---
title: "Getting started with RUAL · RUAL Documentation"
description: "Build web apps in weeks with RUAL: explore the blocks, blueprints, cluster APIs and guides in the official RUAL documentation."
canonical: https://docs.rual.nl/
language: en
---

# Getting started

With RUAL, you can develop web applications in a matter of weeks, leaving the tedious tasks to us. Explore all the available options and resources in our comprehensive RUAL Docs.

### Latest Release: v15.0.0

See what we're currently working on, updated live based on the code deployments.

### Quick Navigation

### Popular Block Categories

### Getting Started with RUAL

The most frequently utilized aspect during development in [RUAL Studio](https://docs.rual.nl/interfaces/rual-studio) is what we call [blueprinting](https://docs.rual.nl/blueprints/introduction). When mentioning RUAL Studio, we are referring to the cluster management pages accessible at [rual.at](https://rual.at).

Within the [blueprinting](https://docs.rual.nl/blueprints/introduction) section, certain features are designed to simplify your work with blueprints. We recommend reading the [tips & tricks](https://docs.rual.nl/blueprints/tips-and-tricks) in the blueprints menu. This resource offers valuable insights on navigating large blueprints, as well as tips on copying & pasting and creating groups around multiple blocks.

### Cluster Access & Authentication

To use any cluster through [RUAL Studio](https://rual.at), you must have a cluster URL and a valid username and password that are authorized for RUAL Studio Access. For more information on managing user access, please refer to our [User Access Management (UCM) resource](https://docs.rual.nl/cluster/user-access-management). If you are not already an administrator, an existing administrator will need to create an account for you and grant the appropriate access levels. This process ensures that only authorized users can access specific clusters, maintaining security and control within the RUAL Studio environment.

Not sure which core version to build on? Production clusters should run the latest stable. See the [Version Management guide](https://docs.rual.nl/architecture/version-guide) for channels, safe upgrade routines, and where breaking changes are documented.

### API Integration

Each cluster offers both public and private APIs, which can streamline the authorization process for developing custom frontends, as well as hybrid or native applications. For those building hybrid native apps using [React Native](https://reactnative.dev/) and looking to connect with our WebSocket, we offer [helper code](https://docs.rual.nl/other/react-native). The most up-to-date documentation for Cluster APIs can be found in the left-side menu under "Cluster APIs." Alternatively, you can [click here](https://docs.rual.nl/cluster/api) for a comprehensive overview of the available APIs.

### Recent Core Releases

### Frequently asked

**What is RUAL?**

RUAL is a platform where you build web applications from blueprints: visual flows of connected blocks that run on a cluster. Pages, APIs, storage and scheduled work are all built on the same canvas, without writing backend code.

**Do I need to write code to build an application in RUAL?**

No. Pages, API endpoints, storage queries and background jobs are built by connecting blocks on a blueprint canvas. You can add your own React components when you want custom front-end behaviour, but that is optional.

**Where do I start with RUAL?**

Start with the Quickstart, which takes about 15 minutes and ends with a live Hello World page and a working JSON API endpoint. After that, the First CRUD App tutorial covers creating, listing, updating, deleting and searching documents.