> ## 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.

# Canton Network Ecosystem

> Overview of the Canton Network ecosystem including participants, applications, and infrastructure

The Canton Network ecosystem encompasses the organizations, applications, and infrastructure that make up the network. This page provides an overview of the ecosystem landscape.

## Ecosystem Overview

```mermaid theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark"}}
flowchart TB
    subgraph Foundation[Governance]
        CF[Canton Foundation]
    end

    subgraph Infrastructure[Infrastructure]
        SVs[Super Validators<br>Operate synchronizer]
        VALS[Validators<br>Host parties]
    end

    subgraph Apps[Applications]
        SPLICE[Splice Apps<br>Reference implementations]
        THIRD[Third-Party Apps<br>Ecosystem applications]
    end

    subgraph Users[Personas]
        INST[Institutions]
        DEVS[Developers]
        END[End Users]
    end

    CF --> SVs
    SVs --> Infrastructure
    VALS --> Infrastructure
    SPLICE --> Apps
    THIRD --> Apps
    INST --> Users
    DEVS --> Users
    END --> Users

    Infrastructure --> Apps
    Apps --> Users
```

## Governance

### Canton Foundation (CF)

The CF is an independent, non-profit body under the Linux Foundation that governs the Global Synchronizer.

| Responsibility            | Description                           |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| **Network policies**      | Set parameters and rules              |
| **Upgrade coordination**  | Manage network upgrades               |
| **SV oversight**          | Oversee Super Validator participation |
| **Ecosystem development** | Foster network growth                 |

**Learn more:** [canton.foundation](https://canton.foundation)

## Infrastructure Participants

### Super Validators

Super Validators operate the Global Synchronizer infrastructure and participate in governance.

| Role                    | Function                   |
| ----------------------- | -------------------------- |
| **Sequencer operation** | Order transactions         |
| **Mediator operation**  | Aggregate confirmations    |
| **Governance**          | Vote on network parameters |
| **Sponsorship**         | Onboard new validators     |

The current Super Validator set includes major financial institutions and technology providers.

### Validators

Validators host parties and run participant nodes connected to the Global Synchronizer.

| Type                      | Description                                |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| **Enterprise validators** | Run by organizations for their own parties |
| **Service providers**     | Offer validator services to others         |
| **Application operators** | Run validators for specific applications   |

## Applications

### Splice Applications

[Splice](https://github.com/canton-network/splice) is the open-source project providing reference applications for Canton Network.

| Application       | Purpose                       |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------- |
| **Canton Coin**   | Native token implementation   |
| **Wallet**        | User wallet for CC management |
| **Scan**          | Network explorer              |
| **Validator App** | Validator node management     |

### Application Categories

| Category               | Examples                             |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Financial services** | Trading, settlement, custody         |
| **Asset tokenization** | Securities, real estate, commodities |
| **Supply chain**       | Trade finance, logistics             |
| **Identity**           | Digital identity, KYC                |

## Developer Ecosystem

### Tools and SDKs

| Tool           | Purpose                  |
| -------------- | ------------------------ |
| **Daml SDK**   | Core development toolkit |
| **Daml**       | Smart contract language  |
| **Wallet SDK** | Wallet integration       |
| **PQS**        | Query optimization       |

### Development Resources

| Resource          | Description                      |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------- |
| **QuickStart**    | Example application and LocalNet |
| **Documentation** | This site and related docs       |
| **Community**     | Slack, forums, events            |

## Network Statistics

Canton Network continues to grow across all metrics.

### Network Activity

For current network statistics, visit:

* [Canton Network Explorer](https://scan.sync.global)
* [Network Status](https://canton.foundation/sv-network-status/)

## Getting Involved

### As a Validator

1. Review [infrastructure requirements](/global-synchronizer/understand/infrastructure-requirements)
2. Contact a [Super Validator](https://canton.foundation) for sponsorship
3. Complete the onboarding process
4. Begin operations

### As a Developer

1. Start with the [QuickStart](/appdev/quickstart)
2. Learn [Daml](/appdev/get-started/choose-your-path)
3. Build and deploy your application
4. Join the developer community {/* TODO: Add Slack link once available */}

### As an Institution

1. Evaluate Canton for your use case
2. Contact the [Canton Foundation](https://canton.foundation)
3. Explore partnership opportunities

## Ecosystem Resources

### Official Channels

| Channel                                            | Purpose                              |                                             |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------- |
| [canton.network](https://canton.network)           | Main website                         |                                             |
| [canton.foundation](https://canton.foundation)     | Canton Foundation and validator info |                                             |
| Slack                                              | Community discussion                 | {/* TODO: Add Slack link once available */} |
| [GitHub](https://github.com/canton-network/splice) | Splice source code                   |                                             |

### Events

The Canton Network community holds regular events:

* Developer workshops
* Validator operations calls
* Governance discussions

Check [canton.network](https://canton.network) for upcoming events.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Integration Patterns" icon="puzzle-piece" href="/integrations/integration-patterns">
    Learn common integration approaches.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Start Building" icon="code" href="/appdev/get-started/choose-your-path">
    Begin developing on Canton Network.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>