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

# Getting Started

Choose a path get started with Guardian.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Not sure where to start?**

If you just want to see Guardian in action with minimal setup, we recommend the [**Managed Guardian Service**](https://www.climission.com/mgs?utm_source=guardian-docs), a SaaS offering from [Climission](https://www.climission.com/?utc_source=guardian-docs) who are co-maintainers of this project. If you want to run your own environment quickly, start with **Docker Quickstart**. If you're planning to fork, extend, or contribute to Guardian itself, go with **Build from Source**.
{% endhint %}

## Which path is right for you?

<table><thead><tr><th width="142.4140625">Scenario</th><th>Path</th><th>Best for</th><th>You manage</th><th width="189.2578125">Get started</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Explore &#x26; evaluate</strong></td><td>Managed Guardian Service</td><td>Trying Guardian, demos, non-technical stakeholders, proof-of-concept</td><td>Nothing, its fully hosted</td><td><a href="https://www.climission.com/?utc_source=guardian">Managed Guardian Service</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Turn-key self-hosted</strong></td><td>Docker Quickstart</td><td>Running your own instance fast, technical evaluation, small production deployments</td><td>Your own infrastructure; Guardian handles the rest</td><td><a href="/docs/develop/welcome.md">Guardian README#Quickstart</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Extend &#x26; contribute</strong></td><td>Build from Source</td><td>Forking the project, custom development, contributing to core, non-standard configurations</td><td>Dependencies, configuration, upgrades, and the running environment</td><td><a href="https://github.com/hashgraph/guardian#readme">Guardian repository README</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Try Guardian without operating infrastructure

Check out the [Managed Guardian Service](https://climission.com/?utm_source=guardian) for a hosted environment to request a free trial.

Choose or explore this path if you do not want to install locally or operate infrastructure or are evaluating the product.

### Run open-source Guardian

[Open-source releases](https://github.com/hashgraph/guardian/releases) are available on GitHub.

Choose one of these paths:

* **Docker containers**: Suitable for users comfortable running and configuring services. This is the fastest way to get a self-hosted instance running.
* **Build from source**: Suitable for contributors and teams needing custom changes, forking the project, or hosting a modified instance. Requires more time and operational knowledge. You manage dependencies, configuration, upgrades, and the running environment.

## Ready to install?

Continue to the [Installation Guide](/docs/develop/guardian/getting-started/installation-guide.md).


---

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