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

# Choose Your Path

> Find the right learning path based on your background and goals

Whether you're new to blockchain or migrating from another platform, this guide helps you find the most efficient path to building on Canton Network.

## Quick Assessment

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I'm new to blockchain development">
    **Recommended Path:**

    1. [Five-Minute Overview](/overview/understand/five-minute-overview) - Understand what Canton is
    2. [Core Concepts](/overview/understand/core-concepts) - Learn the fundamentals
    3. [Module 1: Understanding Canton](/appdev/modules/m1-understanding-canton) - Build mental models
    4. [Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts](/appdev/modules/m3-dev-environment) - Start coding
    5. [Module 4: Building Applications](/appdev/modules/m4-building-apps-intro) - Hands-on practice with the example application
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I have Ethereum/Solidity experience">
    **Recommended Path:**

    1. [Canton for Ethereum Developers](/appdev/modules/m2-canton-for-ethereum-devs) - Map your knowledge
    2. [Privacy Model](/overview/learn/privacy-model) - Understand the key difference
    3. [Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts](/appdev/modules/m3-dev-environment) - Learn Daml syntax
    4. [Module 4: Building Applications](/appdev/modules/m4-building-apps-intro) - Hands-on practice building a full-stack Canton app

    **Key differences to internalize:**

    * Immutable contracts (archive + create, not mutate)
    * Explicit authorization (signatory/controller, not msg.sender)
    * Privacy by default (declare observers, not hide data)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I have experience with other blockchains (Solana, Cosmos, etc.)">
    **Recommended Path:**

    1. [Five-Minute Overview](/overview/understand/five-minute-overview) - Canton's approach
    2. [Canton for Ethereum Developers](/appdev/modules/m2-canton-for-ethereum-devs) - Concept mapping (still useful)
    3. [Architecture Overview](/overview/learn/architecture) - How components work
    4. [Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts](/appdev/modules/m3-dev-environment) - Start coding
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I want to understand Canton without coding (architect/PM)">
    **Recommended Path:**

    1. [Five-Minute Overview](/overview/understand/five-minute-overview)
    2. [The Problem Canton Solves](/overview/understand/the-problem)
    3. [Canton's Solution](/overview/understand/cantons-solution)
    4. [Use Cases](/overview/understand/use-cases)
    5. [Architecture Overview](/overview/learn/architecture)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Learning Modules

The developer documentation is organized into progressive modules:

| Module       | Focus                     | Prerequisites                  |
| ------------ | ------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| **Module 1** | Understanding Canton      | None                           |
| **Module 2** | Canton for Ethereum Devs  | Ethereum/blockchain experience |
| **Module 3** | Daml Smart Contracts      | Module 1 or 2                  |
| **Module 4** | Building Applications     | Module 3                       |
| **Module 5** | Testing & Deployment      | Module 4                       |
| **Module 6** | Smart Contract Upgrades   | Module 3-5                     |
| **Module 7** | Production Best Practices | Module 5                       |

## Development Stack Overview

Canton Network development involves these components:

```mermaid theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}}
flowchart TB
    subgraph YourCode[Your Application]
        FE[Frontend<br>React, Vue, etc.]
        BE[Backend<br>TypeScript, Java]
        SC[Smart Contracts<br>Daml]
    end

    subgraph Canton[Canton Network Infrastructure]
        PART[Validator Node]
        PQS[PQS<br>SQL queries]
        SYNC[Synchronizer]
    end

    FE --> BE
    BE --> PART
    BE --> PQS
    PQS --> PART
    PART <--> SYNC
    SC --> PART
```

## Prerequisites

Before starting development:

### Required

* **Programming experience** in any language
* **Command line** familiarity
* **Git** for version control

### Helpful (but not required)

* **Functional programming** concepts (Haskell, OCaml, F#, or similar)
* **Docker** for running local environments
* **PostgreSQL** for PQS queries

### Development Environment

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Daml SDK" icon="download" href="/sdks-tools/sdks/daml-sdk">
    Install the SDK including Daml compiler and tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="VS Code Extension" icon="code" href="https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=DigitalAssetHoldingsLLC.daml">
    Install the Daml VS Code extension for syntax highlighting and IDE support.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Hands-on Practice

Ready to build? [Module 4: Building Applications](/appdev/modules/m4-building-apps-intro) walks you through a full-stack Canton Network application end-to-end — prerequisites, running the demo, backend and frontend development, the JSON Ledger API, and observability.

## Getting Help

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Community Slack" icon="slack" href="mailto:cf-global-synchronize-aaaapqznpatdmupdm5thaarsly@daholdings.slack.com">
    Email a request to join the app developer Slack channel.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Forum" icon="comments" href="https://forum.canton.network/">
    Technical discussions and Q\&A
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQ" icon="question" href="/appdev/faq">
    Common questions answered
  </Card>
</CardGroup>