# Guides

> Learn the state, layout, runtime, and verification patterns behind NatUI applications.

Canonical: https://natui.dev/docs/guides

* [Common props](/docs/guides/common-props) covers layout, appearance, identity, and accessibility.
* [Controlled state](/docs/guides/controlled-state) explains optimistic native input and sequence acknowledgements.
* [App shell and data](/docs/guides/app-shell-and-data) connects menus, navigation, lists, tables, and application state.
* [Overlays](/docs/guides/overlays) covers sheets, alerts, popovers, and dismissal.
* [Runtime modes](/docs/guides/runtime-modes) compares the Node sidecar and embedded JavaScriptCore paths.
* [Testing and debugging](/docs/guides/testing-and-debugging) documents contract tests and native debug messages.

NatUI uses the platform layout engine. Design for native semantics and equivalent capability instead of assuming pixel-identical output.