feat: new docs structure (1/n)

[seiyan-writer]

What is the purpose of the change?

This change introduces the first iteration of the new docs structure.

Describe the changes to the documentation

Summary:

This update introduces a top bar navigation system to organize and segment the docs more effectively. The top bar helps improve navigation and access to key docs categories. This implementation builds on earlier sidebar ideation and categorization efforts, with the goal of simplifying navigation and enhancing user experience.

The proposed top bar categories (for today) are: Getting Started*, User Guides, Learning, Building, Operating Nodes, and Reference.

The top bar structure is the first step in a larger revamp of the Sei docs. The next phases will involve refining the content within each section, gradually restructuring and adding new material as needed. The sidebar will aim to maintain a maximum depth of two levels to ensure ease of navigation and prevent users from becoming overwhelmed by overly nested structures.

The index page serves as the homepage for the docs, acting as a calibration point with use cases and user stories that help introduce Sei. Cards can be used to guide users toward relevant content based on what is trying to be accomplished.

The learning paths serve as guided entry points throughout the docs, offering structured progression for different levels of expertise. Alongside these paths, environment-specific indexes for EVM and Cosmos are provided. These paths can reside in the sidebar consistently, with customized styling to ensure they complement, rather than overpower, the other sub-doc sections.

The indexes leverage a new DocsCard component, inspired by the existing AppCard. This component is flexible and can be iterated on or further customized for different use cases and visual styles.

Section-Specific Descriptions:

Getting Started:

Introductory material and onboarding resources for new developers.

Note

The Getting Started section helps developers accomplish tasks on Sei without needing deep knowledge of the platform upfront. It assumes they have some blockchain exposure or experience and are more interested in practical applications than in Sei's underlying architecture.

The emphasis is on guiding users through tutorials or guides to get them onboarded with Sei-specific concepts as they go. This section would also cross-references other parts of the docs.

User Guides:

User-facing material and resources.

Note

The User Guides section is designed to guide users how to perform fundamental tasks on Sei, such as setting up wallets, managing accounts, and interacting with the network. This section provides user-friendly guides that make it easier for users to navigate and engage with the Sei ecosystem.

Learning:

Explainers for understanding the key concepts and mechanics of the Sei network.

Note

The Learning section offers users an opportunity to dive deeper into how Sei functions (without labeling concepts as "advanced"). It’s ideal for those looking to explore the network’s mechanics and gain a better understanding after using Getting Started, or for users who prefer to begin by learning the concepts from the outset. As the docs evolves, this section will continue to expand and align with the new proposed sidebar.

Building:

Resources for developers to set up, build, and deploy applications on Sei, from environment setup to smart contract development and ecosystem tools.

Note

The Building section provides developers with a comprehensive set of resources for end-to-end Sei development. It covers a variety of smart contract environments like CosmWasm and EVM, along with support for NFT Contracts, Pointer Contracts, and other key functionalities like the Token Factory and Multi-Sig Accounts.

Developers will also find resources for integrating assets, exploring the IBC Protocol for cross-chain connectivity, and best practices for using Ledger devices. This section includes tools and resources specific to the Sei ecosystem, ensuring developers have everything they need for successful decentralized application development across multiple environments.

Operating Nodes:

Node setup, configuration, and the go-to place for validators.

Note

Operating Nodes is dedicated to largely to validators who manage and maintain nodes on the Sei network. This section includes detailed guides on node setup, configuration, and validator best practices. Validators should be able to find everything they need here to ensure their nodes are correctly configured and optimized for network participation.

Reference:

The official technical reference for CLI, APIs, and more.

Note

The Reference section provides the official technical references, including API references, CLI usage, and other essential tools for developers and node operators. This section is designed to be a lookup resource for specific commands, endpoints, and technical specifications.

[seiyan-writer]

We'll use feature branch to capture revamp work and create dedicated deployment. Will follow with PRs aimed at updating different docs and sections.

[seiyan-writer]

This PR also captures a reworked version of the Getting Started guide and proposes incorporating video demos to complement or, in some cases, replace screenshots. Video demos tend to be cleaner, more dynamic, and easier to follow, especially for complex processes. If this approach works well, we could extend it to other parts of the docs.

We can also consider using GIFs for demonstrating command-line arguments (though not in every instance). GIFs can serve as useful supplements to the existing guides and tutorials.

We would need to be mindful adding these heavier media files.

[cordt-sei]

We would need to be mindful adding these heavier media files.

I would suggest only allowing webm or similar more efficient formats for this. gif is typically 10-30x the filesize

[codebycarson]

Would be nice to have a link to where they could view all their wallet options.

[codebycarson]

Also, doesn't necessarily need to be a non-custodial wallet, just needs to be a Sei supported wallet.

[codebycarson]

This is great, and I love the video, but would it make sense to just have a button here that actually allows them to connect to a chain that way they don't need to leave the docs page?

[codebycarson]

We could add the association API directly into the docs too imo..

[codebycarson]

Same as my previous comment, what if we allow them to associate directly from within the docs?

[cordt-sei]

That's a super decent idea

[codebycarson]

Would we want to add an input box that allows them to paste an address, then we auto open that address in sei trace?

[codebycarson]

Would it make more sense to say "VM Smart Contracts" or something? I feel that people know that these are Sei smart contracts..

[codebycarson]

We should probably remove these cards in favor of straight text, but we can get designs for all these pages to improve the look and feel later on

[seiyan-writer]

To address in follow-up updates:

• Add a link where users can view all supported wallet options and clarify that any Sei-supported wallet can be used. (pages/start/user-quickstart.mdx)
• Consider adding a "Connect to Chain" button within the docs so users can connect to the chain without leaving the page. (pages/start/user-quickstart.mdx)
• Integrate the association API directly in the docs to enable users to complete association steps in place. (pages/start/user-quickstart.mdx)
• Add an input box allowing users to paste an address and auto-open that address in Sei Trace. (pages/start/user-quickstart.mdx)
• Consider replacing current cards with straight text, with plans for future design improvements. (pages/start/dev-smart-contracts.mdx)