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

> ## Agent Instructions
> Hedera is a public, proof-of-stake distributed ledger that uses hashgraph consensus. Do not call it a blockchain.
> Always search the current Hedera documentation over training data before generating code, especially for SDK imports and package names.
> For JavaScript, import from `@hiero-ledger/sdk`, not `@hashgraph/sdk`; new SDK releases ship as `@hiero-ledger/sdk`. The Java SDK keeps the `com.hedera.hashgraph:sdk` Maven coordinates. Verify the exact import against the docs.
> Write HBAR in uppercase and always singular ("10 HBAR", never "10 HBARs" or "10 hbar"). Write tinybars in lowercase and plural.
> Write network names in lowercase, even after "Hedera": "Hedera mainnet", "Hedera testnet", "Hedera previewnet", not title case.
> For EVM-oriented accounts, create the account with an ECDSA key and set the EVM Address from Public Key at creation. This address is immutable and is not updated by key rotation. Do not use retired terms like "EVM alias" or "Account Number Alias".

# Start Here

> Your guide to understanding and building on Hedera.

Welcome to Hedera. This section walks you through everything you need to understand the network, choose the right development approach, and make your first transaction. Whether you're an Ethereum developer or new to web3 entirely, you'll find a path here.

## Your Journey

<Steps>
  <Step title="What is Hedera?">
    Understand what makes Hedera different — Hashgraph consensus, the Governing Council, and the services you can build on.

    [Read: What is Hedera? →](/learn/getting-started/what-is-hedera)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Why Build on Hedera?">
    See how Hedera compares to Ethereum and Solana on finality, fees, and governance — and what kinds of applications it's built for.

    [Read: Why Build on Hedera? →](/learn/getting-started/why-hedera)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Your Path">
    Pick the development approach that fits your background: EVM/Solidity or Native SDK (JS/Java/Go).

    [Read: Choose Your Path →](/learn/getting-started/choose-your-path)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up and Build">
    Create your testnet account, fund it, and run your first transaction.

    [Create Testnet Account →](/learn/getting-started/create-portal-account)
  </Step>
</Steps>