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

# Overview

> Instances are Docker containers that give you exclusive GPU access for training, inference, and development. Pay by the second, connect via SSH or Jupyter.

## What Are Instances?

Instances are containerized environments where you rent dedicated GPUs from Vast.ai's marketplace. Each instance:

* Provides exclusive GPU access (never shared between users)
* Runs your choice of Docker image
* Includes proportional CPU, RAM, and storage
* Connects via SSH, Jupyter, or custom entrypoint
* Bills by the second for actual usage

<Tip>
  New to Vast.ai? Start with the [Quickstart Guide](/guides/get-started/quickstart).
</Tip>

## Core Concepts

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Pricing" href="/guides/instances/pricing" icon="dollar-sign">
    Market-driven rates for GPU, storage, and bandwidth
  </Card>

  <Card title="Instance Types" href="/guides/instances/choosing/instance-types" icon="layer-group">
    On-demand, Reserved, and Interruptible options
  </Card>

  <Card title="Templates" href="/guides/templates/introduction" icon="cube">
    Pre-configured environments or custom Docker images
  </Card>

  <Card title="Find & Rent" href="/guides/instances/choosing/find-and-rent" icon="search">
    Find and rent GPUs by model, location, and price
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect to Instances" href="/guides/instances/connect/overview" icon="plug">
    SSH, Jupyter, and Entrypoint connection methods
  </Card>

  <Card title="Managing Instances" href="/guides/instances/manage-instances" icon="sliders">
    Start, stop, connect, and monitor your instances
  </Card>

  <Card title="Storage" href="/guides/instances/storage/types" icon="database">
    Container storage and persistent volumes
  </Card>

  <Card title="Data Movement" href="/guides/instances/storage/data-movement" icon="arrows">
    Move data between instances, cloud, and local storage
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cloud Sync" href="/guides/instances/storage/cloud-sync" icon="cloud">
    Sync with Google Drive, S3, and other cloud providers
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

**New to Vast.ai?**
[Start with the Quickstart Guide →](/guides/get-started/quickstart) for a complete walkthrough

**Ready to rent?**
[Understand pricing →](/guides/instances/pricing) | [Choose a template →](/guides/templates/introduction) | [Find GPUs →](/guides/instances/choosing/find-and-rent)

**Need help connecting?**
[Connection methods →](/guides/instances/connect/overview) | [SSH guide →](/guides/instances/connect/ssh) | [Jupyter setup →](/guides/instances/connect/jupyter)