| How you install | From the VS Code Marketplace | Download a signed DMG/EXE/AppImage |
| Where it runs | Inside VS Code (as an extension) | Stand-alone window with native menus |
| Authentication | No Koala account required (VS Code SecretStorage only) | Requires Koala Cloud sign-in plus Windows SSO helper |
| Local storage | VS Code global state & secrets | Dedicated Koala folder with tab/results caches |
| Sharing connections | VS Code Settings Sync or export/import | Encrypted .kdex today, automatic sync coming |
| Updates | Managed by VS Code | In-app banner with Restart & Update |