# 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). --- # Agent Instructions: 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: ``` GET https://docs.nomad.xyz/nomad-101/introduction.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. 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.