# Key concepts

Before you start developing advanced geospatial solutions using CARTO, we recommend you take a few minutes to read about the key concepts you will use.

**Architecture and tools**

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[Architecture](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/architecture.md)
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[Libraries and APIs](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/apis.md)
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**Authentication and data**

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[Connections](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/connections.md)
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[Authentication methods](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/authentication-methods.md)
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**Setting up data sources**

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[Data sources](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/data-sources.md)
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**Building your application: map layers, charts and filtering**

{% content-ref url="<https://github.com/CartoDB/gitbook-documentation/blob/master/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/carto-for-deck.gl>" %}
<https://github.com/CartoDB/gitbook-documentation/blob/master/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/carto-for-deck.gl>
{% endcontent-ref %}

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[Charts and widgets](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/charts-and-widgets.md)
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[Filtering and interactivity](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/filtering-and-interactivity.md)
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**AI-powered interaction**

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[AI-powered map interaction](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/ai-powered-map-interaction.md)
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Once you have explored these concepts, we have prepared a [summary](/carto-for-developers/key-concepts/summary.md) so that you're fully prepared to start building with CARTO.


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```
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