---
title: MindsDB, an AI Data Solution
sidebarTitle: Introduction
icon: "house"
---

MindsDB enables humans, AI, agents, and applications to get highly accurate answers across sprawled and large scale data sources.

<p align="center">
  <img src="/assets/cloud/main_mdb.png"/>
</p>

## Core Philosophy

MindsDB is built around three fundamental capabilities that form the foundation of MindsDB, enabling seamless integration, organization, and utilization of data.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect">
    Connect data from [hundreds of data sources](/integrations/data-overview) that integrate with MindsDB, including databases, data warehouses, applications, and vector databases.

    Learn more [here](/mindsdb-connect).
  </Step>
  <Step title="Unify">
    Unify and organize data from one or multiple (structured and unstructured) data sources, by creating 
    [knowledge bases](/mindsdb_sql/knowledge_bases/overview), [views](/mindsdb_sql/sql/create/view) and [jobs](/mindsdb_sql/sql/create/jobs).
    
    Learn more [here](/mindsdb-unify).
  </Step>
  <Step title="Respond">
    Generate accurate, context-aware responses from unified data using [agents](/mindsdb_sql/agents/agent) or [MCP API](/mcp/overview), making insights easily accessible across applications and teams.

    Learn more [here](/mindsdb-respond).
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Install MindsDB

MindsDB is an open-source server that can be deployed anywhere, including local machines and clouds, and customized to fit the purpose.

  * Use [MindsDB via Docker Desktop](/setup/self-hosted/docker-desktop). This is the fastest and recommended way to get started.
  * Use [MindsDB via Docker](/setup/self-hosted/docker). This provides greater flexibility in customizing the MindsDB instance by rebuilding Docker images.
  * Use [MindsDB via AWS Marketplace](/setup/cloud/aws-marketplace). This enables running MindsDB in cloud.
  * Use [MindsDB via PyPI](/contribute/install). This option enables contributions to MindsDB.
