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Core Concepts
==========================

This section provides a comprehensive overview of OpenHCS's core concepts and architecture. These pages serve as a context primer for both scientists with domain knowledge and developers with CS backgrounds, focusing on building intuition about why OpenHCS exists and what it enables.

**Getting Started**: If you're new to OpenHCS, we recommend reading these pages in order. Each concept builds on the previous ones to give you a complete understanding of the system.

**Target Audience**: These pages are designed for both non-CS scientists needing to understand OpenHCS fundamentals and developers without domain knowledge who need scientific context.

Understanding the Domain
========================

Start here to understand the scientific problems that OpenHCS solves.

.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 2

   domain_fundamentals

Core Building Blocks
===================

The fundamental concepts that define how OpenHCS works.

.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 1

   pipelines_and_steps
   function_patterns
   data_dimensions
   component_system_concepts

Processing System
=================

Understanding what functions are available and how data is stored.

.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 1

   function_library
   storage_system
   dtype_config_system

Practical Guidance
==================

Mental models and patterns for effective usage.

.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 1

   building_intuition

Additional Reference
===================

Additional documentation for advanced users and developers.

.. toctree::
   :maxdepth: 2

   module_structure