# What is Stacks?

Stacks is a blockchain network that brings **smart contracts** and **decentralized applications (dApps)** to Bitcoin. By anchoring to Bitcoin’s blockchain, Stacks combines the security of Bitcoin with the flexibility and innovation of smart contracts, creating a powerful ecosystem for developers, businesses, and users.

***

#### **Why is Stacks Unique?**

1. #### **Built on Bitcoin**

   Stacks leverages Bitcoin’s blockchain, the most secure and decentralized network in the world, as its foundation. By anchoring to Bitcoin, Stacks ensures that all transactions, smart contracts, and decentralized applications (dApps) inherit Bitcoin's security.
2. #### **Smart Contracts for Bitcoin**

   Through Stacks, developers can write smart contracts that interact directly with Bitcoin without modifying the Bitcoin blockchain. These smart contracts enable advanced functionality like token creation, NFT platforms, and DeFi applications, powered by Bitcoin.
3. **Proof of Transfer (PoX)**

   Stacks uses a unique consensus mechanism called **Proof of Transfer (PoX)**, which connects Stacks to Bitcoin.

   * PoX allows Stacks miners to commit Bitcoin to secure the network and mint new STX tokens.
   * Stacks holders can participate in **Stacking**, locking their STX to support the network and earning Bitcoin as a reward.
4. #### **SEC-Approved Utility Token**

   Stacks (STX) is one of the first cryptocurrencies to be recognized as a **utility token** by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This regulatory clarity enhances trust and opens doors for wider adoption.&#x20;
5. **Developer-Friendly Ecosystem**
   * **Clarity Language**: Stacks introduces a secure and predictable smart contract language called Clarity, which eliminates unexpected behaviors often seen in other blockchain platforms.
   * **Developer Tools**: Stacks provides robust tools and resources to empower developers to build innovative dApps seamlessly.
6. #### **Decentralized and User-Owned Internet**

   Stacks envisions a Web3 future where users own their data, identity, and digital assets. It supports applications that put power back into the hands of users, breaking free from centralized systems.
7. #### **Thriving Ecosystem**

   Stacks is home to a growing community of developers, investors, and users building cutting-edge projects, including DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and gaming applications, all powered by Bitcoin.

***

#### **Learn More About Stacks**

* **Official Website**: [Stacks.co](https://stacks.co/)
* **Developer Documentation**: [Stacks Documentation Portal](https://docs.stacks.co)
* **Stacks Ecosystem Overview**: [Explore Stacks](https://stacks.org/)
* **Learn About PoX and Stacking**: [What is Stacking](https://www.stacks.co/learn/stacking)[ & how to earn Bitcoin with it?](https://www.stacks.co/learn/stacking)
