Desktop Client

The PocketPaw desktop client is a native application built with Tauri 2.0 and SvelteKit. It connects to the Python backend over REST and WebSocket, providing a polished native experience on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Why a Desktop App?

The web dashboard works great in a browser, but a native app unlocks features that browsers can’t provide:

• System tray with quick access menu and background operation
• Global keyboard shortcuts that work even when the app isn’t focused
• Multi-window support with a side panel and quick-ask popup
• One-click installation that sets up the Python backend automatically
• Auto-updates via Tauri’s built-in updater
• Native notifications for reminders, task completions, and agent alerts

Downloads

Architecture

The client is split into two layers:

Frontend (SvelteKit)

• SvelteKit 2 with Svelte 5 runes for reactive state management
• Tailwind CSS 4 with oklch-based design tokens
• shadcn-svelte (bits-ui) component library
• Static SPA mode (no SSR), bundled into the Tauri shell

Rust Backend (Tauri)

• System tray with Open, Quick Ask, Settings, and Quit actions
• Close-to-tray behavior (window hides instead of closing)
• Multi-window management for side panel and quick-ask windows
• Global shortcuts registered from the frontend
• OAuth token storage and IPC commands

How It Connects

The desktop client communicates with the PocketPaw Python backend (running on localhost:8888) through:

1. REST API (/api/v1/) for CRUD operations (sessions, settings, memory, etc.)
2. WebSocket (/api/v1/ws) for real-time streaming (chat responses, system events)
3. SSE (/api/v1/chat/stream) for chat message streaming

Authentication uses an OAuth2 PKCE flow or a master access token read from ~/.pocketpaw/access_token.

Key Features

Onboarding Wizard

First-time users get a guided setup that:

1. Detects if the Python backend is installed
2. Offers one-click installation (downloads and configures Python + PocketPaw)
3. Walks through API key configuration
4. Connects to the running backend

Chat Interface

Full-featured chat with:

• Real-time streaming responses
• Tool call visualization (tool start, result, thinking indicators)
• Code block syntax highlighting via CodeMirror
• File attachment support
• Session management (create, rename, delete, search, export)

Side Panel

A compact secondary window for quick interactions without leaving your current task. Accessible via global shortcut or system tray.

Quick Ask

A lightweight popup window for fast one-off questions. Opens and closes instantly.