> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.tradeflows.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.tradeflows.io/tradeflows/what-is-the-core-protocol.md). # What is the Core Protocol? The Core protocol is a smart contract infrastructure built on StarkNet that brings structure and transparency to a commercial relationship between multiple parties. In later iterations, TradeFlows will offer a UI framework that will simplify the development of custom commercial experiences for various industries. We will also offer a WebAPI infrastructure enabling web2 developers to engage with our services through traditional Https protocols. At this stage though, TradeFlows is a web3 native protocol on StarkNet. Our protocol is the on-chain primitive for commercial workflows that require: * Asset / Trade / Termsheet description and ownership tracking. Assets are minted into ERC721 tokens (NFTs) * Composable Assets / NFTs. Assets that are composed by sub assets (NFTs) and the group is still an NFT. * On-chain functionality to **cryptographically sign** the agreement to an asset's terms * On-chain programmable streaming or bullet payments with instant settlement * Automatic collateralisation / partial-collateralisation of payments through ERC1155 escrows * Asset memberships enabling payment splitters as an example * High integritiy **collaborative** ratings between trading counterparts using non-transferable ERC20 tokens which are only given by counterparts during live trading ### Why StarkNet? Our number one focus is on providing a great commercial experience to our community. To achieve this purpose, we must be able to offer stable and low fees with quick responses within a secure network. [StarkNet](https://starkware.co/starknet/) aims to offer low and stable costs through its state-of-the-art ZK Rollup technology that fully leverages off Ethereums security. Additonally, in Q4 2022, we began the process of rewriting the smart contracts to also be EVM compliant and completed this in Q1 2023. The next section discusses the benefits of using TradeFlows. --- # 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: ``` GET https://docs.tradeflows.io/tradeflows/what-is-the-core-protocol.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.