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orphan: true
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(about-concepts)=
# Understanding Concepts for {{product_name}}

NeMo Gym concepts explain the mental model behind building RL training environments: when to use RL over SFT, how environment components work together, and how verification signals drive learning. Use this page as a compass to decide which explanation to read next.

::::{tip}
New to RL for LLMs? Start with {ref}`training-approaches` for context on SFT, RL, and RLVR, or refer to {doc}`key-terminology` for a quick glossary.
::::

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## Concept Highlights

Each explainer below covers one foundational idea and links to deeper material.

::::{grid} 1 1 1 2
:gutter: 1 1 1 2

:::{grid-item-card} {octicon}`mortar-board;1.5em;sd-mr-1` Training Approaches
:link: training-approaches
:link-type: ref
Understand the differences between SFT, DPO, and GRPO, and the rise of RLVR.
:::

:::{grid-item-card} {octicon}`package;1.5em;sd-mr-1` Environment Components
:link: core-components
:link-type: ref
Understand the three server components that make up a training environment.
:::

:::{grid-item-card} {octicon}`gear;1.5em;sd-mr-1` Configuration System
:link: configuration-concepts
:link-type: ref
Understand how servers are configured and connected.
:::

:::{grid-item-card} {octicon}`workflow;1.5em;sd-mr-1` Architecture
:link: architecture
:link-type: ref
How components interact during startup and rollout collection.
:::

:::{grid-item-card} {octicon}`check-circle;1.5em;sd-mr-1` Task Verification
:link: task-verification
:link-type: ref
Understand the importance of verification and common implementation patterns.
:::

:::{grid-item-card} {octicon}`iterations;1.5em;sd-mr-1` Key Terminology
:link: key-terminology
:link-type: ref
Essential vocabulary for agent training, RL workflows, and NeMo Gym.
:::

::::

---

```{toctree}
:hidden:
:maxdepth: 1

Training Approaches <training-approaches>
Environment Components <core-components>
Configuration System <configuration>
Architecture <architecture>
Task Verification <task-verification>
Key Terminology <key-terminology>
```
