> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.essential.builders/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.essential.builders/introduction/welcome-to-essential.md).

# Welcome to Essential

Essential is **the first declarative blockchain**. By leveraging constraints to remove the need for execution, Essential enables developers to build scalable applications that optimize for the best user outcomes.

This docs hub contains all the information and links you need to learn about Essential and start building declarative applications.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/pages/0DS0Eoa5oehQ6W5QZCsi"><strong>Learn Declarative</strong></a></td><td><a href="/files/xkDbtFAQ5RNfsM3SSDKq">/files/xkDbtFAQ5RNfsM3SSDKq</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/lrWIxYiKkMZVAZPn5pzF"><strong>How Essential Works</strong></a></td><td><a href="/files/rEsozrwFsNpACvh4xfwI">/files/rEsozrwFsNpACvh4xfwI</a></td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/fgiZ3EIrx94zaK5nA5vh"><strong>Start Building</strong></a></td><td><a href="/files/pNi6Fo1PddepcE5ZRmvL">/files/pNi6Fo1PddepcE5ZRmvL</a></td></tr></tbody></table>