FAQ
What is GenLayer?
GenLayer is a blockchain where validator nodes powered by diverse AI models reach consensus on subjective decisions. It's built as an L2 on zkSync Elastic Chain, anchoring to Ethereum's security. Contracts on GenLayer — called Intelligent Contracts — can interpret language, process images, fetch live web data, and make subjective decisions. See What is GenLayer.
How is GenLayer different from other blockchains?
Traditional smart contracts can only execute deterministic logic and rely on external oracles for off-chain data. GenLayer integrates AI at the protocol level — contracts natively access LLMs, the web, and image processing. No oracles, no intermediaries. See What is GenLayer.
What language are Intelligent Contracts written in?
Python. Intelligent Contracts are Python classes extending gl.Contract. No Solidity required. See Your First Contract.
What is Optimistic Democracy?
GenLayer's consensus mechanism. A leader validator executes the transaction and proposes a result. Other validators independently verify it and vote. If a majority agrees, the transaction is accepted. Anyone can appeal within a finality window, triggering re-evaluation by a larger validator set. See How GenLayer Works.
How do validators handle non-deterministic AI results?
Since LLMs and web data produce varying outputs, GenLayer provides multiple strategies: strict equality (for deterministic operations), LLM-based comparison (validators compare outputs against criteria), and custom validation functions (developers define their own leader/validator logic). See Non-determinism.
Can contracts process images?
Yes. Pass images to LLMs via gl.nondet.exec_prompt(images=[...]). Contracts can also capture web page screenshots with gl.nondet.web.render(url, mode='screenshot') and analyze them. See Image Processing.
Can contracts send and receive GEN (native token)?
Yes. Use @gl.public.write.payable to receive value, gl.message.value to access the amount sent, and emit_transfer() to send value to other contracts or EOAs. See Value Transfers.
Do I need to be an AI expert?
No. The GenLayer SDK handles LLM calls and consensus. You write Python and call gl.nondet.exec_prompt() with a prompt. Validators handle model execution. GenLayer Studio provides a browser-based IDE for writing, deploying, and testing contracts.
Can I run normal deterministic transactions?
Yes. GenLayer fully supports deterministic logic — standard state updates, value transfers, and contract interactions all work without any AI components. You can mix deterministic and non-deterministic operations in the same contract.
What are ghost contracts?
Every Intelligent Contract has a corresponding ghost contract on the GenLayer Chain (EVM layer) at the same address. Ghost contracts hold the contract's GEN balance, relay transactions to consensus, and execute external messages. See Ghost Contracts.
What can I build?
Anything requiring subjective judgment: dispute resolution, prediction markets, insurance claims, content verification, compliance automation, AI-governed DAOs, and more. See Use Cases and projects building on GenLayer (opens in a new tab).
How do I get started?
- Try GenLayer Studio (opens in a new tab) in the browser — no setup needed
- Or install the GenLayer CLI for local development
- Follow Your First Contract
- Use genlayer-js or genlayer-py for app integration
How is the network secured?
Through delegated proof of stake and Optimistic Democracy:
- Token holders delegate stake to validators, incentivizing honest behavior
- Multiple validators independently verify each transaction
- Appeals provide a failsafe — dishonest validators get slashed
- The system anchors to Ethereum via zkSync for finality
How can I contribute?
- Join the community on Discord (opens in a new tab) or Telegram (opens in a new tab)
- Contribute to the GitHub repositories (opens in a new tab)
- We're hiring (opens in a new tab)