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

# Your learning path

> Your learning path to building with Speckle

## New to Speckle Development?

If you're just getting started, we recommend this learning path:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Understand the Data Model">
    Start with the [Data Schema overview](/developers/data-schema/overview) to understand how Speckle structures data
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Authentication">
    Learn how to create and use [Personal Access Tokens](/developers/authentication) for API access
  </Step>

  <Step title="Learn the API">
    Explore the [GraphQL API](/developers/api/graphql) to understand how to interact with Speckle Server
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Tool">
    Pick the right tool for your use case (see options below)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Follow the Quickstart">
    Each section has a quickstart guide to get you up and running in minutes
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Choose Your Development Tool

Pick the right tool based on your use case:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Python Workflows" icon="python" href="/developers/sdks/python/introduction">
    Use the Python SDK for data processing, ETL pipelines, and automation scripts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Web Applications" icon="globe" href="/developers/viewer/introduction">
    Use the Viewer API to embed interactive 3D models in your web applications
  </Card>

  <Card title="Direct API Access" icon="api" href="/developers/api/graphql">
    Use GraphQL directly for custom integrations and fine-grained control
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automation" icon="zap" href="/developers/automate/introduction">
    Use Speckle Automate for serverless functions that run on model updates
  </Card>

  <Card title="Self-Hosting" icon="server" href="/developers/server/introduction">
    Deploy your own Speckle server for complete control over your infrastructure
  </Card>

  <Card title="JavaScript/TypeScript" icon="code" href="/developers/packages">
    Use NPM packages for object loading, sending, and viewer integration
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Common Use Cases

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Building Web Applications" icon="globe">
    Use the Viewer API to embed interactive 3D models in your web applications. Perfect for dashboards, presentations, and custom visualization tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Data Pipelines & ETL" icon="workflow">
    Use the Python SDK to extract, transform, and load data between applications. Build custom data processing workflows.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automated Analysis" icon="robot">
    Create Automate functions that run structural analysis, code compliance checks, or generate reports automatically.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Custom Integrations" icon="plug">
    Connect Speckle to your internal tools, databases, or third-party services using our APIs and SDKs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Robotics & 3D Printing" icon="printer">
    Stream geometry data directly to manufacturing systems, 3D printers, or robotic fabrication tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Machine Learning" icon="brain">
    Extract and process AEC data for training models, running predictions, or generating insights.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Quick Links

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Building Custom Apps" icon="code" href="/developers/building-apps">
    Complete guide to building web applications with Speckle
  </Card>

  <Card title="Python SDK Quickstart" icon="rocket" href="/developers/sdks/python/getting-started/quickstart">
    Get started with Python in 5 minutes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Viewer Quickstart" icon="eye" href="/developers/viewer/basic-setup">
    Embed a 3D viewer in your app
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automate Quickstart" icon="zap" href="/developers/automate/quickstart">
    Create your first automation
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

* [Authentication](/developers/authentication) - Set up your access tokens
* [Key Concepts](/developers/key-concepts) - Understand Speckle's fundamentals
* [Developer Resources](/developers/resources) - Explore available tools and APIs