> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.scandipwa.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.scandipwa.com/getting-started-1.md).

# Setting up Scandi

Learn about different installation modes

ScandiPWA recommends developing applications locally. We have created two tools in order to make this process of installation smooth. They are as follows:

| Use...                                                                                          | ...if you need:           |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| [`create-scandipwa-app`](https://docs.create-scandipwa-app.com/getting-started/getting-started) | A **ScandiPWA front-end** |
| [`create-magento-app`](https://docs.create-magento-app.com/getting-started/getting-started)     | A **Magento back-end**    |

It is possible to combine these setups to deploy ScandiPWA in multiple modes:

* [Storefront mode (CSA)](/getting-started-1.md#storefront-mode-csa)
* [Magento theme mode (CSA + CMA)](/getting-started-1.md#magento-theme-mode-csa-cma)

{% hint style="danger" %}
If you are **deploying ScandiPWA on a production server** or you would like to **develop on a remote server** (via SSH, for example), please follow the link below.
{% endhint %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MP3PlnAtlis8uSWi5pe" %}
[Existing Magento 2 setup](/getting-started-1/magento-integration.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## **Storefront mode (CSA)**

In Standalone storefront mode - the **front-end is running on a small separate server** and uses a remote Magento 2 instance as the source for the data.

{% hint style="info" %}
In this mode, **you are not required to run Magento 2 locally** to develop.
{% endhint %}

When using this mode it is enough to have a ScandiPWA theme powered by **CSA (Create ScandiPWA App)** to compile it. As a data source, you can use any existing [properly configured](/getting-started-1/storefront-mode.md#configuring-the-magento-server) Magento 2 instance or create a ready Magento 2 instance using [RMG (ReadyMage)](https://readymage.com).

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxW5d\_bCOq1\_Inrj1D" %}
[Storefront Mode Setup](/getting-started-1/storefront-mode.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Magento theme mode (CSA + CMA)

In Magento 2 theme mode - the front-end is statically compiled and **served by Magento 2 server**. In this case, data comes directly from the same server the application is hosted on.

{% hint style="info" %}
In this mode, **you are required to run Magento 2 locally** to develop.
{% endhint %}

When developing a Magento 2 theme, the local installation of Magento 2 is required. In order to simplify the local Magento 2 installation, we created **CMA (Create Magento App)** toolchain, with a goal to start a Magento 2 instance with a single command. The **CSA (Create ScandiPWA App)** toolchain will still be used to compile a theme.

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MUxW7Lyak4clRkIK5\_U" %}
[Magento Mode Setup](/getting-started-1/magento-theme-mode.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}