.. meta:: :description: Introduction to the Dash cryptocurrency and links to further reading :keywords: dash, cryptocurrency, videos, documentation, roadmap, governance, funding, payments, whitepaper, roadmap .. _about: ============= What is Dash? ============= Dash aims to be the most user-friendly and scalable payments-focused cryptocurrency in the world. The Dash network features :ref:`instant transaction confirmation `, double spend protection, optional :ref:`privacy ` equal to that of physical cash, a :ref:`self-governing, self-funding model ` driven by :ref:`incentivized full nodes ` and a `clear roadmap `_ for on-chain scaling to up to 400MB blocks using custom-developed open source hardware. While Dash is based on Bitcoin and compatible with many key components of the Bitcoin ecosystem, its two-tier network structure offers significant improvements in transaction speed, privacy and governance. This section of the documentation describes these and many more key features that set Dash apart in the blockchain economy. Check out the `official Dash website `__ to learn how `individuals `__ and `businesses `__ can use Dash. The videos, links and documentation collected here can help you get started, or use the table of contents on the left to find a specific topic of interest. New users may be interested in getting started with an appropriate :ref:`wallet `, learning about :ref:`how to buy Dash ` and :ref:`where to spend Dash `, learning about :ref:`safety ` or joining one of the many :ref:`Dash community sites `. Dash Videos ----------- What is Dash? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Armenian Crypto School has produced an in-depth video describing Dash and its many distinguishing features. .. raw:: html
Dash School ~~~~~~~~~~~ Dash School is a six-part video series produced by Amanda B. Johnson. It explains Dash from a beginner's level up to descriptions of the more advanced features. .. raw:: html
Dash 101 ~~~~~~~~ Dash 101 is an eight-part video series produced by Aaron Koenig. It covers unique features and functions only available on the Dash network, and is available in `English `__, `French `__, `German `__, `Spanish `__ and `Russian `__. .. raw:: html
.. _whitepaper: Whitepaper ---------- The Dash Whitepaper describes the original unique value proposition and key innovations in Dash from an academic and theoretical perspective. It is a historical document available as a GitHub wiki, and no longer receives updates as new features or architectural changes are implemented. Instead, these features are described in successive Dash Improvement Proposals (DIPs), while larger architectural changes are described in separate whitepapers. Features backported from Bitcoin are described in Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs). - `Whitepaper and translations `_ - `PDF whitepaper `_ - `Dash Improvement Proposals (DIPs) `_ - `Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs) `_ - `Evolution Initial Design Document `_ - `Original Darkcoin whitepaper (PDF) `_ - `InstantSend whitepaper (PDF) `_ Roadmap ------- The Dash Roadmap sets out delivery milestones for future releases of Dash and includes specific technical details describing how the development team plans to realise each challenge. - `Dash Roadmap `_