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

# Welcome

The Developer Guide covers everything you need to build and run an integration on Chift: how the platform works, how to authenticate, and the two ways to build — the Unified API and Syncs.

## Before you build

Start with [how it works](/developer-guide/how-it-works) to understand the core objects — connectors, consumers, and connections. Then set up [authentication](/developer-guide/chift-authentication) and pick an [SDK](/developer-guide/sdks). The [glossary](/developer-guide/glossary) defines the terms used across the docs.

## Choose your build path

Chift gives you two ways to build. The Unified API puts your engineering team in control; Syncs delegate the integration to Chift.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Building path" icon="map" href="/developer-guide/building-path/overview">
    Compare the two models and pick the right one for your use case.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Unified API" icon="code" href="/developer-guide/unified-api/overview">
    Call Chift's endpoints directly. Your team writes and triggers the logic.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Syncs" icon="arrows-rotate" href="/developer-guide/syncs/overview">
    Delegate pre-built flows to Chift, triggered on events or a schedule.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Operate & monitor" icon="gauge-high" href="/developer-guide/core-concepts/rate-limits">
    Rate limits, errors, webhooks, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>