> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://v4.elsaworkflows.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://v4.elsaworkflows.io/essentials/essentials.md).

# Run and understand the server

Elsa Foundation contains the Elsa 4 server libraries and the reference `Elsa.Workbench` host. Start with [Try Elsa locally](/essentials/essentials/quickstart.md) and [Your first workflow](/essentials/essentials/first-workflow.md) for the recorded Workbench/Studio image pair.

For development and deeper operational guidance:

* [Run the published Workbench and Studio images](https://github.com/elsa-workflows/elsa-foundation/blob/main/docker/compose/README.md#quick-start--published-images-no-clone-or-build).
* [Build and run the backend from source](https://github.com/elsa-workflows/elsa-foundation/blob/main/docs/contributing/backend-source-quickstart.md).
* [Take the architecture tour](https://github.com/elsa-workflows/elsa-foundation/blob/main/docs/architecture-tour.md), then [follow a workflow execution](https://github.com/elsa-workflows/elsa-foundation/blob/main/docs/how-a-workflow-executes.md).

The reference host is one composition of Elsa features. A custom host may compose a different set. Module-level notes and API details remain beside their projects. Use the [repository overview](https://github.com/elsa-workflows/elsa-foundation/blob/main/README.md#start-here) to navigate the source, and check the package version you deploy before applying guidance from the development branch.

***

[Edit this page on GitHub](https://github.com/elsa-workflows/elsa-foundation/edit/main/website/docs/essentials/README.md).


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