> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.btsscorp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# KDEE vs. KDES

> Two ways to use Koala, one feature set

## Side-by-Side Comparison

| Area                | KDEE (VS Code)                                         | KDES (Native Desktop)                                        |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| How you install     | From the VS Code Marketplace                           | Download a signed DMG/MSI installer                          |
| 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 authentication |
| 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                                     | Download latest DMG/MSI from Koala portal                    |

## Choosing the Right Surface

* Stay on KDEE if your team already lives inside VS Code or extensions are easier to deploy.
* Pick KDES when you need native clipboard/file access, richer OS integration, or a self-contained installer for locked-down environments.
* Mix and match—both apps has similar features and connections can be exported and imported across apps