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

# Developer Docs

Creating and distributing apps for elementary OS

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><h4>Write Apps</h4><ul class="contains-task-list"><li><input type="checkbox" checked>Build apps using GTK and Granite</li><li><input type="checkbox" checked>Set up a Meson build system</li><li><input type="checkbox" checked>Work with Gettext translations</li><li><input type="checkbox" checked>Package your app with Flatpak</li></ul></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/develop/writing-apps/our-first-app.md">Our First App</a></td></tr><tr><td><h4>Publish in AppCenter</h4><ul class="contains-task-list"><li><input type="checkbox" checked>Review publishing requirements</li><li><input type="checkbox" checked>Monetize your app</li><li><input type="checkbox" checked>Submit for review with GitHub</li><li><input type="checkbox" checked>Publish Updates</li></ul></td><td></td><td></td><td><a href="/develop/appcenter/submission-process.md">Submission Process</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Do I need to know Vala?

The examples in this documentation use Vala, but the libraries and concepts used to build apps for elementary OS also work with a number of popular languages like C, Python, Go, Rust, etc. We don't assume extensive expertise in Vala in this guide, but basic programming knowledge and experience with object-oriented programming languages will be valuable.

If you're not familiar with Vala and want to learn, there are great resources available on [the Vala website](https://vala.dev/)

### Does this guide cover design principles?

Design is covered in the [Human Interface Guidelines (HIG)](https://docs.elementary.io/hig/). We reference the HIG throughout this guide and it's important you grasp the concepts proposed there, but this guide is focused primarily on code.

### Do I need to read this guide in order?

We recommend to at least skim "[The Basic Setup](/develop/writing-apps/the-basic-setup.md)" first, but sections are generally written to be standalone tutorials and will reference other parts of the guide where necessary.

### Where I can get help?

We use GitHub discussions for Q\&A as well as a place to submit ideas or show off what you're working on! [Join the community](https://github.com/elementary/docs/discussions)