# Dalamud [](https://github.com/goatcorp/Dalamud/actions) [](https://discord.gg/3NMcUV5)
Dalamud is a plugin development framework for FINAL FANTASY XIV that provides access to game data and native interoperability with the game itself to add functionality and quality-of-life.
It is meant to be used in conjunction with [FFXIVQuickLauncher](https://github.com/goatcorp/FFXIVQuickLauncher), which manages and launches Dalamud for you. __It is generally not recommended for users to try to run Dalamud manually as there are multiple dependencies and assumed folder paths.__
## Hold Up!
If you are just trying to **use** Dalamud, you don't need to do anything on this page - please [download XIVLauncher](https://goatcorp.github.io/) from its official page and follow the setup instructions.
## Plugin development
Dalamud features a growing API for in-game plugin development with game data and chat access and overlays.
Please see our [Developer FAQ](https://goatcorp.github.io/faq/development) and the [API documentation](https://goatcorp.github.io/Dalamud/api/index.html) for more details.
If you need any support regarding the API or usage of Dalamud, please [join our discord server](https://discord.gg/3NMcUV5).
Thanks to Mino, whose work has made this possible!
## Branches
We are currently working from the following branches.
| Name | Purpose | .NET Version |
|---|---|---|
| *master* | .NET Core rework, replaced api3 on 10/08/21 | .NET 5.0.6 (May 2021) |
| *api3* | Legacy version, no longer in active use | .NET Framework 4.7.2 (April 2017) |
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