> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://icij.gitbook.io/datashare/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://icij.gitbook.io/datashare/local-mode/about-the-local-mode.md).

# About the local mode

In **local mode**, Datashare provides a self-contained software application that users can install and run on their own local machines.

The software allows users to search into their documents **within their own local environment**, without relying on external servers or cloud infrastructure.

This mode offers enhanced **data privacy and control**, as the datasets and analysis remain entirely within the user's own infrastructure.

Local mode is intended to use with datashare services (elasticsearch, redis, database, etc.) launched by the user on the local machine.

Read more about the [Embedded mode](/datashare/local-mode/about-the-local-mode/embedded-mode.md).


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# Agent Instructions
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## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://icij.gitbook.io/datashare/local-mode/about-the-local-mode.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

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Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.