> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.pharos.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.pharos.xyz/introduction/encyclopedia.md). # Encyclopedia ## Deep Dive into Pharos Architecture, Concepts & Core Technologies The Pharos Encyclopedia is a dedicated knowledge hub designed for developers, researchers, and contributors who want to explore the technical foundations, core concepts, and architecture of the Pharos Network. While this Developer Documentation focuses on helping you build, integrate, and deploy applications, the Encyclopedia provides a deeper understanding of how Pharos works under the hood — from foundational concepts to protocol-level design. ## What You’ll Find in the Encyclopedia The Encyclopedia covers in-depth topics across the Pharos stack, including: * **Core Concepts**\ Foundational concepts that help you understand how the Pharos ecosystem operates, including key primitives, system design patterns, and terminology. * **Architecture Overview**\ A breakdown of Pharos’ layered architecture, including L1 Base, Core, and Extension layers. * **Consensus & Performance Design**\ Insights into Pharos’ scalable BFT mechanisms and high-throughput execution model. * **Core Technologies**\ Deep dives into components such as: * Pharos DTVM * Dual VM architecture (EVM + WASM) * Special Processing Networks (SPNs) * Native restaking and shared security * High-performance storage systems * **Interoperability & Cross-Chain Design**\ How Pharos enables seamless interaction across ecosystems. * **Research & Design Papers**\ Detailed technical explorations and protocol-level innovations. ## When Should You Use the Encyclopedia? You should explore the Encyclopedia if you want to: * Understand core concepts and how Pharos works internally * Dive into protocol-level architecture and design decisions * Build advanced infrastructure or protocol integrations * Contribute to the core technology or ecosystem tooling * Evaluate Pharos for research or system design purposes ## For Builders If your goal is to build and ship applications, we recommend starting with: * Getting Started * Developer Guide & Tutorials * Tooling & Infrastructure These sections are designed to help you go from idea to deployment as quickly as possible. ## Explore the Pharos Encyclopedia Access the full Encyclopedia here: --- # 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 by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.pharos.xyz/introduction/encyclopedia.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. 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.