# Overview

Welcome to GaussDB(openGauss) API Reference. GaussDB(openGauss) is a next-generation, enterprise-class distributed database. It is designed based on the shared-nothing architecture and supports both x86 and Kunpeng CPU architectures. It features the following: high-throughput, strong-consistency transaction processing capabilities, financial-grade HA with 3DC geo-redundant DR, high scalability with a distributed architecture, and high-performance big data query capabilities. GaussDB(openGauss) is suitable for core systems used in a wide range of sectors, such as finance, telecom, and government.

This document describes how to use application programming interfaces (APIs) to perform operations on DB instances, such as DB instance creation, deletion, query, parameter modifications, and scaling. For details about all supported operations, see API Overview.

Parent topic: Before You Start