if more than one is detected.
- The function's `universalIdentifier` is automatically set as `preInstallLogicFunctionUniversalIdentifier` on the application manifest during the build — you do not need to reference it in `defineApplication()`.
- The default timeout is set to 300 seconds (5 minutes) to allow for longer preparation tasks.
- Pre-install functions do not need triggers — they are invoked by the platform before installation or manually via `function:execute --preInstall`.

### Post-install functions

A post-install function is a logic function that runs automatically after your app is installed on a workspace. This is useful for one-time setup tasks such as seeding default data, creating initial records, or configuring workspace settings.

When you scaffold a new app with `create-twenty-app`, a post-install function is generated for you at `src/logic-functions/post-install.ts`:

```typescript
// src/logic-functions/post-install.ts
import { definePostInstallLogicFunction, type InstallLogicFunctionPayload } from 'twenty-sdk';

const handler = async (payload: InstallLogicFunctionPayload): Promise<void> => {
  console.log('Post install logic function executed successfully!', payload.previousVersion);
};

export default definePostInstallLogicFunction({
  universalIdentifier: '<generated-uuid>',
  name: 'post-install',
  description: 'Runs after installation to set up the application.',
  timeoutSeconds: 300,
  handler,
});
```

You can also manually execute the post-install function at any time using the CLI:

```bash filename="Terminal"
yarn twenty function:execute --postInstall
```

Key points:
- Post-install functions use `definePostInstallLogicFunction()` — a specialized variant that omits trigger settings (`cronTriggerSettings`, `databaseEventTriggerSettings`, `httpRouteTriggerSettings`, `isTool`).
- The handler receives an `InstallLogicFunctionPayload` with `{ previousVersion: string }` — the version of the app that was previously installed (or an empty string for fresh installs).
- Only one post-install function is allowed per application. The manifest build will error if more than one is detected.
- The function's `universalIdentifier` is automatically set as `postInstallLogicFunctionUniversalIdentifier` on the application manifest during the build — you do not need to reference it in `defineApplication()`.
- The default timeout is set to 300 seconds (5 minutes) to allow for longer setup tasks like data seeding.
- Post-install functions do not need triggers — they are invoked by the platform during installation or manually via `function:execute --postInstall`.

### Route trigger payload

<Warning>
**Breaking change (v1.16, January 2026):** The route trigger payload format has changed. Prior to v1.16, query parameters, path parameters, and body were sent directly as the payload. Starting with v1.16, they are nested inside a structured `RoutePayload` object.

**Before v1.16:**
```typescript
const handler = async (params) => {
  const { param1, param2 } = params; // Direct access
};
```

**After v1.16:**
```typescript
const handler = async (event: RoutePayload) => {
  const { param1, param2 } = event.body; // Access via .body
  const { queryParam } = event.queryStringParameters;
  const { id } = event.pathParameters;
};
```

**To migrate existing functions:** Update your handler to destructure from `event.body`, `event.queryStringParameters`, or `event.pathParameters` instead of directly from the params object.
</Warning>

When a route trigger invokes your logic function, it receives a `RoutePayload` object that follows the AWS HTTP API v2 format. Import the type from `twenty-sdk`:

```typescript
import { defineLogicFunction, type RoutePayload } from 'twenty-sdk';

const handler = async (event: RoutePayload) => {
  // Access request data
  const { headers, queryStringParameters, pathParameters, body } = event;

  // HTTP method and path are available in requestContext
  const { method, path } = event.requestContext.http;

  return { message: 'Success' };
};
```

The `RoutePayload` type has the following structure:

| Property | Type | Description |
|----------|------|-------------|
| `headers` | `Record<string, string \| undefined>` | HTTP headers (only those listed in `forwardedRequestHeaders`) |
| `queryStringParameters` | `Record<string, string \| undefined>` | Query string parameters (multiple values joined with commas) |
| `pathParameters` | `Record<string, string \| undefined>` | Path parameters extracted from the route pattern (e.g., `/users/:id` → `{ id: '123' }`) |
| `body` | `object \| null` | Parsed request body (JSON) |
| `isBase64Encoded` | `boolean` | Whether the body is base64 encoded |
| `requestContext.http.method` | `string` | HTTP method (GET, POST, PUT, PATCH, DELETE) |
| `requestContext.http.path` | `string` | Raw request path |

### Forwarding HTTP headers

By default, HTTP headers from incoming requests are **not** passed to your logic function for security reasons. To access specific headers, explicitly list them in the `forwardedRequestHeaders` array:

```typescript
export default defineLogicFunction({
  universalIdentifier: 'e56d363b-0bdc-4d8a-a393-6f0d1c75bdcf',
  name: 'webhook-handler',
  handler,
  triggers: [
    {
      universalIdentifier: 'c9f84c8d-b26d-40d1-95dd-4f834ae5a2c6',
      type: 'route',
      path: '/webhook',
      httpMethod: 'POST',
      isAuthRequired: false,
      forwardedRequestHeaders: ['x-webhook-signature', 'content-type'],
    },
  ],
});
```

In your handler, you can then access these headers:

```typescript
const handler = async (event: RoutePayload) => {
  const signature = event.headers['x-webhook-signature'];
  const contentType = event.headers['content-type'];

  // Validate webhook signature...
  return { received: true };
};
```

<Note>
  Header names are normalized to lowercase. Access them using lowercase keys (for example, `event.headers['content-type']`).
</Note>

You can create new functions in two ways:

- **Scaffolded**: Run `yarn twenty entity:add` and choose the option to add a new logic function. This generates a starter file with a handler and config.
- **Manual**: Create a new `*.logic-function.ts` file and use `defineLogicFunction()`, following the same pattern.

### Marking a logic function as a tool

Logic functions can be exposed as **tools** for AI agents and workflows. When a function is marked as a tool, it becomes discoverable by Twenty's AI features and can be selected as a step in workflow automations.

To mark a logic function as a tool, set `isTool: true` and provide a `toolInputSchema` describing the expected input parameters using [JSON Schema](https://json-schema.org/):

```typescript
// src/logic-functions/enrich-company.logic-function.ts
import { defineLogicFunction } from 'twenty-sdk';
import { CoreApiClient } from 'twenty-client-sdk/core';

const handler = async (params: { companyName: string; domain?: string }) => {
  const client = new CoreApiClient();

  const result = await client.mutation({
    createTask: {
      __args: {
        data: {
          title: `Enrich data for ${params.companyName}`,
          body: `Domain: ${params.domain ?? 'unknown'}`,
        },
      },
      id: true,
    },
  });

  return { taskId: result.createTask.id };
};

export default defineLogicFunction({
  universalIdentifier: 'f47ac10b-58cc-4372-a567-0e02b2c3d479',
  name: 'enrich-company',
  description: 'Enrich a company record with external data',
  timeoutSeconds: 10,
  handler,
  isTool: true,
  toolInputSchema: {
    type: 'object',
    properties: {
      companyName: {
        type: 'string',
        description: 'The name of the company to enrich',
      },
      domain: {
        type: 'string',
        description: 'The company website domain (optional)',
      },
    },
    required: ['companyName'],
  },
});
```

Key points:

- **`isTool`** (`boolean`, default: `false`): When set to `true`, the function is registered as a tool and becomes available to AI agents and workflow automations.
- **`toolInputSchema`** (`object`, optional): A JSON Schema object that describes the parameters your function accepts. AI agents use this schema to understand what inputs the tool expects and to validate calls. If omitted, the schema defaults to `{ type: 'object', properties: {} }` (no parameters).
- Functions with `isTool: false` (or unset) are **not** exposed as tools. They can still be executed directly or called by other functions, but will not appear in tool discovery.
- **Tool naming**: When exposed as a tool, the function name is automatically normalized to `logic_function_<name>` (lowercased, non-alphanumeric characters replaced with underscores). For example, `enrich-company` becomes `logic_function_enrich_company`.
- You can combine `isTool` with triggers — a function can be both a tool (callable by AI agents) and triggered by events (cron, database events, routes) at the same time.

<Note>
**Write a good `description`.** AI agents rely on the function's `description` field to decide when to use the tool. Be specific about what the tool does and when it should be called.
</Note>

### Front components

Front components let you build custom React components that render within Twenty's UI. Use `defineFrontComponent()` to define components with built-in validation:

```typescript
// src/front-components/my-widget.tsx
import { defineFrontComponent } from 'twenty-sdk';

const MyWidget = () => {
  return (
    <div style={{ padding: '20px', fontFamily: 'sans-serif' }}>
      <h1>My Custom Widget</h1>
      <p>This is a custom front component for Twenty.</p>
    </div>
  );
};

export default defineFrontComponent({
  universalIdentifier: 'a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890',
  name: 'my-widget',
  description: 'A custom widget component',
  component: MyWidget,
});
```

Key points:
- Front components are React components that render in isolated contexts within Twenty.
- The `component` field references your React component.
- Components are built and synced automatically during `yarn twenty dev`.

You can create new front components in two ways:

- **Scaffolded**: Run `yarn twenty entity:add` and choose the option to add a new front component.
- **Manual**: Create a new `.tsx` file and use `defineFrontComponent()`, following the same pattern.

#### Where front components can be used

Front components can render in two locations within Twenty:

- **Side panel** — Non-headless front components open in the right-hand side panel. This is the default behavior when a front component is triggered from the command menu.
- **Widgets (dashboards and record pages)** — Front components can be embedded as widgets inside page layouts. When configuring a dashboard or a record page layout, users can add a front component widget.

#### Headless vs non-headless

Front components come in two rendering modes controlled by the `isHeadless` option:

**Non-headless (default)** — The component renders a visible UI. When triggered from the command menu it opens in the side panel. This is the default behavior when `isHeadless` is `false` or omitted.

**Headless** — The component mounts invisibly in the background. It does not open the side panel. Headless components are designed for actions that execute logic and then unmount themselves — for example, running an async task, navigating to a page, or showing a confirmation modal. They pair naturally with the SDK Command components described below.

```typescript
export default defineFrontComponent({
  universalIdentifier: 'a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890',
  name: 'my-action',
  description: 'Runs an action without opening the side panel',
  component: MyAction,
  isHeadless: true,
  command: {
    universalIdentifier: 'b2c3d4e5-f6a7-8901-bcde-f12345678901',
    label: 'Run my action',
  },
});
```

#### Adding command menu items

To make a front component appear as an item in Twenty's command menu, add the `command` property to `defineFrontComponent()`. When users open the command menu (Cmd+K / Ctrl+K), the item shows up and triggers the front component on click.

The `command` object accepts the following fields:

| Field | Type | Description |
|-------|------|-------------|
| `universalIdentifier` | `string` (required) | Unique ID for the command menu item |
| `label` | `string` (required) | Display label shown in the command menu |
| `icon` | `string` (optional) | Icon name (e.g., `'IconSparkles'`) |
| `isPinned` | `boolean` (optional) | Whether the command is pinned at the top of the menu |
| `availabilityType` | `'GLOBAL' \| 'RECORD_SELECTION'` (optional) | `GLOBAL` shows the command everywhere; `RECORD_SELECTION` shows it only in record contexts |
| `availabilityObjectUniversalIdentifier` | `string` (optional) | Restrict the command to a specific object type (e.g., Person) |

Here is an example from the call-recording app that adds a command scoped to Person records:

```typescript
import { defineFrontComponent } from 'twenty-sdk';

export default defineFrontComponent({
  universalIdentifier: 'c3d4e5f6-a7b8-9012-cdef-123456789012',
  name: 'Summarize Person Call Recordings',
  description: 'Generates a summary of call recordings for a person',
  component: SummarizePersonRecordings,
  command: {
    universalIdentifier: 'd4e5f6a7-b8c9-0123-defa-234567890123',
    label: 'Summarize call recordings',
    icon: 'IconSparkles',
    isPinned: false,
    availabilityType: 'RECORD_SELECTION',
    availabilityObjectUniversalIdentifier:
      '20202020-e674-48e5-a542-72570eee7213',
  },
});
```

When the command is synced, it appears in the command menu. If the front component is non-headless the side panel opens with the component rendered inside. If it is headless the component mounts in the background and executes its logic.

#### SDK Command components

The `twenty-sdk` package provides four Command helper components designed for headless front components. Each component executes an action on mount, handles errors by showing a snackbar notification, and automatically unmounts the front component when done.

Import them from `twenty-sdk/command`:

- **`Command`** — Runs an async callback via the `execute` prop.
- **`CommandLink`** — Navigates to an app path. Props: `to`, `params`, `queryParams`, `options`.
- **`CommandModal`** — Opens a confirmation modal. If the user confirms, executes the `execute` callback. Props: `title`, `subtitle`, `execute`, `confirmButtonText`, `confirmButtonAccent`.
- **`CommandOpenSidePanelPage`** — Opens a specific side panel page. Props: `page`, `pageTitle`, `pageIcon`.

Here is a full example of a headless front component using `Command` to run an action from the command menu:

```typescript
// src/front-components/run-action.tsx
import { defineFrontComponent } from 'twenty-sdk';
import { Command } from 'twenty-sdk/command';
import { CoreApiClient } from 'twenty-sdk/clients';

const RunAction = () => {
  const execute = async () => {
    const client = new CoreApiClient();

    await client.mutation({
      createTask: {
        __args: { data: { title: 'Created by my app' } },
        id: true,
      },
    });
  };

  return <Command execute={execute} />;
};

export default defineFrontComponent({
  universalIdentifier: 'e5f6a7b8-c9d0-1234-efab-345678901234',
  name: 'run-action',
  description: 'Creates a task from the command menu',
  component: RunAction,
  isHeadless: true,
  command: {
    universalIdentifier: 'f6a7b8c9-d0e1-2345-fabc-456789012345',
    label: 'Run my action',
    icon: 'IconPlayerPlay',
  },
});
```

And an example using `CommandModal` to ask for confirmation before executing:

```typescript
// src/front-components/delete-draft.tsx
import { defineFrontComponent } from 'twenty-sdk';
import { CommandModal } from 'twenty-sdk/command';

const DeleteDraft = () => {
  const execute = async () => {
    // perform the deletion
  };

  return (
    <CommandModal
      title="Delete draft?"
      subtitle="This action cannot be undone."
      execute={execute}
      confirmButtonText="Delete"
      confirmButtonAccent="danger"
    />
  );
};

export default defineFrontComponent({
  universalIdentifier: 'a7b8c9d0-e1f2-3456-abcd-567890123456',
  name: 'delete-draft',
  description: 'Deletes a draft with confirmation',
  component: DeleteDraft,
  isHeadless: true,
  command: {
    universalIdentifier: 'b8c9d0e1-f2a3-4567-bcde-678901234567',
    label: 'Delete draft',
    icon: 'IconTrash',
  },
});
```

#### Execution context

Every front component receives an execution context that provides information about where and how it is running. Access context values using hooks from `twenty-sdk`:

| Hook | Return type | Description |
|------|-------------|-------------|
| `useFrontComponentId()` | `string` | The unique ID of the current front component instance |
| `useRecordId()` | `string \| null` | The ID of the current record, when the component runs in a record context (e.g., a record page widget or a command scoped to a record). Returns `null` otherwise. |
| `useUserId()` | `string \| null` | The ID of the current user |

```typescript
import { useRecordId, useUserId } from 'twenty-sdk';

const MyWidget = () => {
  const recordId = useRecordId();
  const userId = useUserId();

  return (
    <div>
      <p>Record: {recordId ?? 'none'}</p>
      <p>User: {userId ?? 'anonymous'}</p>
    </div>
  );
};
```

The context is reactive — if the surrounding record changes, hooks automatically return the updated values.

#### Host API functions

Front components run in an isolated sandbox but can interact with Twenty's UI through a set of functions provided by the host. Import them directly from `twenty-sdk`:

```typescript
import {
  navigate,
  closeSidePanel,
  enqueueSnackbar,
  unmountFrontComponent,
  openSidePanelPage,
  openCommandConfirmationModal,
} from 'twenty-sdk';
```

| Function | Signature | Description |
|----------|-----------|-------------|
| `navigate` | `(to, params?, queryParams?, options?) => Promise<void>` | Navigate to a typed app path within Twenty |
| `closeSidePanel` | `() => Promise<void>` | Close the side panel |
| `enqueueSnackbar` | `(params) => Promise<void>` | Show a snackbar notification. Params: `message`, `variant` (`'error'`, `'success'`, `'info'`, `'warning'`), optional `duration`, `detailedMessage`, `dedupeKey` |
| `unmountFrontComponent` | `() => Promise<void>` | Unmount the current front component (used by headless components to clean up after execution) |
| `openSidePanelPage` | `(params) => Promise<void>` | Open a page in the side panel. Params: `page`, `pageTitle`, `pageIcon`, `shouldResetSearchState` |
| `openCommandConfirmationModal` | `(params) => Promise<'confirm' \| 'cancel'>` | Show a confirmation modal and wait for the user's response. Params: `title`, `subtitle`, `confirmButtonText`, `confirmButtonAccent` (`'default'`, `'blue'`, `'danger'`) |

Here is an example that uses the host API to show a snackbar and close the side panel after an action completes:

```typescript
import { defineFrontComponent, useRecordId } from 'twenty-sdk';
import { enqueueSnackbar, closeSidePanel } from 'twenty-sdk';
import { CoreApiClient } from 'twenty-sdk/clients';

const ArchiveRecord = () => {
  const recordId = useRecordId();

  const handleArchive = async () => {
    const client = new CoreApiClient();

    await client.mutation({
      updateTask: {
        __args: { id: recordId, data: { status: 'ARCHIVED' } },
        id: true,
      },
    });

    await enqueueSnackbar({
      message: 'Record archived',
      variant: 'success',
    });

    await closeSidePanel();
  };

  return (
    <div style={{ padding: '20px' }}>
      <p>Archive this record?</p>
      <button onClick={handleArchive}>Archive</button>
    </div>
  );
};

export default defineFrontComponent({
  universalIdentifier: 'c9d0e1f2-a3b4-5678-cdef-789012345678',
  name: 'archive-record',
  description: 'Archives the current record',
  component: ArchiveRecord,
});
```

### Skills

Skills define reusable instructions and capabilities that AI agents can use within your workspace. Use `defineSkill()` to define skills with built-in validation:

```typescript
// src/skills/example-skill.ts
import { defineSkill } from 'twenty-sdk';

export default defineSkill({
  universalIdentifier: 'a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890',
  name: 'sales-outreach',
  label: 'Sales Outreach',
  description: 'Guides the AI agent through a structured sales outreach process',
  icon: 'IconBrain',
  content: `You are a sales outreach assistant. When reaching out to a prospect:
1. Research the company and recent news
2. Identify the prospect's role and likely pain points
3. Draft a personalized message referencing specific details
4. Keep the tone professional but conversational`,
});
```

Key points:
- `name` is a unique identifier string for the skill (kebab-case recommended).
- `label` is the human-readable display name shown in the UI.
- `content` contains the skill instructions — this is the text the AI agent uses.
- `icon` (optional) sets the icon displayed in the UI.
- `description` (optional) provides additional context about the skill's purpose.

You can create new skills in two ways:

- **Scaffolded**: Run `yarn twenty entity:add` and choose the option to add a new skill.
- **Manual**: Create a new file and use `defineSkill()`, following the same pattern.

### Agents

Agents define AI agents with system prompts that can operate within your workspace. Use `defineAgent()` to define agents with built-in validation:

```typescript
// src/agents/example-agent.ts
import { defineAgent } from 'twenty-sdk';

export default defineAgent({
  universalIdentifier: 'a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-abcd-ef1234567890',
  name: 'sales-assistant',
  label: 'Sales Assistant',
  description: 'An AI agent that helps with sales tasks',
  icon: 'IconRobot',
  prompt: `You are a sales assistant. Help users with:
1. Researching prospects and companies
2. Drafting personalized outreach messages
3. Tracking follow-ups and next steps
4. Analyzing deal pipeline and suggesting actions`,
});
```

Key points:
- `name` is a unique identifier string for the agent (kebab-case recommended).
- `label` is the human-readable display name shown in the UI.
- `prompt` contains the system prompt — this is the instruction text that defines the agent's behavior.
- `icon` (optional) sets the icon displayed in the UI.
- `description` (optional) provides additional context about the agent's purpose.

You can create new agents in two ways:

- **Scaffolded**: Run `yarn twenty entity:add` and choose the option to add a new agent.
- **Manual**: Create a new file and use `defineAgent()`, following the same pattern.

### Generated typed clients

Two typed clients are auto-generated by `yarn twenty dev` and stored in `node_modules/twenty-sdk/clients` based on your workspace schema:

- **`CoreApiClient`** — queries the `/graphql` endpoint for workspace data
- **`MetadataApiClient`** — queries the `/metadata` endpoint for workspace configuration and file uploads

```typescript
import { CoreApiClient } from 'twenty-client-sdk/core';
import { MetadataApiClient } from 'twenty-client-sdk/metadata';

const client = new CoreApiClient();
const { me } = await client.query({ me: { id: true, displayName: true } });

const metadataClient = new MetadataApiClient();
const { currentWorkspace } = await metadataClient.query({ currentWorkspace: { id: true } });
```

`CoreApiClient` is re-generated automatically by `yarn twenty dev` whenever your objects or fields change. `MetadataApiClient` ships pre-built with the SDK.

#### Runtime credentials in logic functions

When your function runs on Twenty, the platform injects credentials as environment variables before your code executes:

- `TWENTY_API_URL`: Base URL of the Twenty API your app targets.
- `TWENTY_API_KEY`: Short‑lived key scoped to your application's default function role.

Notes:
- You do not need to pass URL or API key to the generated client. It reads `TWENTY_API_URL` and `TWENTY_API_KEY` from process.env at runtime.
- The API key's permissions are determined by the role referenced in your `application-config.ts` via `defaultRoleUniversalIdentifier`. This is the default role used by logic functions of your application.
- Applications can define roles to follow least‑privilege. Grant only the permissions your functions need, then point `defaultRoleUniversalIdentifier` to that role's universal identifier.

#### Uploading files

The `MetadataApiClient` includes an `uploadFile` method for attaching files to file-type fields on your workspace objects. Because standard GraphQL clients do not support multipart file uploads natively, the client provides this dedicated method that implements the [GraphQL multipart request specification](https://github.com/jaydenseric/graphql-multipart-request-spec) under the hood.

```typescript
import { MetadataApiClient } from 'twenty-client-sdk/metadata';
import * as fs from 'fs';

const metadataClient = new MetadataApiClient();

const fileBuffer = fs.readFileSync('./invoice.pdf');

const uploadedFile = await metadataClient.uploadFile(
  fileBuffer,                                         // file contents as a Buffer
  'invoice.pdf',                                      // filename
  'application/pdf',                                  // MIME type (defaults to 'application/octet-stream')
  '58a0a314-d7ea-4865-9850-7fb84e72f30b',            // field universal identifier
);

console.log(uploadedFile);
// { id: '...', path: '...', size: 12345, createdAt: '...', url: 'https://...' }
```

The method signature:

```typescript
uploadFile(
  fileBuffer: Buffer,
  filename: string,
  contentType: string,
  fieldMetadataUniversalIdentifier: string,
): Promise<{ id: string; path: string; size: number; createdAt: string; url: string }>
```

| Parameter | Type | Description |
|-----------|------|-------------|
| `fileBuffer` | `Buffer` | The raw file contents |
| `filename` | `string` | The name of the file (used for storage and display) |
| `contentType` | `string` | MIME type of the file (defaults to `application/octet-stream` if omitted) |
| `fieldMetadataUniversalIdentifier` | `string` | The `universalIdentifier` of the file-type field on your object |

Key points:
- The `uploadFile` method is available on `MetadataApiClient` because the upload mutation is resolved by the `/metadata` endpoint.
- It uses the field's `universalIdentifier` (not its workspace-specific ID), so your upload code works across any workspace where your app is installed — consistent with how apps reference fields everywhere else.
- The returned `url` is a signed URL you can use to access the uploaded file.

### Hello World example

Explore a minimal, end-to-end example that demonstrates objects, logic functions, front components, and multiple triggers [here](https://github.com/twentyhq/twenty/tree/main/packages/twenty-apps/hello-world):

## Building your app

Once you've developed your app with `app:dev`, use `app:build` to compile it into a distributable package.

```bash filename="Terminal"
# Build the app (output goes to .twenty/output/)
yarn twenty build

# Build and create a tarball (.tgz) for distribution
yarn twenty build --tarball
```

The build process:

1. **Parses and validates the manifest** — reads all `defineX()` entities from your source files and validates the manifest structure.
2. **Compiles logic functions and front components** — bundles TypeScript sources into ESM `.mjs` files using esbuild.
3. **Generates checksums** — computes MD5 hashes for each built file, stored in the manifest as `builtHandlerChecksum` / `builtComponentChecksum`.
4. **Generates the typed API client** — introspects the GraphQL schema and generates typed `CoreApiClient` and `MetadataApiClient` clients.
5. **Runs a TypeScript type check** — runs `tsc --noEmit` to catch type errors before publishing.
6. **Rebuilds with the generated client** — performs a second compilation pass so the generated client types are included.
7. **Optionally creates a tarball** — if `--tarball` is passed, runs `npm pack` to create a `.tgz` file ready for distribution.

The build output in `.twenty/output/` contains:

```text
.twenty/output/
├── manifest.json              # Manifest with checksums for all built files
├── package.json               # Copied from app root
├── yarn.lock                  # Copied from app root
├── src/
│   ├── logic-functions/       # Compiled .mjs logic function files
│   └── front-components/      # Compiled .mjs front component files
├── public/                    # Static assets (if any)
└── my-app-1.0.0.tgz          # Only with --tarball flag
```

| Option | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `[appPath]` | Path to the app directory (defaults to current directory) |
| `--tarball` | Also pack the output into a `.tgz` tarball |

## Publishing your app

Use `app:publish` to distribute your app — either to the npm registry or directly to a Twenty server.

### Publish to npm (default)

```bash filename="Terminal"
# Publish to npm (requires npm login)
yarn twenty publish

# Publish with a dist-tag (e.g. beta, next)
yarn twenty publish --tag beta
```

This builds the app and runs `npm publish` from the `.twenty/output/` directory. The published package can then be installed from the Twenty marketplace by any workspace.

### Publish to a Twenty server

```bash filename="Terminal"
# Publish directly to a Twenty server
yarn twenty publish --server https://app.twenty.com
```

This builds the app with a tarball, uploads it to the server via the `uploadAppTarball` GraphQL mutation, and triggers installation in one step. This is useful for private deployments or testing against a specific server.

| Option | Description |
|--------|-------------|
| `[appPath]` | Path to the app directory (defaults to current directory) |
| `--server <url>` | Publish to a Twenty server instead of npm |
| `--token <token>` | Authentication token for the target server |
| `--tag <tag>` | npm dist-tag (e.g. `beta`, `next`) — only for npm publish |

## Application registration

Before an app can be installed in a workspace, it must be **registered**. A registration is a metadata record that describes where the app comes from and how to authenticate it. This is handled automatically by the CLI in most cases.

### Source types

Each registration has a **source type** that determines how the app's files are resolved during installation:

| Source type | How files are resolved | Typical use case |
|-------------|----------------------|------------------|
| `LOCAL` | Files are synced in real-time by the CLI watcher — installation is skipped | Development with `app:dev` |
| `NPM` | Fetched from the npm registry via the `sourcePackage` field | Published apps on npm |
| `TARBALL` | Extracted from an uploaded `.tgz` file stored on the server | Private apps published with `--server` |

### How registration happens

- **`app:dev`** — automatically creates a `LOCAL` registration the first time you run dev mode against a workspace.
- **`app:publish --server`** — uploads a tarball and creates (or updates) a `TARBALL` registration, then installs the app.
- **npm marketplace** — `NPM` registrations are created when apps are synced from the npm registry into the Twenty marketplace catalog.
- **GraphQL API** — you can also create registrations programmatically via the `createApplicationRegistration` mutation.

### Registration vs installation

**Registration** and **installation** are separate concepts:

- A **registration** (`ApplicationRegistration`) is a global metadata record describing the app: its name, source type, OAuth credentials, and marketplace listing status. It exists independently of any workspace.
- An **installation** (`Application`) is a per-workspace instance. When a user installs an app, Twenty resolves the package from the registration's source, writes the built files to storage, and synchronizes the manifest (creating objects, fields, logic functions, etc.) in that workspace.

One registration can be installed in many workspaces. Each workspace gets its own copy of the app's files and data model.

### OAuth credentials

Each registration includes OAuth credentials (`oAuthClientId` and `oAuthClientSecret`) generated at creation time. These are used by the app to authenticate API requests on behalf of users. The client secret is returned **once** at creation — store it securely. You can rotate it later via the `rotateApplicationRegistrationClientSecret` mutation.

## Manual setup (without the scaffolder)

While we recommend using `create-twenty-app` for the best getting-started experience, you can also set up a project manually. Do not install the CLI globally. Instead, add `twenty-sdk` as a local dependency and wire a single script in your package.json:

```bash filename="Terminal"
yarn add -D twenty-sdk
```

Then add a `twenty` script:

```json filename="package.json"
{
  "scripts": {
    "twenty": "twenty"
  }
}
```

Now you can run all commands via `yarn twenty <command>`, e.g. `yarn twenty dev`, `yarn twenty help`, etc.

## Troubleshooting

- Authentication errors: run `yarn twenty auth:login` and ensure your API key has the required permissions.
- Cannot connect to server: verify the API URL and that the Twenty server is reachable.
- Types or client missing/outdated: restart `yarn twenty dev` — it auto-generates the typed client.
- Dev mode not syncing: ensure `yarn twenty dev` is running and that changes are not ignored by your environment.

Discord Help Channel: https://discord.com/channels/1130383047699738754/1130386664812982322
