> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usekafka.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Core Concepts

Understand the key concepts that power Kafka.

Kafka operates through six core systems that work together to create a powerful AI Employee:

## Overview

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Tools" icon="wrench" href="/ai-tools/windsurf">
    Specialized capabilities Kafka uses to perform actions across systems.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Workflows" icon="rotate" href="/essentials/markdown">
    Automated sequences triggered by events, time, or webhooks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Playbooks" icon="book" href="/essentials/code">
    Structured guides for repeated, semi-structured tasks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Integrations" icon="plug" href="/essentials/reusable-snippets">
    Connections to external apps and data sources.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Global Instructions" icon="file-lines" href="/essentials/images">
    Foundational rules and context that guide all of Kafka's actions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connections" icon="link" href="/ai-tools/cursor">
    Communication channels for interacting with Kafka (Slack, Email, Phone).
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Explore each concept to learn how they work together to power your AI Employee.