> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ibvm.gitbook.io/ibvm-doc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ibvm.gitbook.io/ibvm-doc/developer-documentation/kickstart.md).

# Kickstart

The next-generation Layer 2 scaling solution for Bitcoin. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to start building, interacting, or contributing to the IBVM ecosytem

The IBVM is a fully Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) equivalent VM running on Bitcoin and using BTC as its native token. EVMs as a concept are the most battle-tested and mature VM in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. It is a deterministic, stack-based virtual machine, renowned for its ability to efficiently execute smart contracts in a secure and isolated environment.

IBVM implements its own EVM, referred to as a "zkEVM". A zkEVM is a special EVM implementation that makes the full VM implementation provable. Citrea zkEVM is classified as Type 2, which means full equivalency and a scalable and trustless proof system due to being based on zk-STARKs. IBVM zkEVM is built using RISC Zero.