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

# Introduction

> Welcome to LabTrace - A secure, blockchain-powered file management and verification system

<img className="dark:hidden items-center align-middle" src="https://mintcdn.com/shadowycreators-dba418fd/d8tNBOt0iu4L15v0/logo/inscription.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=d8tNBOt0iu4L15v0&q=85&s=b272abba9dcad4ddfea4bf0dae73e7f8" alt="Hero Light" width="247" height="55" data-path="logo/inscription.png" />

<img className="hidden dark:block items-center" src="https://mintcdn.com/shadowycreators-dba418fd/d8tNBOt0iu4L15v0/logo/inscription.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=d8tNBOt0iu4L15v0&q=85&s=b272abba9dcad4ddfea4bf0dae73e7f8" alt="Hero Dark" width="247" height="55" data-path="logo/inscription.png" />

## What is LabTrace?

LabTrace is a comprehensive file management and verification platform that combines traditional web technologies with blockchain security. Built for organizations that need to securely store, track, and verify the authenticity of their digital files, LabTrace provides an immutable audit trail powered by the Algorand blockchain.

The platform supports two types of files:

* **Public Files**: Stored in AWS S3 for optimal performance with metadata on IPFS
* **Private Files**: Files metadata stored exclusively on IPFS for enhanced privacy

All operations can be performed through both the web interface and Python SDK, providing flexibility for different use cases.

## Key Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Secure File Storage" icon="shield-check">
    Store files securely with enterprise-grade encryption and access controls.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Blockchain Verification" icon="link">
    Immutable file verification using Algorand blockchain technology.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Project Management" icon="folder-open">
    Organize files into projects with member access and time restrictions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Certificate Generation" icon="certificate">
    Generate verifiable certificates for file authenticity and integrity.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Architecture Overview

LabTrace is built with a modern, scalable architecture:

* **Frontend**: React-based single-page application with modern UI components
* **SDK**: Python SDK for programmatic access and automation
* **Backend**: Dual backend architecture with Node.js
* **Blockchain**: Algorand blockchain integration for immutable file verification
* **Database**: PostgreSQL with Prisma ORM for data persistence
* **Storage**: Hybrid approach - AWS S3 for public files, IPFS for private and public files metadata
* **Access**: Web interface and Python SDK for all operations

## Getting Started

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Quick Start" icon="rocket" href="https://app.labtrace.io">
    Register and start using LabTrace.
  </Card>

  <Card title="How it works" icon="book-open-cover" href="/how-it-works">
    Learn how LabTrace works.
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="square-terminal" href="/api-reference">
    Explore the comprehensive API documentation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Python SDK" icon="code" href="/sdk">
    Use the Python SDK for programmatic access and automation.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Use Cases

LabTrace is designed for organizations that need:

* **Research Institutions**: Secure storage and verification of research data and publications
* **Legal Firms**: Immutable document storage with blockchain-backed authenticity
* **Healthcare**: Secure patient data management with audit trails
* **Financial Services**: Compliance documentation with tamper-proof verification
* **Government**: Secure document management for public records

## Why Choose LabTrace?

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Security First">
    Built with enterprise-grade security features including encryption at rest and in transit, role-based access controls, and blockchain-backed immutability.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Blockchain Integration">
    Leverages Algorand blockchain for creating immutable records of file operations, ensuring data integrity and providing cryptographic proof of authenticity.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Scalable Architecture">
    Modern microservices architecture that can scale horizontally to handle growing data volumes and user loads.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Developer Friendly">
    Comprehensive APIs, SDKs, and documentation make it easy to integrate LabTrace into existing workflows.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Community and Support

* **Support**: Professional support available for enterprise customers (contact us at [info@labtrace.io](mailto:info@labtrace.io))

Ready to get started? Check out our [Dashboard](https://app.labtrace.io) or explore the [API Reference](/api-reference).