> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt)

# Participate in the Aztec Network

Aztec is a decentralized Ethereum L2 where privacy is built into the network, not granted by it. Here you'll find educational content about how the network operates, the $AZTEC token, and how governance works.

Alpha Network

Aztec is currently in its **Alpha** phase, a live mainnet where bugs, including critical ones, are expected. Before using the network, read the [Alpha Network](/participate/alpha.md) page to understand current limitations, security expectations, and what to expect from rollup upgrades.

New to Aztec? Start here

The [Get started guide](/participate/get-started.md) gives you an ordered path: get a wallet, fund your account, make your first private transaction, [explore apps](/participate/apps.md), and [stay safe](/participate/safety.md) along the way.

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## What is Aztec?

This explainer covers what Aztec is in under 90 seconds (find more on the [video lessons](/developers/docs/resources/video_lessons.md) page):

[What is Aztec: Explained in Under 90 Seconds](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/urcBvo2QJp0)

## Using Aztec

Want to use the network as a user?

* [**Get started**](/participate/get-started.md) - Step-by-step onboarding: wallet, funds, first transaction
* [**Explore apps**](/participate/apps.md) - Wallets, payments, DeFi, and more built on Aztec
* [**Staying safe**](/participate/safety.md) - Official links and how to avoid scams

## Basics of Aztec

Want to understand the fundamentals? Start here:

* [**Addresses**](/participate/basics/addresses.md) - How addresses work on Aztec
* [**Wallets**](/participate/basics/wallets.md) - Available wallets and hardware wallet support
* [**Fees**](/participate/basics/fees.md) - How fees, mana, and Fee Juice work, and how to get Fee Juice
* [**Transactions**](/participate/basics/transactions.md) - The transaction lifecycle and client-side proving
* [**Blocks**](/participate/basics/blocks.md) - Blocks, epochs, and proving
* [**Bridging**](/participate/basics/bridging.md) - How to move assets between Ethereum and Aztec

## $AZTEC Token

Learn about the native token that powers the network:

* [**Token Overview**](/participate/token.md) - Token utility and economics
* [**Staking**](/participate/token/staking.md) - Stake tokens to help secure the network
* [**Delegation**](/participate/token/delegation.md) - Delegate to professional operators
* [**Voting**](/participate/token/voting.md) - Participate in governance decisions
* [**Economics**](/participate/token/economics.md) - Reward distribution and incentives

## Governance

Understand how the protocol evolves through decentralized governance:

* [**Governance Overview**](/participate/governance.md) - How decisions are made
* [**Proposal Lifecycle**](/participate/governance/proposal-lifecycle.md) - From idea to execution
* [**Voting**](/participate/governance/voting.md) - How voting power works
* [**GSE**](/participate/governance/gse.md) - Governance Staking Escrow explained
* [**Upgrades**](/participate/governance/upgrades.md) - How network upgrades happen
* [**L1 Contracts**](/participate/governance/contracts.md) - Smart contracts powering governance

***

Ready to use Aztec?

If you want to try the network today, follow the [Get started guide](/participate/get-started.md).

Ready to build?

If you're a developer looking to build on Aztec, head over to the [Developer Guides](/developers/overview.md).

Ready to operate?

If you want to run network infrastructure, see the [Operator Guides](/operate/operators.md).