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

# Overview

This guide shows you how to run an Ark server for testing.

Operating an Ark server can be significantly more involved than running a Lightning node or ecash mint. We do still hope you'll try and run the server for fun, learning, or setting up a local developer environment!

This guide assumes you have [installed Bark](/getting-started/bark-cli) and know how to use it.

<Warning>
  Do not attempt to run an Ark server in production (yet!). The code has known bugs and vulnerabilities that will result in loss of funds.
</Warning>

## Choose your setup path

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Manual setup (signet)" icon="terminal" href="/ark-server/manual-setup">
    Install each dependency individually, download or compile `captaind`, and launch on **signet**. Best for understanding how each component works.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Docker Compose (regtest)" icon="docker" href="/ark-server/docker-compose">
    Install everything in containers, start all services with one command, and launch on **regtest**. Best for getting up and running quickly.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>