> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nexus.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nexus.xyz/overview/readme.md).

# Introduction

Nexus is a blockchain built for programmable finance. Its architecture pairs a general-purpose smart-contract environment with a specialized, high-performance financial execution engine — under one consensus layer and a distributed proof system — so applications get the openness and composability of a public chain with the speed and depth of a centralized exchange.

At its center is the **Nexus Exchange**: a spot and perpetual-futures exchange built into the chain itself, not bolted on as a smart contract. It is **live on testnet today** and expands toward crypto, equities, FX, and commodities as it moves to production.

<figure><img src="/files/yNV3n1XZiLPSVNrSyz4M" alt="The Nexus stack: NexusEVM and NexusCore (with native co-processors) in the execution layer, the verification layer, and NexusBFT consensus, with applications on top."><figcaption><p>The Nexus stack — dual-core execution, verification, and consensus.</p></figcaption></figure>

## How it fits together

Nexus separates execution, verification, and consensus over one unified state:

* **Execution — dual-core.** NexusEVM runs general-purpose, EVM-compatible contracts (1-second blocks); NexusCore runs native financial co-processors — order matching, risk, oracles, liquidations — at 200 ms block intervals. They interoperate atomically, so any contract can compose with exchange liquidity.
* **Verification.** The Compute Network progressively proves execution, so anyone can verify it independently — without trusting the operator.
* **Consensus.** NexusBFT finalizes blocks with instant, single-slot finality.

See [Architecture](/architecture/architecture.md) for the full picture.

## Start here

* [Architecture](/architecture/architecture.md) — how the chain and the exchange work.
* [The Exchange](/exchange/introduction.md) — trading, perpetuals, and markets.
* [Build on Nexus](/network/building-on-nexus.md) — deploy with standard EVM tools.
* [Tokenomics](/overview/tokenomics.md) — NEX supply, utility, and distribution.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.nexus.xyz/overview/readme.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.