The Desktop Chat section described chat-only and gave no signpost that
remote-hosted Hermes connection is documented. Adds a pointer to the
in-page remote-backend section and to the deeper Web Dashboard doc.
The Desktop App and Web Dashboard remote-connect instructions told users
to start the backend with `hermes dashboard --no-open --insecure --host
0.0.0.0`, omitting --tui. Without --tui the embedded-chat WebSockets
(/api/ws, /api/pty) are refused, so the desktop passes the /api/status
health check and reports the backend "ready" — but chat never works
because the socket is closed on connect.
- Add --tui to both backend command blocks (with an inline why-comment).
- Explain that the desktop chat runs over /api/ws + /api/pty and needs
the embedded-chat surface enabled; a plain dashboard/gateway is not
enough.
- Add a troubleshooting entry for the exact symptom (connects, says
ready, chat dead) on both pages.
The section explained why the Session token is hidden but punted the actual
setup steps to the web-dashboard page via a link — a bounce for someone on
the Desktop App page trying to connect. Inline the concrete steps instead:
backend command block (mint token -> .env -> hermes dashboard --insecure),
the in-app Remote gateway steps, the env-var override, Tailscale guidance,
and a troubleshooting list. Keep a short pointer to the web-dashboard page
for the same setup from that angle.
The Desktop App page covered install, settings, and chat but not how to
connect the app to a backend on another machine — the exact thing
@PedjaDrazic asked about. Add a 'Connecting to a remote backend' section
that explains the Session token is the dashboard token Hermes never
surfaces (pin it via HERMES_DASHBOARD_SESSION_TOKEN + run --insecure),
and link to the web-dashboard page for the full backend setup rather than
duplicating it. Add a reciprocal link from the web-dashboard remote section
back to the Desktop App page.
Add a SHA-256 content-hash based build stamp to `hermes desktop` so
unchanged source trees skip the npm install + build step. Uses pathspec
for .gitignore-aware file matching instead of a hardcoded skip-list.
New CLI flags:
- --build-only: run the build but don't launch the app
- --force-build: rebuild even when the stamp matches
`hermes update` now calls `hermes desktop --build-only` so the
desktop app is rebuilt (if needed) as part of the update flow.
16/16 tests passing.
The native Electron desktop app shipped (PR #20059 and follow-ups) but the
docs only told people how to download it, not what it is or how to use it.
Adds website/docs/user-guide/desktop.md covering install (installer +
prebuilt + Windows GUI), the chat-first UI and management panes, the
hermes desktop CLI flag reference, self-update, how-it-works, and
troubleshooting. Sourced from apps/desktop/README.md, routes.ts, and the
real argparse. Wired into sidebars.ts under Interfaces after the TUI.
