> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/godotengine/godot/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Introduction to Godot Engine

> Learn about Godot Engine, a free and open-source game engine for creating 2D and 3D games

## What is Godot Engine?

Godot Engine is a feature-packed, cross-platform game engine to create 2D and 3D games from a unified interface. It provides a comprehensive set of common tools, so that users can focus on making games without having to reinvent the wheel.

<Info>
  Godot is completely **free and open source** under the very permissive MIT license. No strings attached, no royalties, nothing. Your games are yours, down to the last line of engine code.
</Info>

## Key Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="2D & 3D Support" icon="cubes">
    Create both 2D and 3D games with dedicated rendering pipelines and node systems optimized for each.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cross-Platform" icon="globe">
    Export with one click to Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web, and consoles.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Open Source" icon="code-branch">
    MIT licensed with no royalties. The community drives development through the Godot Foundation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multiple Languages" icon="code">
    Script in GDScript (Python-like), C#, C++, or use visual scripting.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Engine Architecture

Godot uses a scene system where everything is organized as a tree of nodes. Each node has a specific purpose and can be extended with custom behavior through scripts.

### Core Subsystems

The engine is built with several server subsystems that handle different aspects of game functionality:

<Accordion title="Rendering Server">
  Handles all visual rendering, including 2D and 3D graphics, shaders, materials, and visual effects.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Physics Servers">
  Separate physics servers for 2D (`physics_2d`) and 3D (`physics_3d`) handle collision detection, rigid body dynamics, and physics queries.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Audio Server">
  Manages audio playback, mixing, effects, and spatial audio for immersive sound.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Navigation Servers">
  Provide pathfinding and navigation mesh functionality for both 2D (`navigation_2d`) and 3D (`navigation_3d`) games.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="XR Server">
  Supports virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences.
</Accordion>

## Scene System

Godot organizes games using a scene system. Scenes are composed of nodes arranged in a tree hierarchy:

* **Node2D**: Base for all 2D game objects (sprites, animated sprites, cameras, particles)
* **Node3D**: Base for all 3D game objects (meshes, lights, cameras, skeletons)
* **Control**: Base for all UI elements
* **Node**: Base class for all nodes in the scene tree

<Tip>
  You can save any branch of the scene tree as its own scene file and reuse it across your project. This makes Godot's scene system incredibly flexible and modular.
</Tip>

## Scripting with GDScript

GDScript is Godot's built-in scripting language, designed specifically for game development. It features:

* Python-like syntax that's easy to learn
* Tight integration with the engine
* Optional static typing for better performance and error checking
* Built-in support for common game development patterns

Here's a simple example from the engine source:

```gdscript theme={null}
extends Node

# Called when the node enters the scene tree for the first time.
func _ready() -> void:
	pass # Replace with function body.

# Called every frame. 'delta' is the elapsed time since the previous frame.
func _process(delta: float) -> void:
	pass
```

## Development & Community

<Note>
  Godot's development is fully independent and community-driven, empowering users to help shape their engine to match their expectations. It is supported by the **Godot Foundation** not-for-profit.
</Note>

The engine was created by Juan Linietsky and Ariel Manzur and was open sourced in February 2014. Since then, it has grown into a thriving open-source project with thousands of contributors.

## Version Information

This documentation covers **Godot Engine 4.7**, the latest version featuring:

* Vulkan-based rendering (Forward+ and Mobile)
* Improved GDScript performance with optional typing
* Enhanced 3D physics and navigation
* Better 2D rendering and lighting
* Expanded platform support

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quickstart Guide" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Create your first Godot project and learn the basics.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Installation" icon="download" href="/installation">
    Download and install Godot on your platform.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Editor Basics" icon="window" href="/editor/interface">
    Learn how to use the Godot editor interface.
  </Card>

  <Card title="GDScript Guide" icon="code" href="/scripting/gdscript">
    Master GDScript programming for game development.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>