Understand files and code
Browse directories, read files and inspect PHP, JavaScript or CSS structure. Edits can target individual methods or rules.
“Show me where sign-in is handled.”
The AI toolkit for administrators
Unpack the ZIP. Connect your AI. Explore your system.
Core was built to make getting started simple: unpack the ZIP package into a subdirectory of your existing PHP application, complete the short setup and connect Codex, Claude or another compatible AI client. Your AI can then inspect files and code — without an additional database or a complicated setup.
- Install in a subdirectory
- No additional database required
For the people who keep systems running.
For administrators, developers and agencies maintaining existing applications, investigating issues and making traceable changes. On a local computer or a server you operate.
What Core helps you do
One connection. The tools for your project.
Keep project knowledge
Brain stores decisions, working rules and handoffs. A project brief gives a new AI session the context it needs.
“Read the project brief and follow our working rules.”
Inspect databases
Connect MySQL, MariaDB and optionally Manticore. Inspect tables and schemas, query data and make focused changes when write access is enabled.
“What tables are there, and how is their data related?”
Follow changes
The live log shows Core calls and affected files. Supported file edits have diffs, saved versions and restore actions.
“Show me the differences from the previous file version.”
Check the system
Inspect the runtime, requirements, application classes and diagnostic messages. Test configured connections and manage backup retention in Maintenance.
“Check whether Core and the configured database are reachable.”
Run administrative tasks
Optionally configure PHP execution or SSH so your AI can carry out enabled maintenance tasks. These features must be explicitly enabled and use the operating-system account’s permissions.
“Run the configured check and explain its result.”
How you work with Core
Set up. Connect. Get to work.
Unpack the ZIP and set up
Copy and unpack the ZIP package into a subdirectory. Open the setup page and create your administrator account. Core needs a compatible PHP and web server environment; it stores project knowledge and settings in files itself.
Connect your AI
Choose Codex or Claude in administration and follow the matching connection guide. Claude Desktop can also connect locally through a standard adapter.
Explore your system
Ask your AI, for example: “How is this application structured?” or “Where is login handled?” You can inspect files and code right away. Configure database connections and other tools only when you need them.
What you need to get started
An existing PHP web server is the starting point. Setup checks PHP, extensions and write permissions before installation.
PHP 8.3 or later
PHP 8.3 or a newer version supported by the package. The required PHP dependencies are already included in the installation ZIP.
Apache 2.4 with mod_rewrite
Enabled mod_rewrite and permitted .htaccess rules (AllowOverride All). The public entry point is the public folder, including when installed in a subdirectory.
Writable storage folder
PHP must be able to write to the storage folder. It holds settings, the account, Brain and file backups. No separate database is required.
Use HTTPS for publicly accessible installations. Core also allows HTTP for local tests with localhost, loopback or .local/.localhost. You also need a compatible AI client with MCP support.
PHP extensions and optional features
Required PHP extensions: ctype, dom, filter, hash, json, mbstring, openssl, session and tokenizer.
Basic server operation needs neither Composer, Node.js nor Git. Optional requirements: PHP CLI for PHP syntax checks and PHP execution, pdo_mysql for MySQL/MariaDB, and OpenSSH plus proc_open for SSH. The local Claude Desktop adapter needs Node.js on the client computer.
Good to know
What does Core do, and what does your AI do?
Is Core an AI chat application?
You talk to your AI in Codex, Claude or another compatible client. Core connects it to your application and provides tools and project memory there.
Can I use Core locally?
Yes. Install Core locally or on a server you operate. Codex and a local desktop adapter can reach a local installation. A hosted AI web service needs a server reachable from outside. The guide explains these options.
Where does my data go?
Brain, configuration and backups are stored on your Core server. Content your AI retrieves through the connection goes to its client and, depending on the client, its provider. Choose a setup that fits your data.
Can I undo every action?
File history protects supported writes through Core file tools. Execution, SSH, database actions and edits made outside Core do not have a universal undo. File backups complement a full system backup.
Your project. Your AI. Shared context.
Open administration, connect your AI client and start with the project brief or a read-only system check.