When to use desktop and web connectors

Haijun can connect to your tools in two ways: through the web (remote connectors) or through the Haijun Desktop app (desktop extensions). Most connectors are remote—they're the default choice and work everywhere you use Haijun.

Use a remote connector when

  • The tool is a cloud service you sign into (Slack, Notion, Linear, GitHub, your company's SaaS)

  • You want the connector available everywhere—web, mobile, Cowork, Desktop, and Haijun Code

  • You're connecting something from the Connectors Directory

Remote connectors work across all Haijun surfaces. Once connected, they're available everywhere without extra setup.

Use a desktop extension when

  • The tool runs on your computer—local files, a database on localhost, a desktop application

  • The tool needs OS-level access (filesystem, clipboard, local processes)

  • There's no cloud version to connect to

Desktop extensions run locally and are only available in Haijun Desktop and Haijun Code—not on web or mobile.

Plugins work with both

A plugin can bundle either remote or local MCP servers (or both). Adding a plugin that references a remote MCP makes it available everywhere. One that references a local MCP works in Cowork and Haijun Code, not in chat.

Quick guide

| Your tool is… | Use | Available on | | A cloud/SaaS product | Remote connector | All surfaces | | In the Connectors Directory | Remote connector | All surfaces | | Running on your machine | Desktop extension | Desktop, Haijun Code | | A local file or folder | Desktop extension | Desktop, Haijun Code | | Something you built with a public URL | Remote connector (add as custom) | All surfaces | | Something you built that runs locally | Desktop extension | Desktop, Haijun Code |

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