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

# Integrating AppSignal in Elixir

It's possible that AppSignal does not provide automatic integration for your
framework of choice, or maybe you're using your own application setup.

When AppSignal does not support something out-of-the-box it's still possible to
instrument applications. AppSignal needs to be configured and started once
at the beginning of a process. It can be
[configured](/elixir/configuration) through Mix configuration or by
using environment variables.

## Configuration

The AppSignal for Elixir package needs to be configured before it can send data
to AppSignal.com. There are two methods of configuration. Using the mix
configuration and using environment variables.

See the [configuration pages](/elixir/configuration) for the full
configuration guide.

## Starting AppSignal

In order for AppSignal to instrument your application the AppSignal process
must be started in the Erlang BEAM VM. Make sure to put this line in a location
that is always run in your application.

<CodeGroup>
  ```elixir Elixir theme={null}
  {:ok, _} = Application.ensure_all_started(:appsignal)
  ```
</CodeGroup>

**Note**: This is not required for frameworks that AppSignal integrates with,
such as Phoenix, but it is for pure Elixir applications and code outside these
integrations, such as independent tasks or background jobs.

## Add custom instrumentation

Continue with our guide to [add custom
instrumentation](/elixir/instrumentation/instrumentation) to your application.