> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nomad.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nomad.xyz/nomad-101/introduction.md).

# Introduction

### Introducing: Nomad

[Nomad](https://nomad.xyz) is an optimistic interoperability protocol that enables secure cross-chain communication.  

Using Nomad:

* Users can bridge tokens between chains
* Asset issuers can deploy tokens across chains
* DAOs can facilitate the execution of cross-chain governance proposals
* Developers can build native cross-chain applications (xApps)

The goal of Nomad is to provide the connective tissue to enable users and developers to interact **securely** in a multi-chain world.

### How does Nomad work?

Nomad enables applications to send data between blockchains (including rollups). Applications interact with [Nomad core contracts](/the-nomad-protocol/smart-contracts.md) to enqueue messages to be sent, after which [off-chain agents](/the-nomad-protocol/off-chain-agents.md) verify and ferry these messages between chains.

In order to ensure that message-passing is secure, Nomad uses an [optimistic verification mechanism](/the-nomad-protocol/verification-mechanisms.md), inspired by fraud-proof based designs like optimistic rollups. This makes Nomad more secure, cheaper, and easier to deploy compared to validator / proof-of-stake based interoperability protocols. 

Our friends at Connext have written [a fantastic article on optimistic bridging](https://blog.connext.network/optimistic-bridges-fb800dc7b0e0), and why Nomad's optimistic bridging ushers in a new paradigm for cross-chain communication.

To learn more about how Nomad works, including advanced concepts, check out [the Protocol Section](/the-nomad-protocol/overview.md).


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