Bitfield is a plug-in runtime and database for founders who want their product to get huge and cannot afford to slow down when plans change.
Start here if you are trying to decide what Bitfield is, whether to try it, or what to build first. The best path is not to read every page in order. Pick the job you have right now.1
Understand it, try it, build a first screen, check proof, or manage access.
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2
Use the page that matches your job instead of hunting through the whole docs tree.
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Move into Runtime Kit, Build, Activation, Concepts, or Proof after the first result is clear.
Choose your path
I am curious.
Start with What is Bitfield?. You will get the product model before seeing code.
I want to try it.
Start with Get your key, then open Quickstart.
I want the first visible result.
Use Quickstart. It shows the read hook, request function, expected result, and first failures.
I want to build a real screen.
Use Package to screen, then copy a Runtime Kit Cookbook recipe.
I want to check the speed claim.
Start with How Bitfield is this fast, then read the Benchmark ledger.
What Bitfield does for your first product
Bitfield gives your product one durable place to store what happened and one runtime that can load the pieces you plug in around it. You can start small, add more later, and keep the structure from turning into a pile of direct dependencies.The first product path looks like this:| Step | You do | Bitfield gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Create an account and get key access. | A customer-owned activation path for your devices. |
| Runtime Kit | Add the public Runtime Kit surface. | One read hook and one request function for app code. |
| Package | Declare records, package-owned bytes, or callable targets. | A boundary around the product pieces you want to plug in. |
| Surface | Render prepared data and send named requests. | A screen that can grow without importing private package setup. |
| Device | Activate the devices you actually use. | A way to run locally without treating every install like a new product. |
Common first wrong turns
| Wrong turn | Why it hurts | Go here instead |
|---|---|---|
| Reading only the proof pages first | You see numbers before the product model | What is Bitfield? |
| Starting in API reference | You see exact facts before the first journey | Quickstart |
| Building a custom shell first | You skip the public Runtime Kit path | Package to screen |
| Guessing how devices work | Account access and active devices get confused | Get your key |
Next
- New to Bitfield: What is Bitfield?
- Ready to try it: Get your key
- Ready to make the first app call: Quickstart
- Want a complete Runtime Kit example: Runtime Kit Cookbook
- Need to understand pricing words: Active devices
- Checking the speed claim: How Bitfield is this fast