What style of early jazz was ragtime usually written for?

Ragtime was typically written for piano and is characterized by its syncopated rhythms and lively melodies. It emerged in the late 19th century and served as a precursor to early jazz styles. Although primarily a solo piano genre, ragtime compositions often influenced ensemble performances and the development of jazz bands, blending African American musical traditions with European forms. The genre laid the groundwork for jazz improvisation and rhythm.