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+# NetAlertX Builds: Choose Your Path
+
+NetAlertX provides different installation methods for different needs. This guide helps you choose the right path for security, experimentation, or development.
+
+## 1. Hardened Appliance (Default Production)
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> Use this image if: You want to use NetAlertX securely.
+
+### Who is this for?
+
+All users who want a stable, secure, "set-it-and-forget-it" appliance.
+
+### Methodology
+
+- Multi-stage Alpine build
+- Aggressively "amputated"
+- Locked down for max security
+
+### Source
+
+`Dockerfile (hardened target)`
+
+## 2. "Tinkerer's" Image (Insecure VM-Style)
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> Use this image if: You want to experiment with NetAlertX.
+
+### Who is this for?
+
+Power users, developers, and "tinkerers" wanting a familiar "VM-like" experience.
+
+### Methodology
+
+- Traditional Debian build
+- Includes full un-hardened OS
+- Contains `apt`, `sudo`, `git`
+
+### Source
+
+`Dockerfile.debian`
+
+## 3. Contributor's Devcontainer (Project Developers)
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> Use this image if: You want to develop NetAlertX itself.
+
+### Who is this for?
+
+Project contributors who are actively writing and debugging code for NetAlertX.
+
+### Methodology
+
+
+- Builds `FROM runner` stage
+- Loaded by VS Code
+- Full debug tools: `xdebug`, `pytest`
+
+
+### Source
+
+`Dockerfile (devcontainer target)`
+
+# Visualizing the Trade-Offs
+
+This chart compares the three builds across key attributes. A higher score means "more of" that attribute. Notice the clear trade-offs between security and development features.
+
+![tradeoffs](./img/BUILDS/build_images_options_tradeoffs.png)
+
+
+# Build Process & Origins
+
+The final images originate from two different files and build paths. The main `Dockerfile` uses stages to create *both* the hardened and development container images.
+
+## Official Build Path
+
+Dockerfile -> builder (Stage 1) -> runner (Stage 2) ->  hardened (Final Stage) (Production Image) + devcontainer (Final Stage) (Developer Image)
+
+
+## Legacy Build Path
+
+Dockerfile.debian -> "Tinkerer's" Image (Insecure VM-Style Image)
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   - Development:
       - Plugin and app development:
         - Environment Setup: DEV_ENV_SETUP.md
+        - Builds: BUILDS.md
         - Devcontainer: DEV_DEVCONTAINER.md
         - Custom Plugins: PLUGINS_DEV.md
         - Plugin Config: PLUGINS_DEV_CONFIG.md