> ## 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.

# Who Should Use This Documentation

> Find the right starting point based on your role and goals

This documentation serves multiple audiences building on or operating Canton Network. Find your path below.

## By Role

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Application Developers" icon="code" href="/appdev/get-started/choose-your-path">
    Build applications on Canton Network using Daml smart contracts and the Ledger API.

    **Start here if you want to:**

    * Write smart contracts in Daml
    * Build frontends and backends that interact with the ledger
    * Understand Canton's privacy model for application design
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ethereum/Web3 Developers" icon="ethereum" href="/appdev/modules/m2-canton-for-ethereum-devs">
    Translate your blockchain knowledge to Canton concepts and patterns.

    **Start here if you:**

    * Have experience with Solidity, EVM, or other blockchain platforms
    * Want to understand how Canton differs from traditional blockchains
    * Need to adapt existing mental models
  </Card>

  <Card title="Node Operators" icon="server" href="/global-synchronizer/understand/introduction">
    Run validator infrastructure on the Global Synchronizer.

    **Start here if you want to:**

    * Deploy and operate a validator node
    * Understand infrastructure requirements
    * Join the Canton Network as an operator
  </Card>

  <Card title="Solution Architects" icon="diagram-project" href="/overview/understand/five-minute-overview">
    Evaluate Canton for enterprise use cases.

    **Start here if you need to:**

    * Understand Canton's architectural approach
    * Assess fit for privacy-sensitive applications
    * Compare Canton to other blockchain solutions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## By Goal

| I want to...                             | Start here                                                           |
| ---------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Understand what Canton is in 5 minutes   | [Five-Minute Overview](/overview/understand/five-minute-overview)    |
| Learn why privacy matters for blockchain | [The Problem Canton Solves](/overview/understand/the-problem)        |
| See how Canton components work together  | [Architecture Overview](/overview/learn/architecture)                |
| Write my first smart contract            | [Module 3: Daml Smart Contracts](/appdev/modules/m3-dev-environment) |
| Run the example application              | [QuickStart](/appdev/quickstart)                                     |
| Deploy a validator node                  | [Validator Setup](/global-synchronizer/understand/introduction)      |
| Integrate a wallet into my app           | [Integrations Overview](/integrations/overview)                      |

## Documentation Structure

This documentation is organized into four sections:

* **Overview**: Canton concepts, architecture, and protocol — for everyone
* **App Development**: Building applications with Daml and APIs — for developers
* **Global Synchronizer**: Operating validators and infrastructure — for operators
* **Building Blocks**: Wallets, apps, components, and integrations — for developers and users

Within each section, content follows a progressive depth model:

* **Understand**: Conceptual foundations for everyone
* **Learn**: More detailed understanding with practical application
* **Reference**: Deep protocol mechanics and API documentation

## Prerequisites

Before diving in, you should have:

* **For Developers**: Programming experience in any language. Familiarity with functional programming concepts is helpful but not required.
* **For Operators**: Experience with containerized deployments (Docker, Kubernetes) and basic networking concepts.
* **For Everyone**: No prior blockchain experience required. We explain concepts from first principles.

## Getting Help

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Community Slack" icon="slack" href="/shared/support-channels">
    Join the developer and operator community channels.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Support" icon="headset" href="/shared/support-channels">
    Contact Canton Network support for enterprise assistance.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>