# Introduction {% hint style="warning" %} **Disclaimer** Some of the provided information in the following chapters is related to the final product of Botanix with the Spiderchain fully implemented as outlined in the whitepaper. For more information on the current implementation, visit [Founding Federation](/botanix/get-to-know-botanix/roadmap-to-spiderchain/founding-federation.md). {% endhint %} ## Botanix in short Botanix is a Layer 2 protocol built on Bitcoin that enables users to access decentralized applications directly on the Bitcoin network. This includes decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending and borrowing protocols, NFT marketplaces, and other DeFi applications. While these capabilities have long been available on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible chains, Botanix Labs is bringing this functionality to Bitcoin through the Botanix protocol. ### Bridging to Botanix To use Botanix, users bridge their bitcoin from the Bitcoin base layer (L1) to Botanix (L2). When bitcoin is bridged to Botanix, it is securely stored in newly created multisig wallets that are managed by the network's Orchestrator nodes. These nodes safeguard the deposited bitcoin until users choose to bridge back to the Bitcoin mainnet. During this time, users receive an equivalent amount of bitcoin on Botanix that can be used with applications built on the platform. When users no longer wish to interact with these applications, they can bridge their assets back to receive their bitcoin on the Bitcoin mainnet. ### Security Through Economic Incentives The security of user funds is maintained through economic incentives built into the protocol. Orchestrator nodes must stake their own bitcoin to participate in the network. This stake serves as collateral to ensure honest behavior—if an Orchestrator acts maliciously or fails to meet network requirements, their staked funds are subject to slashing penalties. This mechanism, combined with additional security features detailed in our Advanced Concepts section, ensures the integrity of user deposits and network operations. ### Example Use Case Consider the following scenario: 1. **Initial Position**: Alice holds BTC and wants to earn yield through decentralized lending 2. **Bridge In**: Alice deposits her BTC to Botanix, receiving an equivalent amount of BTC on the Layer 2 network 3. **DeFi Interaction**: Alice lends her BTC through a lending protocol available on Botanix 4. **Yield Generation**: Over time, Alice earns interest on her deposited assets 5. **Bridge Out**: Alice withdraws her principal plus earned interest back to the Bitcoin mainnet 6. **Result**: Alice has successfully generated yield on her Bitcoin holdings through decentralized finance This example demonstrates how Botanix enables Bitcoin holders to participate in sophisticated financial applications while maintaining the security and decentralization principles of the Bitcoin network. --- # 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.botanixlabs.com/botanix/get-to-know-botanix/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.