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

# Getting started

> Begin with Lerian — evaluate the platform, choose a deployment model, and run your first double-entry transaction with Midaz.

Whether you want to evaluate the platform or start building, this is the place to begin.

## Evaluating the platform

***

Follow these steps to understand the platform's capabilities, architecture, and deployment options.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Understand why Lerian exists">
    Learn what problems the platform solves and who we built it for — in business terms.

    **[Why Lerian →](/en/why-lerian)**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Explore the architecture">
    Lerian organizes around four pillars — **Ledger**, **Transactional Services**, **Governance**, and **Connectivity** — that form a composable financial platform.

    **[Read the Core Banking vision →](/en/core-banking-vision)**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a deployment model">
    Decide between fully managed (SaaS) or self-hosted (BYOC) based on your compliance requirements and operational maturity.

    **[Compare deployment models →](/en/deployment-models)**
  </Step>

  <Step title="See it in action">
    Explore real-world use cases — digital banking, global portfolios, Pix, marketplace payouts, and more.

    **[Browse use cases →](/en/midaz/use-cases)**
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Building with Lerian

***

Follow these steps to go from zero to your first double-entry transaction. Choose the path that matches your deployment model.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="SaaS (Lerian Cloud)">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Receive your credentials">
        Your Lerian onboarding team provides you with API credentials (client ID and secret) and the base URL for your environment.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Authenticate and get your token">
        Use the Access Manager Auth API to exchange your credentials for a JWT access token. This token contains your tenant context — you don't need to manage a tenant ID explicitly.

        **[Learn how to authenticate →](/en/platform/access-manager/using-access-manager)**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Make your first API call">
        Include the token as a Bearer token in the `Authorization` header of every request. Your calls are automatically scoped to your tenant.

        **[Make your first API call →](/en/reference/quick-start-guide)**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Create your first organization">
        Follow the same API flow as any Midaz deployment — create an organization, a ledger, assets, and accounts. The platform handles tenant isolation transparently.

        **[Follow the recommended workflow →](/en/midaz/recommended-workflow)**
      </Step>
    </Steps>

    <Tip>
      The API is identical across all deployment models. The only difference is that SaaS requires authentication on every request, and your token automatically scopes all operations to your tenant. Learn more about [multi-tenancy](/en/multi-tenancy).
    </Tip>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="BYOC (self-hosted)">
    <Steps>
      <Step title="Choose your deployment model">
        Decide how you want to run the platform. BYOC gives you full control over data, security, and networking — in your own cloud or on-premises.

        **[Compare deployment models →](/en/deployment-models)**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Understand the architecture">
        Lerian organizes around four pillars — **Ledger**, **Transactional Services**, **Governance**, and **Connectivity** — that form a composable financial platform. Understanding this helps you model integrations correctly from day one.

        **[Read the Core Banking vision →](/en/core-banking-vision)**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Install Midaz">
        Midaz is the core Ledger and the foundation every other product builds on. Get it running with Docker in about 10 minutes.

        **[Install Midaz →](/en/midaz/midaz-setup)**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Create your first resources through the API">
        With Midaz running, create the essential building blocks: an organization, a Ledger, assets, and accounts.

        **[Make your first API call →](/en/reference/quick-start-guide)**
      </Step>

      <Step title="Follow the recommended workflow">
        Move beyond isolated API calls and follow the end-to-end operational workflow — from resource setup to transaction routing and balance management.

        **[Follow the recommended workflow →](/en/midaz/recommended-workflow)**
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## What's next?

***

With your Ledger running and your first transactions created, pick the capability you want to add next.

<CardGroup>
  <Card title="Reconcile transactions" icon="code-compare" href="/en/matcher/getting-started/matcher-quick-start" cta="Try Matcher">
    Run your first automated reconciliation between a bank statement and your Ledger.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Validate in real time" icon="shield-check" href="/en/tracer/getting-started" cta="Try Tracer">
    Set up spending limits and validation rules to authorize transactions before they settle.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Generate reports" icon="file-chart-pie" href="/en/reporter/using-reporter" cta="Try Reporter">
    Create a report template and generate your first financial report from Ledger data.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>