Getting Started

This guide will help you understand the different ways to run NVIDIA FLARE and get started with your federated learning journey. Before proceeding, make sure you have completed the Quickstart guide to run your first example.

Ways to Run NVFlare

NVFlare supports different running modes to accommodate various use cases, from development to production:

NVIDIA FLARE Modes

Mode	Documentation	Description
Simulator	NVIDIA FLARE FL Simulator	The FL Simulator is a light weight simulation where the job run is automated on a single system. Useful for quickly running a job or experimenting with research or FL algorithms.
POC	Proof Of Concept (POC) Command	POC mode establishes and connects distinct server and client “systems” which can then be orchestrated using the FLARE Console all from a single machine. Users can also experiment with various deployment options (project.yml), which can be used in production modes.
Production	Provisioning and startup package distribution	Real world production mode involves a distributed deployment with generated startup kits from the provisioning process. Provides provisioning tool, dashboard, and various deployment options.

Next Steps

Now that you understand the different ways to run NVFlare:

1. Try the getting started tutorials to learn more about each mode

2. Explore more advanced examples and step-by-step walk-throughs

3. Learn how to convert your standalone/centralized training code to federated learning code

4. When ready for production, see Real-World Federated Learning for deployment guidance

5. For development, see Programming Guide for detailed programming instructions