> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://productbrain.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Kernel vs runtime

> The Chain is the kernel; Convex Cloud is the runtime today.

# Kernel vs runtime

> **Coming soon.** This page lands in the next content pass.

**Kernel** means the **Chain**: the typed, governed knowledge graph (decisions, tensions, standards, work packages, relations, governance rules). It is **vendor-portable in principle** — the SSOT survives swapping databases or APIs.

**Runtime** is **where the kernel executes** today: **Convex Cloud**. Self-hosting means changing the **runtime**, not redefining the **kernel**.

**What you'll find here:**

* How Cortex (product surface) and wiring (CLI/MCP) both call the runtime
* Honest answers to “self-host?” and lock-in questions

**In the meantime:**

* Read [The Chain](/docs/the-chain) (Learn tab) for user-facing model copy without implementation detail
* Use this Reference section when you need deployment facts