---
layout: ~/layouts/Main.astro
title: Getting Started
---
Astro is a modern static site builder. Learn what Astro is all about from [our homepage](https://astro.build/) or [our release post](https://astro.build/blog/introducing-astro). This page is an overview of the Astro documentation and all related resources.
Looking for a quick overview of what Astro is? [Visit our homepage.](https://astro.build)
## Try Astro
The easiest way to try Astro is to run `npm init astro` in a new directory on your machine. Our CLI wizard will assist you in starting a new Astro project.
To get started with Astro in 5 quickly and easy steps, visit our [Quick-Start guide](quick-start).
Alternatively, read our [Installation Guide](/installation) for a full walk-through on getting set up with Astro.
### Online Playgrounds
If you're interested in playing around with Astro in the browser, you can use an online code playground. Try our "Hello World!" template on [CodeSandbox](https://codesandbox.io/s/astro-template-hugb3).
_Note: some features (ex: Fast Refresh) are currently limited on CodeSandbox._
## Learn Astro
All manner of people come to Astro from different backgrounds bringing with them different learning styles. Whether you prefer a more theoretical or a practical approach, we hope you'll find this section helpful.
- If you prefer to **learn by doing**, start with our [examples library](https://github.com/snowpackjs/astro/tree/main/examples).
- If you prefer to **learn concepts step by step**, start with our [basic concepts and guides](/core-concepts/project-structure).
Like any unfamiliar technology, Astro comes with a slight learning curve. However, with practice and some patience, we know, you _will_ get the hang of it, in no time.
### Learn `.astro` Syntax
When you begin to learn Astro, you'll see many files using the `.astro` file extension. This is **Astro's Component Syntax**: a special HTML-like file format which Astro uses for templating. It was designed to feel familiar to anyone with HTML or JSX experience.
Our helpful guide on [Astro components](/core-concepts/astro-components) introduces you to the Astro syntax, and is the best way to learn.
### API Reference
This documentation section is useful when you want to learn more details about a particular Astro API. For example, [Configuration Reference](/reference/configuration-reference) lists all possible configuration options available to you. [Built-in Components Reference](/reference/builtin-components) lists all available core components, like `` and ``.
### Versioned Documentation
This documentation always reflects the latest stable version of Astro. Once we hit the v1.0 milestone, we will add the ability to view versioned documentation.
## Staying Informed
The [@astrodotbuild](https://twitter.com/astrodotbuild) Twitter account is the official source for the updates from the Astro team.
We also post release announcements to our [Discord community](https://astro.build/chat) in the #announcements channel.
Not every Astro release deserves its own blog post, but you can find a detailed changelog for every release in the [`CHANGELOG.md` file in the Astro repository](https://github.com/snowpackjs/astro/blob/main/packages/astro/CHANGELOG.md).
## Something Missing?
If something is missing in the documentation or if you found some part confusing, please [file an issue for the documentation](https://github.com/snowpackjs/astro/issues/new/choose) with your suggestions for improvement, or tweet at the [@astrodotbuild](https://twitter.com/astrodotbuild) Twitter account. We love hearing from you!
## Credit
This getting started guide was originally based off of [React's](https://reactjs.org/) getting started guide.
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Fred K. Schott
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Caleb Jasik
natemoo-re
Tony Sullivan
Mats
Guilherme Siquinelli
mundry
Seanghay
Carter Snook
JuanM04