mp-units/docs/getting_started/index.md

Getting Started

Welcome to mp-units! This guide will help you navigate the documentation and find exactly what you need, whether you're new to the library or an experienced user looking for specific information.

New to mp-units?

If you're encountering mp-units for the first time, start by exploring the Getting Started section. Here you'll find essential information to get up and running:

• What the library is and its key features
• Compiler compatibility and system requirements
• Installation and build system integration
• Quick introduction to core concepts
• The library's syntax and style
• Compile-time safety features

Once you're set up and familiar with the basics, explore the sections below to continue your learning journey.

How Our Documentation is Organized?

The mp-units documentation is designed to support different ways of learning and working. Choose the section that matches what you need right now:

=== "Tutorials"

**[Tutorials](../tutorials/index.md)** are **learning-oriented** lessons that teach by doing.
They assume no prior knowledge and build your confidence progressively through hands-on examples.

**When to use:** You're learning **mp-units** for the first time or want to master a specific
feature through guided lessons.

**Best for:** Beginners, systematic learning, building confidence through practice.

=== "User's Guide"

The **[User's Guide](../users_guide/index.md)** provides **explanation-oriented** documentation
covering all library concepts in depth. Read it like a book to build a complete mental model,
or jump to specific chapters when you need thorough understanding of particular topics.

**When to use:** You want deep understanding of how and why things work the way they do.

**Best for:** Gaining mastery, designing complex systems, understanding rationale.

=== "Workshops"

**[Workshops](../workshops/index.md)** combine learning with practice through exercise-driven
code with TODO markers. They bridge tutorials and production code, helping you master advanced
patterns through doing.

**When to use:** You want hands-on practice with advanced patterns and real-world scenarios.

**Best for:** Moving beyond basics, learning by doing, refactoring existing code.

=== "How-to Guides"

**[How-to Guides](../how_to_guides/index.md)** are **task-oriented** instructions focused on
getting things done. They assume you know the basics and need practical steps for specific
scenarios like integration, migration, or advanced techniques.

**When to use:** You have a specific task to accomplish or problem to solve.

**Best for:** Integration challenges, migration tasks, achieving specific goals.

=== "Examples"

**[Examples](../examples/index.md)** demonstrate the library in action with full, runnable
programs ranging from simple introductions to complex domain-specific applications. Study them
to understand how features work together or adapt them for your own projects.

**When to use:** You want to see complete, working code in realistic scenarios.

**Best for:** Understanding real-world usage, finding patterns to adapt, seeing the big picture.

=== "Reference"

The **[Reference](../reference/index.md)** provides **information-oriented** technical
descriptions including API details, available systems, quantities, units, and a comprehensive
cheat sheet.

**When to use:** You need precise technical information about specific library features.

**Best for:** Looking up syntax, finding available units, checking API details.

Quick Decision Tree

Choose your path based on your situation:

• 🆕 "I'm completely new to mp-units"
  → Explore Quick Start and Look and Feel to see what the library offers, check the Cheat Sheet for quick reference

• 🚀 "I want to use it in my project"
  → Check Compiler Support, follow Installation, then start with Tutorials

• 📚 "I learn best by following structured lessons"
  → Go to Tutorials

• 🎓 "I want to understand the concepts deeply"
  → Read the User's Guide

• 💪 "I want to practice with realistic exercises"
  → Try the Workshops

• 🎯 "I need to solve a specific problem"
  → Check How-to Guides

• 💡 "Show me working examples"
  → Browse Examples

• 🔍 "I need to look up technical details"
  → Search the Reference

Getting Help

• Questions? Check the FAQ
• Found a bug? Report it on GitHub
• Need discussion? Join GitHub Discussions
• Want to contribute? See Contributing

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!!! tip "Documentation Framework"

This documentation follows the [Diátaxis framework](https://diataxis.fr/), a systematic
approach to technical documentation that recognizes different modes of learning and working.
Each section serves a distinct purpose to help you succeed at different stages of your
journey with **mp-units**.