OpenClaw Local Setup: A Developer's Deep Dive

Getting Started Locally

If you're looking to contribute to OpenClaw or just want to see how the engine handles your data locally, you need a solid foundation. This isn't just about running an npm install; it's about configuring your environment for maximum performance.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you aren't running ancient software:

• Node.js: v20 or higher (LTS recommended)
• Bun: v1.1.0+ (optional, but recommended for speed)
• Git: For cloning the repository

Installation Steps

1. Clone the Source

Start by grabbing the latest version from the main branch.

Copy
bash
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw

2. Install Dependencies

I recommend using Bun because it's faster than your father on a treadmill, but standard npm works too.

Copy
bash
bun install
# or
npm install

3. Environment Configuration

Copy the template environment file. This step is critical for system integrity.

Copy
bash
cp .env.example .env

Configuration Details

Open your .env file and configure the core parameters. For a local setup, focus on:

• PORT: Default is 8080. Modify this if there is a predicted port collision.
• LOG_LEVEL: Set to debug for maximum analytical visibility.
• ENGINE_SECRET: Generate a cryptographically secure string. Avoid predictable patterns.

Copy
env
PORT=8080
LOG_LEVEL=debug
ENGINE_SECRET=calculated_dominance_2026

Running the Engine

Start the development server with hot-reload enabled.

Copy
bash
bun run dev
# or
npm run dev

Troubleshooting Tips

Port Conflict

If you see EADDRINUSE, find the process hogging your port and terminate it with extreme prejudice.

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bash
lsof -i :8080
kill -9 [PID]

Missing Dependencies

If the build fails, try a clean install. It's the "turn it off and on again" of engineering.

Copy
bash
rm -rf node_modules
bun install

Secret Mismatch

If the engine refuses connections, double-check your ENGINE_SECRET matches your client configuration.