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

# Quickstart

> Learn how the Arupa Kernel and plugins work together.

Arupa is a plugin-based server management tool. You run one Kernel, then add
plugins for the management features you need.

## The Kernel

The Arupa Kernel is the host process. It provides the HTTP and Socket.IO
server, loads plugins, and applies shared authentication and access rules.
The Kernel does not provide a complete management interface by itself.

## Plugins

Plugins are packages that add features to the Kernel. A plugin can provide
HTTP routes, static files, and Socket.IO namespaces. Core plugins provide the
essential parts of an Arupa installation; you can add more plugins as needed.

## What to do next

1. [Install the Kernel](./kernel/installation) with a binary or Docker.
2. Get the packages you need from the [Coreplugins documentation](../../../coreplugins/v0/en/index).
3. [Install the plugin packages](./kernel/plugins#install-a-plugin) and configure
   users and access rules before making Arupa available to others.