> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.filecoin.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.filecoin.io/build-on-filecoin/getting-started.md).

# Getting started

This guide helps you pick the right path based on what you want to build on Filecoin.

## Choose your path

### Store data on Filecoin

Filecoin provides multiple storage paths depending on how much control you need. [Filecoin Onchain Cloud (FOC)](/build-on-filecoin/filecoin-onchain-cloud.md) is the recommended starting point. It provides a complete on-chain storage stack with warm storage, cryptographic verification, and automated payments through the [Synapse SDK](/build-on-filecoin/filecoin-onchain-cloud/synapse-quickstart.md). If you prefer a managed service, [storage onramps](/getting-started/how-storage-works/storage-onramps.md) let you store data through simple APIs or web UIs without managing infrastructure. For operators who want to run their own PDP-enabled storage provider, see the [PDP setup guide](/provide-storage/pdp.md).

| Path                                                                         | Best for                                                                         | Complexity |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- |
| [Filecoin Onchain Cloud (FOC)](/build-on-filecoin/filecoin-onchain-cloud.md) | Verifiable on-chain storage with FWSS, PDP, and Filecoin Pay via the Synapse SDK | Low        |
| [Storage onramps](/getting-started/how-storage-works/storage-onramps.md)     | Managed services with simple APIs or drag-and-drop UIs                           | Low        |
| [PDP](/provide-storage/pdp.md)                                               | Run your own PDP-enabled storage provider (part of the FOC stack)                | Medium     |

*For a walkthrough of all storage options, see* [*Upload to Filecoin*](/getting-started/how-storage-works/upload-to-filecoin.md)*.*

### Deploy smart contracts

Filecoin runs an EVM-compatible runtime, so you can write Solidity contracts and deploy them using familiar Ethereum tooling. Choose a [development framework](/build-on-filecoin/development-frameworks.md) (Remix, Hardhat, or Foundry), get [test tokens](/build-on-filecoin/developing-contracts/get-test-tokens.md) on Calibration, and deploy your first contract with the [ERC-20 quickstart](/build-on-filecoin/developing-contracts/erc-20-quickstart.md). Once deployed, [verify your contract](/build-on-filecoin/verification.md) through a block explorer.

Filecoin contracts can also interact with the storage network directly. Use [Filecoin.sol](/build-on-filecoin/developing-contracts/filecoin.sol.md) to access storage primitives from Solidity, or [call built-in actors](/build-on-filecoin/developing-contracts/call-built-in-actors.md) to work with miner, market, and power actors on-chain.

### Integrate advanced features

After you have a working contract, Filecoin supports deeper integrations. [Oracles](/build-on-filecoin/advanced/oracles.md) bring off-chain data into your contracts. [Cross-chain bridges](/build-on-filecoin/advanced/cross-chain-bridges.md) let you move assets between Filecoin and other networks. [FEVM indexers](/build-on-filecoin/advanced/fevm-indexers.md) provide efficient on-chain data queries without running an archival node. [Decentralized databases](/build-on-filecoin/advanced/decentralized-databases.md) add structured data storage alongside Filecoin.

*Browse more in the* [*Advanced*](/build-on-filecoin/advanced.md) *section or find solution-focused recipes in the* [*Cookbook*](/build-on-filecoin/cookbook.md)*.*

## Key resources

| Resource                                                                            | Description                                         |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| [Networks](/networks-and-tools/networks.md)                                         | Mainnet, Calibration testnet, and local development |
| [Metamask setup](/networks-and-tools/assets/metamask-setup.md)                      | Connect your wallet to Filecoin                     |
| [FEVM vs Ethereum](/core-concepts/filecoin-evm-runtime/difference-with-ethereum.md) | Key differences for Ethereum developers             |
| [How gas works](/core-concepts/filecoin-evm-runtime/how-gas-works.md)               | Filecoin gas model for transaction planning         |
| [Support](/build-on-filecoin/developing-contracts/support.md)                       | Where to get help                                   |

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