# How to Use Aeternity

### Engaging with the æternity Blockchain

**The æternity blockchain** presents a variety of opportunities for both users and developers to engage with its features and contribute to its growth. Whether you're interested in utilizing decentralized applications, building innovative solutions, or actively participating in the network's development, æternity offers a range of avenues for involvement.

### **æternity blockchain users**&#x20;

As a user, you can experience the benefits of blockchain technology through intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. For example, the Æternity Naming System (ÆNS) allows you to register human-readable names, simplifying transactions and reducing the chance of errors. You can manage your AE coins, the native currency of æternity, through compatible wallets, and engage with various decentralized applications (aepps) built on the platform. Further, as an AE coin holder, you can actively participate in the platform's governance by voting on proposals that shape the future development of æternity.

### **æternity for developers**

æternity offers a robust and developer-friendly environment for building and deploying innovative blockchain solutions. The Sophia smart contract language provides a secure and clear syntax, minimizing vulnerabilities and simplifying the development process. Sophia contracts are executed on the FATE virtual machine, designed for efficiency and optimized for low gas costs. The platform provides various Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and Software Development Kits (SDKs) and libraries to support development across multiple programming languages. Developers can contribute to the network's decentralization and security by running a full node, and even participate in mining AE coins using the memory-bound Cuckoo Cycle algorithm. Additionally, as an open-source project, developers can contribute code to various components of the æternity ecosystem, including the core protocol, Sophia compiler, and FATE VM. Now, with the advent of æternity Hyperchains, organizations can deploy secure, purpose-built blockchain solutions that leverage the robustness of established networks without sacrificing independence, efficiency, or flexibility.

**Building upon the foundation of æternity**, developers can explore a wide range of possibilities, such as:

* Creating fungible and non-fungible tokens utilizing the AEX-9 and AEX-141 standards, respectively.
* Developing decentralized exchanges (DEXs) based on automated market makers (AMMs) to facilitate trustless token trading.
* Implementing secure multi-signature wallets that enhance security and control over transactions.
* Designing applications that leverage the power of off-chain state channels for faster and more private transactions.

The tools and resources provided by æternity empower developers to create innovative solutions across various domains, expanding the functionality and reach of the blockchain ecosystem.

**Community involvement** forms a crucial aspect of the æternity ecosystem. Whether you're a user seeking information or a developer looking to collaborate, there are numerous avenues for engagement. You can join the æternity community forum and Discord server to discuss the platform, seek assistance, and share your ideas. the æternity telegram group provide a platform for connecting with æternity enthusiasts from all around the globe. Stay updated on the latest news and developments through æternity's blog, as well as the æternity forum.&#x20;

The æternity blockchain is built upon the principles of security, scalability, and user-friendliness. It offers a comprehensive ecosystem for users and developers to participate in and shape the future of decentralized technology. Whether it's through the use of aepps, the development of innovative solutions, or active involvement in the community, æternity provides the tools and infrastructure for a thriving and collaborative blockchain ecosystem.

Feel free to explore the topics outlined in the sidebar menu, or jump to different sections of the aeternity Hub using the links below:\
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<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Core Concepts</td><td><a href="https://839505583-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FggVl0Jqy6Dd8f38hGk63%2Fuploads%2FO7MHc7XJYKrtCX2zPCz5%2Fflip-30deg-gradient2.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=9a5fcdda-f853-495e-a65b-ac9c4272af37">flip-30deg-gradient2.svg</a></td><td><a href="../aeternity-core-concepts/introduction">introduction</a></td></tr><tr><td>User Tools</td><td><a href="https://839505583-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FggVl0Jqy6Dd8f38hGk63%2Fuploads%2FU6AxxjQIzLuS9z4AwiGP%2F15deg-gradient.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=a2520256-1072-43f8-9a8d-3681276494bd">15deg-gradient.svg</a></td><td><a href="../aeternity-user-tools-and-services">aeternity-user-tools-and-services</a></td></tr><tr><td>Developer Tools</td><td><a href="https://839505583-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FggVl0Jqy6Dd8f38hGk63%2Fuploads%2FKey2nC2gcnVYcphkYKua%2Fflip-30deg-gradient.svg?alt=media&#x26;token=74f98615-9dbe-4d73-9d3a-6b15dc8572ff">flip-30deg-gradient.svg</a></td><td><a href="../aeternity-developer-tools">aeternity-developer-tools</a></td></tr></tbody></table>
