This chapter introduces the fundamentals of photonics and explores the emerging landscape of Photonic System-on-Chip (SOC) solutions. It covers key concepts such as light-matter interaction, optical waveguides, and photonic materials, laying the groundwork for understanding photonic devices and their integration. It also examines the critical design considerations for photonic SOCs, addressing challenges in integration, scalability, and manufacturing. Additionally, the chapter discusses the role of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools in photonic SOC design, differentiating them from traditional electronic design tools and reviewing industry-leading solutions such as Synopsys, Lumerical, and Ansys. By bridging the gap between semiconductor technology and photonic innovations, this chapter equips engineers and researchers with the essential knowledge to design, simulate, and implement next-generation photonic systems.