# Concepts

Concepts explain the scopes and behavior behind public SQL operations: how connections retain state, where settings apply, how data is changed and how clients authenticate.

Start with the core terms, then choose an interface or operation. Practical-choice guides connect those contracts to schema and input decisions.

::: cards

* [Practical choices](https://coordinatordb.com/docs/concepts/best-practices)
* [Core concepts](https://coordinatordb.com/docs/concepts/core-concepts)
* [Features](https://coordinatordb.com/docs/concepts/features)
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