> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://px4.gitbook.io/px4-user-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://px4.gitbook.io/px4-user-guide/development.md).

# Development

This section explains how to support new vehicle types and variants, modify flight algorithms, add new modes, integrate new hardware, and communicate with PX4 from outside the flight controller.

:::tip This section is for software developers and (new) hardware integrators. It is not needed if you're building an existing airframe or flying using a PX4 vehicle. :::

It explains how to:

* Get a [minimum developer setup](/px4-user-guide/development/getting_started/config_initial.md), [build PX4 from source](/px4-user-guide/development/getting_started/building_px4.md) and deploy on [numerous supported autopilots](/px4-user-guide/drone_parts/flight_controller.md).
* Understand the [PX4 System Architecture](/px4-user-guide/development/concept/architecture.md) and other core concepts.
* Learn how to modify the flight stack and middleware:
  * Modify flight algorithms and add new [flight modes](/px4-user-guide/development/concept/flight_modes.md).
  * Support new [airframes](/px4-user-guide/development/hardware/dev_airframes.md).
* Learn how to integrate PX4 with new hardware:
  * Support new sensors and actuators, including cameras, rangefinders, etc.
  * Modify PX4 to run on new autopilot hardware.
* [Simulate](/px4-user-guide/development/simulation.md), [test](/px4-user-guide/development/test_and_ci.md) and [debug/log](/px4-user-guide/development/debug.md) PX4.
* Communicate/integrate with external robotics APIs.

## Key Developer Links

* [Support](/px4-user-guide/contribute/support.md): Get help using the [discussion boards](https://discuss.px4.io//) and other support channels.
* [Weekly Dev Call](/px4-user-guide/contribute/dev_call.md): A great opportunity to meet the PX4 dev team and discuss platform technical details (including pull requests, major issues, general Q\&A).
* [Licences](/px4-user-guide/contribute/licenses.md): What you can do with the code (free to use and modify under terms of the permissive [BSD 3-clause license](https://opensource.org/licenses/BSD-3-Clause)!)
* [Contributing](/px4-user-guide/contribute.md): How to work with our [source code](/px4-user-guide/contribute/code.md).