On Ubuntu, launch DeepSeek Harness with Node.js and its official npm command, then connect a model either by configuring a compatible self-hosted provider endpoint or by using Ollama’s documented launcher. The Harness opens at http://127.0.0.1:3080 by default. A local-looking endpoint alone does not guarantee local inference: choose a model that actually runs on your machine.
Before you install
DeepSeek Harness is an open-source agent harness from DeepSeek AI, currently in developer preview. Its official README warns: “DeepSeek Harness is in developer preview and iterating rapidly. THERE WILL BE COMPATIBILITY-BREAKING CHANGES.” Check the current README if a command or screen differs from the steps below.
You need Node.js for the npm launch route. The project’s setup instructions do not specify an Ubuntu release or a Node.js installation method, so use the current installation instructions for your Ubuntu version and the official Node.js download page. The reviewed setup sources do not state minimum hardware requirements.
Install and start the Harness
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Install Node.js using the instructions appropriate to your Ubuntu release.
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Open a terminal and run
npx @deepseek-ai/dsh web. This invokes the Harness Web UI through npm. -
When the server starts, open
http://127.0.0.1:3080in a browser on the same machine. This is the default address in the project README.
The address uses the loopback interface, so it is for access from the machine running the Harness; it is not a public network address.
Choose how to connect the local model
There are two documented routes. Use the custom provider setup when your model server exposes an API and you want to enter its connection details yourself. Use Ollama’s integration launcher if you want its documented Harness integration and model selector.
| Route | What you configure | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Harness Web UI with custom provider | Provider ID, base URL, API protocol, credential, and model ID | The server’s URL and API protocol must match what the provider endpoint supports. |
| Ollama integration | Launch with ollama launch dsh; optionally select a model with --model or configure with --config |
Select a model that runs locally if local inference is the goal; Ollama’s examples include cloud as well as local models. |
Configure a self-hosted provider in the Web UI
The Harness supports custom model APIs for self-hosted servers. Follow the official provider guide and take the endpoint values from the model server you actually run; there is no universal local URL or credential that applies to every server.
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In the Harness, open the Models page and add a provider.
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Enter a provider ID and the server’s endpoint base URL.
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Select the API protocol implemented by that endpoint. The guide lists OpenAI Chat Completions, OpenAI Responses, and Anthropic Messages.
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Provide the credential expected by the provider, then add the model ID used by the server.
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Select that configured model for use in the Harness.
These fields must agree with the server’s actual API behavior. A protocol mismatch or an incompatible gateway can prevent requests from working even when the endpoint is reachable.
Use Ollama’s documented launcher
Ollama documents a separate integration path for DeepSeek Harness. Run ollama launch dsh to launch the integration. To select a model explicitly, use ollama launch dsh --model <model>; use ollama launch dsh --config to configure without starting it. See Ollama’s DeepSeek Harness integration documentation for the current behavior and model selection details.
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Check the selected model rather than assuming that every option is local: Ollama’s integration page illustrates both a local model and a cloud model. A cloud selection does not satisfy an all-local inference requirement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot provider setup
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Credential missing: Store the key through the Models page or provide the environment variable referenced by the provider guide.
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Unknown model: Choose a model already configured in the Harness or add the model ID that the endpoint expects.
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Model discovery fails: Some endpoints use listing formats the Harness does not support. Enter the model ID manually instead.
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Requests fail despite a reachable endpoint: Recheck the base URL and selected protocol against the server’s implementation; endpoint and gateway compatibility varies.
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