# Overview

This page introduces the concepts that matter most when you build on Autonomi.

## Storage model

Autonomi stores data as immutable, content-addressed chunks. The developer-facing storage surfaces in this docs set are public data, private data, chunks, files, and DataMaps. Public workflows return an address that can be shared; private workflows return retrieval metadata that you keep client-side.

Read more in [Data Types](/developers/core-concepts/data-types.md).

## Keys, addresses, and DataMaps

Wallet keys pay for writes, public addresses retrieve public data, and `DataMap` values are the critical retrieval material for private data.

Read more in [Keys, Addresses, and DataMaps](/developers/core-concepts/keys-addresses-and-datamaps.md).

## Self-encryption

Before uploaded content is stored, it is encrypted and split into chunks. The `self_encryption` crate and the higher-level upload paths in `ant-sdk` and `ant-core` are responsible for producing the DataMap and chunk layout used later for retrieval.

Read more in [Self-Encryption](/developers/core-concepts/self-encryption.md).

## Post-quantum cryptography

The cryptography stack uses ML-DSA-65 for signatures and ML-KEM-768 for key encapsulation. Those algorithms matter most when you are reasoning about network identity, transport security, or the broader security model.

Read more in [Post-Quantum Cryptography](/developers/core-concepts/post-quantum-cryptography.md).

## Payment model

Autonomi is designed around pay-once, immutable storage. Uploads are wallet-backed writes: you pay when you store data, then retrieve it later without recurring storage fees or retrieval payments.

Read more in [Payment Model](/developers/core-concepts/payment-model.md).

## Reading guide

Start here depending on what you need next:

* If you are building an application: [Data Types](/developers/core-concepts/data-types.md), then [Store and Retrieve Data with the SDKs](/developers/sdk/install/how-to-guides/store-and-retrieve-data.md)
* If you need to understand wallets, public addresses, and private retrieval material: [Keys, Addresses, and DataMaps](/developers/core-concepts/keys-addresses-and-datamaps.md)
* If you need to understand the encryption path: [Self-Encryption](/developers/core-concepts/self-encryption.md)
* If you need to understand upload costs and wallets: [Payment Model](/developers/core-concepts/payment-model.md), then [Estimate Costs and Handle Upload Payments](/developers/guides/estimate-costs-and-handle-upload-payments.md)
* If you need the security context: [Post-Quantum Cryptography](/developers/core-concepts/post-quantum-cryptography.md)


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