## Getting Started
Although the most straightforward way to use Torque is through either CARTO Builder, or by passing the layer's viz.json to [CARTO.js]({{site.cartojs_docs}}/), many use cases work best with the standalone Torque.js. Assuming you have a public dataset with a `date` column, it is really simple to create an animated map with the library. First, you need to have a Leaflet map prepared in an HTML page:
```html
```
This HTML file automatically generates the Torque.js library, which includes any Torque dependencies. For Torque to work with your table, you only need a username, the name of the table, and a [CartoCSS]({{site.styling_cartocss}}/) string to style the map. Leaflet's method `addTo` adds the Torque layer to the map. `play` runs the animation with the options specified in the CartoCSS properties.
```html
```
You can use any kind of tile source outside CARTO, by specifying the location of a [valid TileJSON](https://github.com/mapbox/tilejson-spec) file:
```javascript
var torqueLayer = new L.TorqueLayer({
tileJSON: 'http://url.to/tile.json'
cartocss: CARTOCSS
});
```
Optionally, it is also possible to use a custom SQL query for your visualization:
```javascript
var torqueLayer = new L.TorqueLayer({
user : 'your_username',
table : 'your_table_name',
sql_query : 'SELECT * FROM your_table_name WHERE whatever'
cartocss: CARTOCSS
});
```
Like in a video player, you can use animation control methods such as `play`, `stop` and `pause` at any point. Torque's animator fires a `change:time` event each time the animation "ticks" to the next frame, and there are a number of properties and methods that can be run during playback, which are detailed in the [API reference]({{site.torque_docs}}/reference/). At any point, for example, the styling of the layer's markers can be changed using the `layer.setCartoCSS('##style##')`.
### Usage Examples
The best way to start learning about the library is by taking a look at the [examples section]({{site.torque_docs}}/examples/).