Module 01: Getting Started & System Setup
OrBit is a next-generation, decentralized local-first collaboration engine designed for software engineering teams. Unlike cloud-centric code hosting platforms, OrBit operates directly on your local machine using P2P mesh networking and hidden Shadow Git repositories.
System Architecture Concept
OrBit splits collaboration into two distinct planes: 1. Local Data Plane: All code diffs, snapshot calculations, and file transfers execute locally using Rust and direct P2P mesh networking. 2. Central Control Plane: A lightweight Go server manages identity verification, friend requests, presence heartbeats, and encrypted dead-drop relays for offline peers.
System Requirements
• Operating System: Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS 12+ (Apple Silicon/Intel), Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+ / AppImage) • Memory: 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended) • Disk Space: 250 MB for OrBit Desktop App & Local Daemon • IDE: Visual Studio Code (version 1.80.0 or higher)
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Download OrBit Desktop Client installer for your OS from /download. 2. Launch installer. On Windows, OrBit installs cleanly as a GUI application without spawning terminal windows. 3. Install VS Code Extension: Open VS Code -> Extensions -> Install from VSIX -> Select orbit-vscode-0.1.0.vsix.
Account Authentication & Licensing
Launch OrBit Desktop Client, enter your assigned single permanent License Key from your OrBit Console, and click Authenticate Key. The client verifies your key against the server and receives a secure JWT token.