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Installation

As an AI application developer using the SiMa Neat framework, you have two options for setting up your development environment. Both paths install the same framework and target the same DevKit runtime. The main decision is where you want to do your day-to-day development work.

Prerequisites​

  • You must have a SiMa.ai Modalix 3.0+ Developer Kit.
  • We recommend creating an account at developer.sima.ai
    • This will give you access assets such as precompiled models for testing.
  • Install sima-cli using the official guide in both your DevKit and host environments.
    • sima-cli is used to install the Neat framework and to set up the Neat SDK / DevKit workflow.

Start Installation​

Which installation should you choose?
For development simplicity

Develop & run directly on the DevKit

Install the Neat Framework and develop your app directly on a Modalix DevKit.

  • Fewer moving parts for initial setup.
  • Quick path to a first successful run.
  • Good fit for Python-heavy workflows and validating directly on the DevKit.
Install on the DevKit Direct-on-device setup
For maximum developer efficiency (Recommended)

Develop in Neat SDK, run on DevKit

Install the Neat Framework and develop in the Neat SDK, then test on a paired DevKit.

  • Builds in the SDK are generally 5-10x faster.
  • Develop on the host, then run on a paired DevKit.
  • Better fit for larger C++ applications and agent assisted workflows.
Install Neat SDK Host-side SDK setup

If your app is primarily Python, working directly on the DevKit is often sufficient because the Python runtime (`pyneat`) executes on the DevKit. Use the Neat SDK primarily when you need C++ cross-compilation, unified SDK/DevKit orchestration, or agent assisted workflows.