<!-- Reference -->

# Use these pages when you need the language model, lookup tables, or terminology.

This hub gathers the explanatory reference pages for AEON. It is the stable place to move from syntax intuition into named concepts, validation surfaces, value forms, and ecosystem boundaries.

Use the Aeonite specs for normative authority; use this section for implementation-oriented reading and quick lookup.

<!-- Language Model -->

## Read the explanatory map before looking up details.

### Understand how AEON works

_How_

Read the language model: vocabulary, grammar shape, processing boundaries, profiles, schemas, conventions, canonical form, AES, AEOS, and Tonics.

[Open language](/aeon-language.php)

### Understand orthogonal grammar

_Composition_

Learn why AEON's grammar surfaces reappear across bindings, attributes, anonymous children, containers, nodes, and references.

[Open composition](/orthogonal-composition.php)

### Understand the design stance

_Philosophy_

Use the philosophy page for semantic preservation, consumer authority, negative space semantics, and validation boundaries.

[Open philosophy](/philosophy.php)

### See the wider ecosystem

_System_

Map Core syntax, AES, AEOS validation, meaning validation, canonical representation, Tonics, profiles, and conventions.

[Open ecosystem](/ecosystem.php)

<!-- Syntax and Types -->

## Look up the concrete language surfaces.

### Read the practical syntax guide

_Guide_

Use the language guide for bindings, scalar values, objects, lists, tuples, references, nodes, modes, and common grammar shapes.

[Open guide](/language.php)

### Understand special value forms

_Values_

Read about null reasons, NaN, Infinity, hex, radix, encoded payloads, dates, times, ZRUT, and comments.

[Open value types](/value-types.php)

### Use the dry type table

_Lookup_

Open the type reference for syntax, accepted values, alternative type names, reserved names, and reference forms.

[Open type reference](/type-reference.php)

<!-- Validation and Terms -->

## Keep validation concepts and vocabulary close at hand.

### Validate assignment streams

_Schemas_

Learn how AEOS schemas validate AEON assignment streams with path rules, required fields, value kinds, attributes, and constraints.

[Open schemas](/schemas.php)

### Look up ecosystem terms

_Glossary_

Use the glossary for AES, AEOS, Tonics, canonical form, claims, authority, consumers, profiles, and conventions.

[Open glossary](/glossary.php)

### Open the authority surface

_Specs_

Use Aeonite when you need the formal specification, conformance boundaries, contracts, conventions, and source repositories.

[Open Aeonite](https://aeonite.org/specifications.php)