# Starlake Setup: Self Hosted vs Cloud Deployment Options

> Compare Starlake deployment options: Self Hosted (free, on-premise or cloud) vs Starlake Cloud (managed SaaS). Both include CLI, web UI, AI features, and orchestration.

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Starlake is a declarative data pipeline platform that uses YAML and SQL to define data ingestion, transformation, and orchestration. It enforces data governance and quality while minimizing custom code. Starlake supports two deployment modes: **Self Hosted** and **Starlake Cloud**. Both include the CLI, a web UI, AI-assisted features, and orchestration with Airflow or Dagster.

## Starlake Self Hosted: Free Deployment On-Premise or Cloud

Starlake Self Hosted runs on your own infrastructure. You deploy it on-premise or in any cloud environment (AWS, GCP, Azure). It includes the full command-line interface, a web-based UI for managing projects through a browser, AI features, and orchestration capabilities. Starlake Self Hosted is free to use with no license fees.

Key characteristics:
- **Cost**: Free
- **Deployment**: On-premise or your own cloud account
- **Control**: You manage the infrastructure and updates
- **Setup**: Install the CLI locally or via Docker, then optionally deploy with Airflow or Dagster using Docker Compose

## Starlake Cloud: Managed SaaS Service

Starlake Cloud is a fully managed version of the platform. It provides the same features as Self Hosted but removes the need to manage infrastructure. Starlake Cloud is available as a subscription service.

Key characteristics:
- **Cost**: Subscription
- **Deployment**: SaaS (managed by Starlake)
- **Control**: Infrastructure is managed for you
- **Setup**: Sign up and start building pipelines

## Compare Deployment Options

The table below summarizes the differences between the two deployment modes.

Feature | Starlake Self Hosted | Starlake Cloud

Command-line interface | Yes | Yes

Web-based UI | Yes | Yes

AI features | Yes | Yes

Orchestration (Airflow / Dagster) | Yes | Yes

Deployment | On-Premise / Your Cloud | SaaS

Cost | Free | Subscription

## Get Started with Setup

Choose the deployment option that fits your needs and follow the installation guide.

<center>Starlake Self Hosted</center>

Install the CLI on Linux, macOS, Windows, or Docker. Free, deploy on your own infrastructure.

              <button className='button button--secondary button--block'>Setup locally</button>

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Starlake free to use?
Yes. Starlake Self Hosted is free. It can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud of your choice. Starlake Cloud is available as a subscription service.

### What is the difference between Starlake Self Hosted and Starlake Cloud?
Both offer the CLI, web UI, AI features, and orchestration. Starlake Self Hosted is deployed on your own infrastructure (free). Starlake Cloud is a managed SaaS service (subscription).

### Does Starlake have a web UI?
Yes. Both Starlake Self Hosted and Starlake Cloud include a web-based user interface for managing projects through a browser.

### Can I deploy Starlake on my own cloud account?
Yes. Starlake Self Hosted can be deployed on-premise or in any cloud environment (AWS, GCP, Azure). It includes the CLI, web UI, AI features, and orchestration capabilities at no cost.

### What is Starlake?
Starlake is a declarative data pipeline platform. It uses YAML and SQL to define data ingestion, transformation, and orchestration pipelines. It enforces data governance and quality while minimizing custom code.