# Aptos — Scalable Layer 1 Blockchain with Move Language

> Aptos is a Layer 1 proof-of-stake blockchain using the Move language and Block-STM parallel execution engine to achieve high throughput, built by former Meta engineers from the Diem project.

## Install

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# Aptos — Scalable Layer 1 Blockchain with Move Language

## Quick Use
```bash
# Install Aptos CLI
curl -fsSL "https://aptos.dev/scripts/install_cli.py" | python3
aptos init --network devnet
aptos move init --name my_module
aptos move compile
aptos move publish --named-addresses my_addr=default
```

## Introduction
Aptos is a Layer 1 blockchain developed by Aptos Labs, founded by former members of Meta's Diem (Libra) team. It uses the Move programming language for smart contracts and the Block-STM engine for optimistic parallel transaction execution. Aptos focuses on safety, upgradability, and high throughput for mainstream Web3 adoption.

## What Aptos Does
- Executes Move smart contracts with resource-oriented programming that prevents asset duplication
- Runs transactions in parallel using Block-STM optimistic concurrency control
- Provides on-chain governance for protocol upgrades without hard forks
- Supports keyless accounts that authenticate using social logins via OpenID Connect
- Offers a modular architecture with hot-swappable consensus and execution components

## Architecture Overview
Aptos uses the AptosBFT consensus protocol (derived from DiemBFT/HotStuff). Validators reach agreement on transaction ordering, then the Block-STM execution engine processes transactions optimistically in parallel, detecting and re-executing conflicts. The state is stored as a versioned Jellyfish Merkle Tree. Move bytecode runs in the MoveVM, enforcing resource safety at the type system level.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Run a full node by downloading the node binary and configuring `fullnode.yaml` with network endpoints
- Sync using a state snapshot for faster bootstrapping instead of replaying from genesis
- Use the Aptos CLI to manage accounts, compile Move modules, and interact with the chain
- Deploy Move modules with `aptos move publish` specifying named addresses and gas budget
- Set up a local testnet with `aptos node run-local-testnet` for development and testing

## Key Features
- Block-STM parallel execution processes transactions concurrently without developer hints
- Move language with linear types ensures assets cannot be copied or implicitly discarded
- On-chain governance allows validator-approved protocol upgrades without chain halts
- Keyless accounts enable wallet creation using Google, Apple, or other OIDC providers
- Fungible Asset standard provides a unified interface for tokens beyond the legacy Coin module

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Sui** — also Move-based but uses object-centric model; Aptos uses account-centric model with Block-STM
- **Solana** — parallel execution via Sealevel requires upfront account declarations; Aptos discovers parallelism automatically
- **Ethereum** — sequential EVM execution; Aptos achieves higher throughput via Move and Block-STM
- **Avalanche** — subnet-based scaling; Aptos scales at the base layer through parallel execution
- **Near** — sharded architecture; Aptos avoids cross-shard complexity with single-chain parallelism

## FAQ
**Q: What is Move and why does Aptos use it?**
A: Move is a resource-oriented language where digital assets are first-class types that cannot be copied or dropped. This prevents common vulnerabilities like double-spending and reentrancy.

**Q: How does Block-STM enable parallel execution?**
A: Block-STM optimistically executes all transactions in parallel, tracks read/write dependencies, and re-executes only those that conflict. No developer annotations are needed.

**Q: Does Aptos support EVM compatibility?**
A: Not natively. Aptos uses the MoveVM. Third-party projects have built EVM compatibility layers on top.

**Q: What is the APT token used for?**
A: APT is the native token for gas fees, staking with validators, and participating in on-chain governance votes.

## Sources
- https://github.com/aptos-labs/aptos-core
- https://aptos.dev/

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-cece6292
Author: AI Open Source