> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ade-ac1c6011-ade-mobile-chat-stability-54bd7ef0.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configuration overview

> Where ADE stores local project state, shared defaults, credentials, and runtime files.

ADE keeps project state local. Most of what ADE creates belongs under `.ade/` in your repository and should not be committed.

```text theme={null}
.ade/
  ade.db
  worktrees/
  artifacts/
  cache/
  secrets/
```

## What is local

| Area      | Contains                                                     |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Database  | Lanes, sessions, PR mappings, settings, History metadata.    |
| Worktrees | Managed lane worktrees.                                      |
| Artifacts | Proof, transcripts, exported evidence, and supporting files. |
| Secrets   | Encrypted or machine-local credentials.                      |
| Cache     | Derived data ADE can rebuild.                                |

## What can be shared

Some teams choose to share project defaults, such as recommended processes, test commands, provider preferences, or lane templates. Keep secrets and machine paths out of shared files.

<Warning>
  Never commit provider keys, tokens, local secret files, or the whole `.ade/` directory.
</Warning>

## Trust model

Commands saved as shared project defaults can run on developer machines. ADE treats those changes as sensitive and may require local approval before using newly changed command definitions.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Settings" icon="sliders" href="/configuration/settings">
    Configure the app from the UI.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Permissions" icon="shield-check" href="/configuration/permissions">
    Review security and permission controls.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>