Introduction

The Nova Protocol developer book: how to run the project, how to extend it, and where things live. Source lives in docs/ at the repo root and builds with nix develop --command mdbook build.

This book is the LOOKUP layer: search a concept (the search icon, top left), land on a Concept index row, and leave knowing which crate, files and entry symbol to open. For API detail past that, run cargo doc --open -p <crate> locally - the book routes, rustdoc documents.

Reading order for a first visit:

1. Building and running - toolchain, everyday commands, examples, the web build, releases.
2. Project tour - the crate map and where to change X.
3. The Architecture chapters for depth, then the Extending guides for your change.

Before quoting a millisecond at anyone, read Measuring performance.

What this book is not:

• API detail. That is rustdoc: cargo doc --open, run locally. Every crate exposes a prelude; the book names modules, rustdoc documents them.
• Player or creator documentation. Players read the wiki; mod authors read Create on the site. Keeping docs in sync maps every surface.