> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://developer.kizen.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://developer.kizen.com/docs/apps-and-integrations/plugin-development.md).

# Apps

Extend Kizen's capabilities with apps to add custom actions, components, and UI elements to the platform. Install them from the App Marketplace, or build your own.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Audience:** Administrators, developers, solution architects

**Purpose:** Describes what Kizen apps are and explains the difference between marketplace apps and business apps
{% endhint %}

## Overview

Kizen *apps* extend the platform with custom functionality. They run in the user's browser inside a Web Worker and interact with Kizen through defined extension points in the UI and data model. Because they execute on the client side, they use server-side managed secrets to secure sensitive data.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Apps can also use code steps, which run on the server side, unlike the rest of the app's code. For more information, see [Agentic Workflow Code Steps](/docs/concepts/agentic-workflows/automation-code-steps.md).
{% endhint %}

Apps can:

* Extend Kizen with new actions, components, and UI elements
* Add external or custom-built content
* Interact with <code class="expression">space.vars.Kizen\_company\_name</code> data through supported APIs
* Enhance workflows without modifying core platform behavior

## About access and configuration

When you enable a Kizen app, every team member in your business has access to it. Some business-wide features might require configuration beforehand, such as connections to external APIs or app preferences that pertain to every user equally. Apps can also be user-configurable, with preferences that each team member can set for themselves.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** You can disable an app after you install it. Disabling the app doesn't erase its configuration. If you re-enable it, you can begin using it again immediately.
{% endhint %}

## About marketplace apps and business apps

The platform supports two kinds of apps: marketplace apps and business apps. Marketplace apps are available for all users of Kizen in any business, whereas business apps are available to their specific business only. See the following table for details:

| Detail                            | Marketplace app                            | Business app                                                 |
| --------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Who is it available for           | All team members of any Kizen business     | A specific business's team members                           |
| How you release it                | Kizen reviews it and lists it              | The business publishes it without Kizen review               |
| Where you discover it or build it | The Marketplace tab of the App Marketplace | The Develop tab of the App Marketplace                       |
| Where you manage it               | The Installed tab of the App Marketplace   | The Installed tab and the Develop tab of the App Marketplace |

For more information, see [Manage Marketplace Apps](/docs/apps-and-integrations/plugin-development/manage-marketplace-apps.md) and [Manage Business Apps](/docs/apps-and-integrations/plugin-development/manage-business-apps.md).

***

## What's next

Continue to [Manage Marketplace Apps](/docs/apps-and-integrations/plugin-development/manage-marketplace-apps.md) to learn how to install and configure apps from the App Marketplace.

<details>

<summary>Related Topics</summary>

* [Manage Marketplace Apps](/docs/apps-and-integrations/plugin-development/manage-marketplace-apps.md)
* [Manage Business Apps](/docs/apps-and-integrations/plugin-development/manage-business-apps.md)
* [App Development](/docs/apps-and-integrations/plugin-development/app-development.md)

</details>

***


---

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