docs: improve getting started and README documentation

README.md

@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ for contribution guidelines.
 Click [here](https://polaris.apache.org/in-dev/unreleased/) for a quick overview of Polaris.
 
 ## Quickstart
-Click [here](https://polaris.apache.org/in-dev/unreleased/getting-started/quick-start/) for the quickstart experience.
+Click [here](https://polaris.apache.org/in-dev/unreleased/getting-started/) for the quickstart experience, which will help you set up a Polaris instance locally or on any supported cloud provider.
 
 ## Project Structure
 

site/content/in-dev/unreleased/getting-started/_index.md

@@ -23,19 +23,110 @@ type: docs
 weight: 101
 ---
 
-There are several options for getting started with Apache Polaris.
+# Getting Started with Apache Polaris Binary Distribution
 
-To quickly try out Apache Polaris, please use the [quickstart guide](./quick-start). For other examples, please see below.
+Quickly start Apache Polaris by running the pre-built binary, no build needed.
 
-## Docker Compose Examples
-Each of the proceeding Docker Compose examples provides a complete working environment with detailed instructions.
+---
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- Java 21 or later installed. You can verify this by running:
+
+```bash
+java -version
+```
+
+---
+
+## Step 1: Download the Apache Polaris Binary
+
+1. Visit the official Apache Polaris GitHub
+   [Releases page](https://github.com/apache/polaris/releases).
+
+2. Download the latest binary archive file, for example:
+
+```bash
+curl -L https://downloads.apache.org/incubator/polaris/1.0.0-incubating/polaris-bin-1.0.0-incubating.tgz | tar xz
+```
+
+---
+
+## Step 2: Extract the Archive
+
+Extract the downloaded tar.gz file to your desired directory:
+
+```bash
+cd apache-polaris-1.0.0-incubating-bin
+```
+
+---
+
+## Step 3: Configure Polaris (Optional)
+
+Edit the `application.properties` file if needed. For example:
+
+```bash
+polaris.storage.backend=local
+polaris.storage.local.path=/data/polaris
+```
+
+*(This is a configuration file, not a shell command. Adjust these values as needed.)*
+
+---
+
+## Step 4: Run the Polaris Server
 
-### Next Steps
+Start the Polaris server using the provided script:
 
-1. Check & install dependencies
-2. Choose the way you want to deploy Polaris
-3. Create a catalog
-4. Check Using Polaris page
+```bash
+./bin/polaris-server.sh start
+```
+
+To tail the logs in a separate terminal, run:
+
+```bash
+tail -f logs/polaris.log
+```
+
+---
+
+## Step 5: Verify the Server is Running
+
+Open your browser and navigate to:
+
+```bash
+curl http://localhost:8181/api/catalog/v1/health
+```
+
+You should see the Polaris server running or be able to access its REST API.
+
+---
+
+## Step 6: Stop the Polaris Server
+
+To stop the server, run:
+
+```bash
+./bin/polaris-server.sh stop
+```
+
+---
+
+## Additional Resources
+
+- See the [official Apache Polaris documentation](https://polaris.apache.org/docs/) for comprehensive information on configuration, deployment, and usage.
+- Use `./bin/polaris-admin` in the binary distribution for administrative and maintenance tasks.
+
+---
+
+## Other Getting Started Options
+
+For building and running Polaris from source code, check out the [Quickstart guide](./quick-start/).
+
+For Docker Compose examples and other deployment options, please see the [documentation](https://polaris.apache.org).
+
+---
 
 ### Getting Help