This is the first presentation in a series of two presentations on continuous time dynamic modeling. Continuous time dynamic modeling is an approach for the analysis of change that makes optimal use of the time structure to infer the development and dynamic relationships among constructs of interest. In this presentation I will provide a step-by-step introduction to the basics of continuous time dynamic modeling. I will highlight the possibility to work with different data structures including panel data (T small, N large) as well as time series and intensive longitudinal data (N small, T large). Special emphasis will be put on the flexibility of the approach and on how it can help to overcome various limitations of popular alternative approaches for the analysis of change. I will end with an overview of recent developments, current limitations, and future research directions.