> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://codex.desci.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://codex.desci.com/readme/quick-start.md).

# Quick start

Quickly discover what Codex is and what it has to offer

Welcome to DeSci Codex! This guide will help you get started based on what you want to do.

## Discovering Content

Want to explore research published on Codex?

### Gateway Applications

* Discover published research in the [DeSci Nodes](https://nodes.desci.com) application
* Explore the raw publications using the [dPID Browser](https://dpid.org/browse)

### Direct Protocol Access

* Programmatically explore content using the [dPID resolver API](https://dpid.org/api-docs/)

## Publishing Content

Ready to publish your manuscript, data, and code?

### Getting Started

* Publish your research to Codex using the [DeSci Nodes](https://nodes.desci.com) application

### Advanced Publishing

* Programmatic publishing with typescript/javascript library [nodes-lib](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@desci-labs/nodes-lib) ([library docs](https://desci-labs.github.io/nodes/))
* Learn how to [self-host your publication data](/protocol-operation/data-storage.md)

## Contribute to the network

Want to help maintain the network?

### Node Operations

* Run your own [Codex Node](/protocol-operation/codex-node.md) to support the network
* Run your own [dPID resolver](https://github.com/desci-labs/dpid-resolver)

## Building Integrations

Want to build on top of Codex?

### Integrations

* Build a custom gateway using the [dPID resolver API](https://dpid.org/api-docs/)
* Create low-level protocol integrations using [codex-lib](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@desci-labs/desci-codex-lib)
* Build a custom DeSci Nodes integration using [nodes-lib](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@desci-labs/nodes-lib)

## Next Steps

Choose your path above and dive deeper into the specific documentation. You are always welcome to [join our Discord](https://discord.gg/A5P9fgB5Cf) and connect with the community. This is the place to get help along the way!