---
title: "Installation"
description: "How to install UniKVS and plugins for your runtime."
---

Install only the packages you need for your target backends and transformations.

## Install the Core [#install-core]

`unikvs` is required. Backends and transformations are separate packages.

```package-install
npm install unikvs
```

## Add Storages [#install-storage]

Add the packages for the backends you use. Common combinations:

**Memory**

For tests and temporary storage. No external services needed.

```package-install
npm install @unikvs/memory
```

**Node.js Files**

Stores data on the local filesystem in Node.js.

```package-install
npm install @unikvs/fs.node
```

**Browsers**

In browsers, choose from OPFS, IndexedDB, Local Storage, and others.

```package-install
npm install @unikvs/opfs @unikvs/indexeddb @unikvs/localstorage
```

For choosing a backend, see [Storage Comparison](/unikvs/en/reference/comparison). For details on each package, see the [package reference](/unikvs/en/packages).

## Add Transformations [#install-middleware]

Add middleware only when you need value transformation.

```package-install
npm install @unikvs/json @unikvs/compression
```

## For Validation [#install-validation]

To validate input/output values with Valibot schemas, install `valibot` separately.

```package-install
npm install valibot
```

Pass schemas to the `Builder` `schema` option to enable validation. See [Validating Values](/unikvs/en/how-to/validation) for the steps.

## Version Notes [#versions]

- Keep the core and plugin versions on the same release line where possible.
- If you see peer dependency warnings, install what the warning requests. For example, if a logging-related peer dependency is requested, follow the instructions to install it.