Key Takeaways
Aptos is a Layer 1 blockchain that uses the Move language, BFT consensus, and parallel execution to deliver faster and cheaper transactions.
The network uses AptosBFT, a Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus protocol built on top of Proof of Stake (PoS).
Aptos uses the Move programming language, designed to improve smart contract safety and resource management.
APT is the network’s native token. It’s used for transaction fees, staking, governance, and validator participation.
What Is Aptos?
Aptos is a Layer 1 blockchain designed to deliver a scalable, upgradeable, and secure infrastructure for decentralized applications. The network uses Proof of Stake (PoS) with a Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus system to deliver fast and reliable transaction finality.
To improve performance, Aptos features a parallel execution engine that can process multiple transactions simultaneously, which allows the network to support higher volumes of activity. Aptos also uses the Move programming language, a resource-oriented language that enhances smart contract safety and supports formal verification, providing developers with stronger tools to build secure applications.
History
Aptos was founded in 2021 by former Meta engineers Mo Shaikh and Avery Ching, who had previously worked on the Diem (formerly Libra) blockchain. When Diem was shut down due to regulatory challenges, Aptos Labs was launched to continue building on the technology.
The Aptos mainnet went live in October 2022. Since then, Aptos Labs has focused on advancing the network’s core technology, while the Aptos Foundation supports ecosystem growth by funding developers, running educational programs, and building partnerships to expand adoption.
How Aptos Works
AptosBFT
Aptos uses Proof of Stake (PoS), where validators stake APT tokens to participate in securing the network. They are responsible for proposing blocks, validating transactions, and keeping the blockchain running efficiently. On top of this, the network uses AptosBFT, a Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus protocol that allows validators to reach agreement on transactions. AptosBFT is designed to keep the network operational even if up to one-third of validators fail or act dishonestly. This approach aims to balance security with fast transaction processing.
Move programming language
Aptos smart contracts are written in Move, a programming language originally developed for the Diem blockchain project at Meta. Move is designed to work across different blockchains, providing developers with access to shared tools, libraries, and communities.
Move is unique because it employs a resource-oriented model, which treats digital assets as resources that cannot be copied or destroyed by mistake. This makes it harder for bugs or coding errors to cause asset losses. To add another layer of protection, Move comes with the Move Prover, a formal verification tool for smart contracts that can check if they behave as intended.
For developers, Move offers safety and flexibility. It helps enforce best practices in building secure applications, while still allowing room for innovation. Aptos also invests in growing the Move developer community, supporting open-source contributions, and encouraging builders to expand the language's capabilities across Web3.
Parallel execution engine
Most blockchains handle transactions sequentially, processing them one at a time. This straightforward design makes implementation easier, but it also restricts scalability, as the network can only process a limited number of transactions at once. As activity increases, this often results in congestion and slower transaction times.
Aptos uses Block-STM (Software Transactional Memory), a specialized execution engine that processes transactions in parallel. This means that instead of handling one transaction at a time, the system can execute multiple transactions simultaneously. After execution, Aptos validates the results. If two transactions try to modify the same resource and conflict, only those specific transactions are re-run, while the others remain unaffected. This design ensures that a single failed transaction won’t stop the chain.
A built-in scheduler also helps Block-STM prioritize transactions efficiently, further boosting performance. As a result, Aptos can achieve much higher throughput compared to traditional sequential blockchains. The success of Block-STM has also influenced other blockchains, such as Polygon, Sei, and Starknet, which have adopted similar approaches to parallel execution.
Ecosystem
Aptos Build
Aptos Build is a developer toolkit from Aptos Labs that facilitates the creation, testing, and deployment of applications on the network. Developers can generate API keys in seconds and build blockchain indexers without writing code. They can also launch Non-Fungible Token (NFT) collections with a single click, sponsor transactions through a gas station, and simplify user onboarding without managing complex infrastructure.
Aptos Connect
Aptos Connect is a web-based, self-custodial wallet that requires no downloads or browser extensions. Instead of traditional private keys, it uses Aptos’s keyless accounts, allowing users to log in with social accounts like Google. The blockchain account is cryptographically linked to the login but never publicly tied to it, making onboarding simpler while ensuring users maintain full control of their assets.
Aptos Name Service (ANS)
Aptos Name Service provides human-readable .apt names to replace complex wallet addresses, making transactions easier to manage and share. This service enhances accessibility and usability across the Aptos ecosystem, with integrations that enable decentralized applications (DApps) to provide smoother, more intuitive experiences for users.
Aptos Assistant
Aptos Assistant is an AI-powered support tool built in partnership with Microsoft to simplify navigation of the Aptos ecosystem. It acts as a secure chatbot that can answer blockchain-related questions in simple terms. Users can rely on it for onboarding help, while developers can use it to find resources for building smart contracts and applications.
Aptos Token
The APT token is the native token of the Aptos network. It’s used within the Aptos ecosystem for many purposes, including:
Gas fees: APT is used to pay for transaction fees when sending transactions or interacting with applications and smart contracts on the Aptos network.
Staking: Holders can stake APT to help secure the network, either by delegating their tokens to validators or by running validator nodes directly. In return, they earn rewards distributed at each epoch.
Validator operations: Running a validator requires staking APT. Validators participate in consensus, process transactions, and earn rewards for honest activity. Misbehavior or misconfiguration can result in penalties, including the loss of staked tokens.
Governance: APT tokens grant holders the ability to participate in on-chain governance, enabling them to vote on protocol upgrades, parameter adjustments, and other decisions that shape the network's future.
Closing Thoughts
Aptos is a Layer 1 blockchain focused on scalability, and it builds on technology first developed for Meta’s Diem project. The network combines AptosBFT for fast and secure consensus, the Move programming language for safer smart contracts, and the Block-STM engine for parallel execution. Beyond the core protocol, Aptos expands its ecosystem with tools like Aptos Build, Aptos Connect, Aptos Name Service, and Aptos Assistant. These services are designed to make development easier and user onboarding more accessible.
Further Reading
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