# Quick start

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](https://codex.desci.com/protocol-operation/data-storage)

## Contribute to the network

Want to help maintain the network?

### Node Operations

* Run your own [Codex Node](https://codex.desci.com/protocol-operation/codex-node) 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!