# Overview (/docs/developer-guide)



This guide is for developers working with Elmo — whether you're tuning a self-hosted deployment, hitting the REST API from another system, or contributing back to the open source project.

## Operating Your Deployment [#operating-your-deployment]

* **[Configuration](/docs/developer-guide/configuration)** — environment variables and deployment modes.
* **[API Reference](/docs/developer-guide/api-reference)** — the REST API for managing brands, prompts, and snapshots programmatically.
* **[Telemetry](/docs/developer-guide/telemetry)** — what Elmo collects and how to opt out.

## Quick Links [#quick-links]

<Cards>
  <Card title="Development Setup" href="/docs/developer-guide/development-setup">
    Prerequisites, installation, and running the dev servers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Commands Reference" href="/docs/developer-guide/commands">
    All the scripts and commands you'll need.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Architecture" href="/docs/developer-guide/architecture">
    Project structure and how the pieces fit together.
  </Card>

  <Card title="AI Policy" href="/docs/developer-guide/ai-policy">
    Guidelines for using AI tools when contributing.
  </Card>
</Cards>