app-sdk-concepts

Scaffold and deploy Grafana App Platform applications with code generation.

213|18|Updated Mar 17, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/grafana/skills --skill app-sdk-concepts
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: app-sdk-concepts
Source: https://github.com/grafana/skills/tree/main/skills/grafana-app-sdk/app-sdk-concepts
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/grafana/skills --skill app-sdk-concepts

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

It removes the guesswork and repetitive setup required to build, scaffold, and deploy Grafana App Platform applications by documenting the grafana-app-sdk workflow, project layout, deployment modes, and local development steps. Authors gain a clear, repeatable process for initializing projects, generating Go/TypeScript types and CRDs, wiring apps into Grafana, and choosing the correct runtime mode.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Project initialization & scaffolding: guidance for project init, adding operator or frontend components, and cleaning up grafana/apps-style scaffolds.
  • Code generation & artifacts: describes generate flows to produce Go types, TypeScript types, AppManifest, and CRDs and where to find them.
  • Deployment modes & local dev: explains standalone operator, grafana/apps submodule, and frontend-only modes plus local k3d/Tilt workflows for testing.
  • Use case: bootstrap a new Grafana app that defines CUE kinds, generate types, implement reconcilers and admission handlers, and run locally with k3d for development and testing.

Quick Start

Run the grafana-app-sdk CLI to initialize a new module, add operator or frontend components as needed, run generate to produce types and manifests, and use the generated Makefile to build and run locally.

Frequently Asked Questions about app-sdk-concepts

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I scaffold a new Grafana App Platform application?

To scaffold a Grafana App Platform application, run the grafana-app-sdk CLI to initialize a new module, add operator or frontend components as needed, and run generate to produce types and manifests.

How does codegen work for Grafana apps that define CUE kinds?

Codegen for Grafana apps uses CUE kinds to generate Go and TypeScript types, AppManifest, and CRDs. Running the generate flow produces these artifacts and emits manifests for deployment.

What are the deployment modes for Grafana App Platform apps?

Grafana App Platform apps support three deployment modes: standalone operators, grafana/apps submodules, and frontend-only plugins. Choose the correct runtime mode based on your application requirements.

Can I use k3d and Tilt for local development of Grafana apps?

Yes, you can use k3d and Tilt for local development of Grafana apps. The grafana-app-sdk workflow includes local k3d and Tilt workflows for testing and preparing your local development environment.

What's the best way to initialize a project structure for a Go-based Grafana app?

The best way to initialize a project structure for a Go-based Grafana app is using the grafana-app-sdk CLI, which provides guidance for project init, adding operator or frontend components, and cleaning up scaffolds.

Do I need Kubernetes to run a Grafana app operator locally?

Yes, you need a local Kubernetes environment to run a Grafana app operator locally. The workflow uses k3d to provision a local cluster and Tilt for development and testing workflows.