> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sqd.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SQD SDK Overview

> Choose how to access blockchain data with SQD — direct HTTP queries via the Portal API, lightweight Pipes SDK pipelines, or full Squid SDK GraphQL stacks.

## Choose Your Data Access Method

SQD offers three ways to access blockchain data. Each is designed for different use cases and developer preferences.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Portal API" icon="network-wired" href="/en/portal/evm/quickstart">
    Direct HTTP access to raw blockchain data. Query using simple HTTP requests in any programming language.
  </Card>

  {" "}

  <Card title="Pipes SDK" icon="bars-staggered" href="/en/sdk/pipes-sdk/evm/quickstart">
    Lightweight TypeScript streaming library for custom data pipelines with
    automatic decoding and type safety.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Squid SDK" icon="server" href="/en/sdk/squid-sdk/quickstart">
    Complete TypeScript framework with built-in PostgreSQL and auto-generated GraphQL API.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Quick Comparison

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Portal API">
    **What it is:** Language-agnostic HTTP API for raw blockchain data

    **Best for:** Analytics, data lakes, custom pipelines in any language

    **Key advantage:** 10-50x faster than RPC with minimal setup
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Pipes SDK">
    **What it is:** TypeScript streaming library with flexible architecture

    **Best for:** Custom pipelines, existing codebases, non-PostgreSQL databases

    **Key advantage:** Full control over data flow with minimal dependencies
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Squid SDK">
    **What it is:** Full-stack TypeScript framework with database and API

    **Best for:** dApp backends, GraphQL APIs, rapid development

    **Key advantage:** Built-in PostgreSQL + auto-generated GraphQL API
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Compare Options" icon="scale-balanced" href="/en/sdk/options-comparison">
    See feature matrices, code examples, and technical trade-offs between Portal API, Pipes SDK, and Squid SDK.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Start Building" icon="code" href="/en/portal/evm/quickstart">
    Follow the quickstart to set up Portal API and run your first query.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  **Enterprise Custom Development**

  For enterprise clients requiring custom indexer development, please contact our team to discuss your specific requirements. [Schedule a Consultation →](https://calendly.com/t-tyrie-subsquid/30min)
</Info>