---
title: Vercel fundamental concepts
product: vercel
url: /docs/fundamentals
canonical_url: "https://vercel.com/docs/fundamentals"
last_updated: 2026-06-17
type: conceptual
prerequisites:
  []
related:
  - /docs/fundamentals/infrastructure
  - /docs/fundamentals/builds
  - /docs/fundamentals/what-is-compute
summary: Learn about the core concepts of Vercel
install_vercel_plugin: npx plugins add vercel/vercel-plugin
---

# Vercel fundamental concepts

The articles below explain core concepts that shape how Vercel works:


<!-- docsgraph:related -->
## Related pages

> **For AI agents:** Follow these links to understand how this page connects to the rest of the Vercel ecosystem. For the full cross-link map (inbound, outbound, prerequisites, and semantic neighbors), see the .graph.md link below.

- [How Vercel CDN works](https://vercel.com/docs/how-vercel-cdn-works?from=related) — Learn how Vercel's CDN processes requests through routing, caching, and compute layers to deliver your content with low
- [Products](https://vercel.com/docs/products?from=related) — Explore all Vercel products and capabilities.
- [Concepts](https://vercel.com/docs/kms/concepts?from=related) — Understand how Vercel KMS rotates signing keys and how it authorizes signing, management, and verification.
- [Concepts](https://vercel.com/docs/connect/concepts?from=related) — Understand the core building blocks of Vercel Connect: connectors, installations, tokens, project links, triggers, and a
- [Getting Started](https://vercel.com/docs/getting-started-with-vercel?from=related) — Install the Vercel CLI, add the Vercel Plugin or agent skills, and deploy your first project.

Full cross-link map for this page: [/docs/fundamentals.graph.md](/docs/fundamentals.graph.md)
<!-- /docsgraph:related -->

**Request Lifecycle**: Learn how requests flow through Vercel's global network, from user to response. Covers global load balancing, security layers, caching, and compute. [Learn more →](/docs/fundamentals/infrastructure)

**Build System**: Learn how Vercel transforms your source code into optimized assets. Covers framework detection, build environments, and caching. [Learn more →](/docs/fundamentals/builds)

**What is Compute?**: Understand how Vercel manages building, rendering, and on-demand tasks. Covers servers, serverless, and Fluid compute. [Learn more →](/docs/fundamentals/what-is-compute)


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