1. Before You Get Started

1.1. What is Connext?

RTI® Connext® is a connectivity framework for building distributed applications with requirements for high performance and scalability. It includes these components:

An SDK that provides you with APIs to help you send and receive data using the communication patterns described in this documentation. These APIs allow you to connect your own applications to other applications on the databus.
Tools that help you visualize your data and debug your distributed system.
Infrastructure Services that can perform dedicated functions in your system, such as recording, bridging, and persisting data.

1.2. Learning Connext

This Getting Started guide is useful whether you are evaluating or have already purchased Connext. Do either or both to get started:

Check out the short, independent modules on the Connext Developer page to help you implement common distributed systems patterns (publish-subscribe, RPC, content filtering, data persistence, and so on) and design, debug, and deploy observable and secure systems.
Use this Getting Started Guide as an in-depth tutorial to get you building and running your first Connext-based application while learning foundational concepts of Connext.

To obtain a free Connext version, visit https://www.rti.com/ and click the free download button. Fill out the brief form, and you will receive a package shortly.

1.3. Installing Connext

See the installation instructions on the Connext Developer page for quick installation instructions or the RTI Connext Installation Guide for full details on installing Connext.