The quasi-continuous-wave and passively Q-switched output performance of laser-diode-array(LDA)-side-pumped domestic Nd:YAG ceramic laser were studied. A uniformly side-around arranged compact LDA pumping structure with pumping length of 20 mm was used in this laser. The Nd:YAG ceramic rod was 3 mm×35 mm sized and 1% (atomic percent) doped. In a plano-plano concave resonator, with the working frequency of 1 kHz, and the output coupler transmission of 47.3%, a quasi-continuous-wave output with an average power of about 23 W at 1064 nm is obtained. The beam divergence angle is 4.5 mrad, and the slope efficiency is up to 12%. In the same condition, using Cr4+:YAG crystal as the passive Q-switcher, the 1 kHz Q-switched laser pulse is obtained successfully, when the original transmission ratio of Cr4+:YAG crystal is 60%, the pulse width (FWHM) is less than 14.5 ns ,and the dynamic to static ratio is about 40%.