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+.. _getting_started:
+
+Getting started
+===============
+
+Installation
+------------
+
+::
+
+    pip install prompt_toolkit
+
+For Conda, do:
+
+::
+
+    conda install -c https://conda.anaconda.org/conda-forge prompt_toolkit
+
+
+Several use cases: prompts versus full screen terminal applications
+--------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+`prompt_toolkit` was in the first place meant to be a replacement for readline.
+However, when it became more mature, we realized that all the components for
+full screen applications are there and `prompt_toolkit` is very capable of
+handling many use situations. `Pyvim
+<http://github.com/prompt-toolkit/pyvim>`_ and `pymux
+<http://github.com/prompt-toolkit/pymux>`_ are examples of full screen
+applications.
+
+.. image:: ../images/pyvim.png
+
+Basically, at the core, `prompt_toolkit` has a layout engine, that supports
+horizontal and vertical splits as well as floats, where each "window" can
+display a user control. The API for user controls is simple yet powerful.
+
+When `prompt_toolkit` is used as a readline replacement, (to simply read some
+input from the user), it uses a rather simple built-in layout. One that
+displays the default input buffer and the prompt, a float for the
+autocompletions and a toolbar for input validation which is hidden by default.
+
+For full screen applications, usually we build a custom layout ourselves.
+
+Further, there is a very flexible key binding system that can be programmed for
+all the needs of full screen applications.
+
+
+A simple prompt
+---------------
+
+The following snippet is the most simple example, it uses the
+:func:`~prompt_toolkit.shortcuts.prompt` function to asks the user for input
+and returns the text. Just like ``(raw_)input``.
+
+.. code:: python
+
+    from prompt_toolkit import prompt
+
+    text = prompt('Give me some input: ')
+    print('You said: %s' % text)
+
+
+Learning `prompt_toolkit`
+-------------------------
+
+In order to learn and understand `prompt_toolkit`, it is best to go through the
+all sections in the order below. Also don't forget to have a look at all the
+`examples
+<https://github.com/prompt-toolkit/python-prompt-toolkit/tree/master/examples>`_
+in the repository.
+
+- First, :ref:`learn how to print text <printing_text>`. This is important,
+  because it covers how to use "formatted text", which is something you'll use
+  whenever you want to use colors anywhere.
+
+- Secondly, go through the :ref:`asking for input <asking_for_input>` section.
+  This is useful for almost any use case, even for full screen applications.
+  It covers autocompletions, syntax highlighting, key bindings, and so on.
+
+- Then, learn about :ref:`dialogs`, which is easy and fun.
+
+- Finally, learn about :ref:`full screen applications
+  <full_screen_applications>` and read through :ref:`the advanced topics
+  <advanced_topics>`.