In TiddlyWeb, an instance is a single collection of data, the store, with a (potentially empty) configuration. There can be any number of instances on any machine.

In most cases an instance is manifest in the filesystem as a directory containing the store, tiddlywebconfig.py and any plugins used in the instance.

Instances are created in two ways:

• You intentionally create a new instance with an instancer tool, such as twinstance. See Create an Instance for an example.
  
• TiddlyWeb automatically creates an instance for you because you have run a command requiring one:
  
  • Calling twanager server will start a server on the default port of 8080. The curent directory becomes an instance if it is not already.
    
  • Running any twanager command which uses the store (e.g. adduser, bag) will cause the current directory to become an instance if it is not already.