> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tuoitresoft-1.gitbook.io/zchaindocs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tuoitresoft-1.gitbook.io/zchaindocs/readme.md). # Overview ### Z Chain Z Chain is a modular and extensible framework for building Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks, sidechains, and general scaling solutions. Its primary use is to bootstrap a new blockchain network while providing full compatibility with Ethereum smart contracts and transactions. It uses IBFT (Istanbul Byzantine Fault Tolerant) consensus mechanism, supported in one flavour as [PoS (proof of stake)](https://tuoitresoft-1.gitbook.io/untitled/consensus/proof-of-stake). Z Chain also supports communication with multiple blockchain networks, enabling transfers of both [ERC-20](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/standards/tokens/erc-20/) and [ERC-721](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/standards/tokens/erc-721) tokens, by utilising the centralised bridge solution. Industry standard wallets can be used to interact with Z Chain through the [JSON-RPC](https://tuoitresoft-1.gitbook.io/untitled/architecture/modules/json-rpc) endpoints and node operators can perform various actions on the nodes through the [gRPC](https://tuoitresoft-1.gitbook.io/untitled/working-with-a-node/query-operator-information) protocol. To find out more about Z Chain, visit the [official website](https://github.com/ZChain-168168). [**GitHub repository**](https://github.com/ZChain-168168) {% hint style="danger" %} **CAUTION** This is a work in progress so architectural changes may happen in the future, so please contact the Z team if you would like to use it in production. {% endhint %} To get started by running a`z-edge` network locally, please read: [Installation](https://tuoitresoft-1.gitbook.io/untitled/get-started/installation) and [Local Setup](https://tuoitresoft-1.gitbook.io/untitled/get-started/local-setup).