include ../_util-fns

// #docregion intro
- var langName = current.path[1] == 'ts' ? 'TypeScript' : 'JavaScript'
figure
  img(src="/resources/images/devguide/intro/people.png" alt="Us" align="left" style="width:200px; margin-left:-40px;margin-right:10px" )
:marked
  This is a practical guide to Angular for experienced programmers who
  are building client applications in HTML and #{langName}.

  We are on a journey together to understand how Angular works and, more importantly,
  how to make it work for us.  This overview begins the journey.
  <br clear="all">
// #enddocregion intro

// #docregion how-to-read-1
<a id="learning-path"></a>
:marked
  # Organization
  
  The documentation is divided into major thematic sections, each
  a collection of chapters devoted to that theme.
// #enddocregion how-to-read-1
// #docregion how-to-read-2
- var top="vertical-align:top"
table(width="100%")
  col(width="15%")
  col
  tr(style=top)
    td <b>Tutorial</b>
    td
      :marked
        A step-by-step, immersive approach to learning Angular. 
        It begins with the [QuickStart](../quickstart.html), 
        the foundation for every chapter and sample in this documentation,
        followed by the [*Tour of Heroes* tutorial](../tutorial) that
        introduces the major features of Angular in an application context.
  tr(style=top)
    td <b>Basics</b>
    td
      :marked
        The essential ingredients of Angular development.
  tr(style=top)
    td <b>Developer Guide</b>
    td
      :marked
        In depth analysis of Angular features and development practices.
  tr(style=top)
    td <b>Cookbook</b>
    td
      :marked
        Recipes for specific application challenges, mostly code snippets with a minimum of exposition.
  tr(style=top)
    td <b>Reference</b>
    td
      :marked
        Angular-specific reference material, most notably the [API Guide](../api)
        with its authoritative details about each member in the Angular libraries.
  tr(style=top)
    td <b>Resources</b>
    td
      :marked
        Other places to go for help and information.
:marked
  # Learning Path
  We don't have to read the guide straight through.  Most chapters stand on their own. 
   
  We recommend a learning path for those new to Angular. 
  Most of that path runs through the *Basics* section:

  1. Read the [Architecture Overview](architecture.html) to get the big picture.
  
  1. Try the [QuickStart](../quickstart.html). The QuickStart is the "Hello, World" of Angular 2. 
  It shows us how to setup the libraries and tools we'll need to write *any* Angular app. 
  
  1. Take the *Tour of Heroes* [Tutorial](../tutorial) which picks up from where the QuickStart leaves off 
  and builds a simple data-driven app. 
  Simple, yes, but with the essential characteristics we'd expect of a professional application:
  a sensible project structure, data binding, master/detail, services, dependency injection, navigation, and remote data access. 
  
    Return to the *Basics* section and continue in the suggested order:
    
  1. [Displaying Data](displaying-data.html) explains how to get information on to the screen.
  
  1. [User Input](user-input.html) covers the basics of responding to user behavior.
  
  1. [Forms](forms.html) handle user data entry and validation within the UI.
  
  1. [Dependency Injection](dependency-injection.html) is the way we build large, maintainable applications
  from small, single purpose parts.
  
  1. [Template Syntax](template-syntax.html) is a comprehensive study of Angular template HTML. 

  With this foundation, we can read and understand any chapter in the guide.
// #enddocregion how-to-read-2
// #docregion the-rest
:marked
  # Code Samples
  
  Every chapter includes code snippets that we can reuse in our own applications. 
  These snippets are excerpts from a sample application that accompanies the chapter.
  
  Look for a link to a running version of that sample near the top of each page
  such as this [live example](/resources/live-examples/architecture/ts/plnkr.html) from the [Architecture](architecture.html) chapter.
  
  The link launches a browser-based code editor where we can inspect, modify, save, and download the code.
  
  A few early chapters are written as tutorials and are clearly marked as such. 
  Most chapters are *not* tutorials. 
  They highlight key points in code rather than explain each step necessary to build the sample.
  We can always get the full source by way of the live link.
  
  ## References
    
  The [Cheat Sheet](cheatsheet.html) lists Angular syntax for common scenarios.
    
  The [Glossary](glossary.html) defines terms that Angular developers should know.
  
  The [API Guide](../api/) is the authority on every public-facing member of the Angular libraries.
 
  # Feedback
  
  We welcome feedback! Leave a comment by clicking the icon in upper right corner of the banner.
  
  Post *documentation* issues and pull requests on the 
  [angular.io](https://github.com/angular/angular.io) github repository.
  
  Post issues with *Angular 2 itself* to the [angular](https://github.com/angular/angular) github repository.
// #enddocregion the-rest