# Getting started with Pearl

https://www.learnpearl.org/getting-started/ · Checked October 20, 2026 · Beginner

You don’t need to mine, buy hardware or own any PRL to start. The right first move is to choose what you actually want from the network, then take the shortest verified path to it.

## Key takeaways

- Pick one goal first. Learning, holding, mining, running a node and building each have a different first step.
- Download software only from the official pearl-research-labs GitHub releases, and check the published checksums (fingerprints that change if a file is altered).
- Make a wallet and back up its recovery seed before you receive anything.
- Test every new address, machine or workflow with a small amount first.

## Choose your path

- [I want to learn](https://www.learnpearl.org/learn/): Start with the plain-English basics, one short lesson at a time.
- [I want to hold PRL](https://www.learnpearl.org/wallet/): Set up a self-custody wallet and back it up first.
- [I want to buy PRL](https://www.learnpearl.org/buy-pearl/): Verify the asset and the venue, then test a small withdrawal.
- [I want to mine](https://www.learnpearl.org/mine-pearl/): Run the mining calculator, then benchmark before spending anything on hardware.
- [I want to help the network](https://www.learnpearl.org/run-a-node/): Run a full node and keep it updated.
- [I want to build or research](https://www.learnpearl.org/developers/): Map the repository, the test networks and the evidence.

## The safe sequence

1. **Understand the project.** Read [what Pearl is](https://www.learnpearl.org/what-is-pearl/), how it differs from Bitcoin, and [what is still experimental](https://www.learnpearl.org/risks/).
2. **Use primary sources.** Start from Pearl Research Labs’ [whitepaper](https://pearlresearch.ai/research/int-whitepaper) and its [GitHub organization](https://github.com/pearl-research-labs).
3. **Create a wallet.** Download the latest official release, create a wallet, and write the recovery seed down offline.
4. **Test with a small amount.** Receive and send a small amount before trusting a new address, machine or workflow.
5. **Add one capability.** Only then decide whether to mine, run a node, use a pool or build from source.

## Verify before installing

- The publisher is [pearl-research-labs](https://github.com/pearl-research-labs) on GitHub.
- The release is the current one and has a build for your operating system and processor.
- The download link hasn’t been swapped for a shortened or affiliate link.
- Your file matches the `checksums.txt` published with the release.
- Your recovery seed is never pasted into a website, chat, support ticket or mining pool.

> **Don’t copy commands from social media.** A single altered character can install a different program or redirect mining rewards. Compare every sensitive command with the official repository.

## Sources

- [Official Pearl releases](https://github.com/pearl-research-labs/pearl/releases) (Pearl Research Labs, primary)
- [Pearl monorepo on GitHub](https://github.com/pearl-research-labs/pearl) (Pearl Research Labs, primary)
- [Pearl INT whitepaper (the scheme mainnet runs)](https://pearlresearch.ai/research/int-whitepaper) (Pearl Research Labs, primary)