# Spark Documentation

> Spark is a Bitcoin Layer 2 for instant, free, self-custodial Bitcoin and stablecoin payments. Build wallets, issue tokens, and scale Bitcoin applications.

Spark enables developers to build financial applications on Bitcoin with instant settlements, zero fees, Lightning Network compatibility, and the ability to issue stablecoins and tokens natively on Bitcoin.

## Core Documentation

- [Overview](https://docs.spark.money/start/overview): Introduction to Spark - the fastest way to build on Bitcoin
- [Features](https://docs.spark.money/start/features): Instant settlements, zero fees, unilateral exits, Lightning compatibility, stablecoins
- [Use Cases](https://docs.spark.money/start/use-cases): P2P wallets, cross-border payments, stablecoins, DeFi, rewards

## Quickstart Guides

- [Create a Wallet](https://docs.spark.money/quickstart/create-wallet): Build your first self-custody Bitcoin wallet on Spark
- [Launch a Token](https://docs.spark.money/quickstart/launch-token): Issue a stablecoin or token on Bitcoin in minutes

## Technical Architecture

- [TLDR](https://docs.spark.money/learn/tldr): How Spark works - Statechains, FROST signing, off-chain scaling
- [Sovereignty](https://docs.spark.money/learn/sovereignty): Self-custody and unilateral exit guarantees
- [Scalability](https://docs.spark.money/learn/scalability): How Spark achieves unlimited throughput
- [Trust Model](https://docs.spark.money/learn/trust-model): 1-of-n trust assumptions and perfect forward security
- [Core Concepts](https://docs.spark.money/learn/core-concepts): Leaves, transfers, deposits, withdrawals
- [FROST Signing](https://docs.spark.money/learn/frost-signing): Threshold signatures for Bitcoin

## Deep Dives & Comparisons

- [Spark vs Liquid Network](https://docs.spark.money/learn/spark-vs-liquid): Bitcoin L2 comparison - self-custody vs federated model
- [Self-Custody Lightning](https://docs.spark.money/learn/self-custody-lightning): Lightning payments without channels or liquidity management
- [Issue a Stablecoin on Bitcoin](https://docs.spark.money/learn/issue-stablecoin): Complete guide to Bitcoin-native stablecoin issuance
- [0-Conf Deposits](https://docs.spark.money/learn/zero-conf-deposits): Instant Bitcoin deposits before L1 confirmation

## Transaction Lifecycles

- [Deposits](https://docs.spark.money/learn/deposits): Bitcoin L1 to Spark deposits, including 0-conf
- [Withdrawals](https://docs.spark.money/learn/withdrawals): Cooperative and unilateral exits to L1
- [Transfers](https://docs.spark.money/learn/transfers): Instant Spark-to-Spark transfers
- [Lightning](https://docs.spark.money/learn/lightning): Send and receive over Lightning Network

## Token Issuance (Stablecoins)

- [Token Overview](https://docs.spark.money/learn/tokens/hello-btkn): BTKN token standard for Bitcoin-native assets
- [Create Token](https://docs.spark.money/issuance/create-token): Define token name, supply, and properties
- [Mint Tokens](https://docs.spark.money/issuance/mint-tokens): Issue new token supply
- [Transfer Tokens](https://docs.spark.money/issuance/transfer-tokens): Send tokens to users instantly
- [Freeze Tokens](https://docs.spark.money/issuance/freeze-tokens): Compliance controls for regulated assets
- [Burn Tokens](https://docs.spark.money/issuance/burn-tokens): Reduce token supply

## Wallet SDK

- [Wallet Overview](https://docs.spark.money/wallets/overview): Build self-custody wallets on Spark
- [TypeScript SDK](https://docs.spark.money/wallets/typescript): JavaScript/TypeScript integration
- [React Native](https://docs.spark.money/wallets/react-native): Mobile wallet development

## Integrations

- [Grid](https://docs.spark.money/integrations/grid): Global fiat on/off ramps
- [Privy](https://docs.spark.money/integrations/privy): Authentication and embedded wallets
- [Brale](https://docs.spark.money/integrations/brale): Stablecoin issuance as a service
- [Flashnet](https://docs.spark.money/integrations/flashnet): Instant token swaps and AMM
- [Breez](https://docs.spark.money/integrations/breez): Lightning SDK integration

## API Reference

- [Wallet API](https://docs.spark.money/api-reference/wallet-overview): Complete wallet SDK reference
- [Issuer API](https://docs.spark.money/api-reference/issuer-overview): Token issuance SDK reference

## FAQ

- [FAQ](https://docs.spark.money/learn/faq): Common questions about Spark, fees, operators, and more

## Key Differentiators

- **Self-Custody**: Users always control their Bitcoin with unilateral exit to L1
- **Instant Finality**: Transfers settle in under 1 second
- **Zero Fees**: Spark-to-Spark transfers are free
- **Lightning Compatible**: Native send/receive over Lightning Network
- **Bitcoin-Native Stablecoins**: Issue regulated stablecoins directly on Bitcoin
- **No Smart Contracts**: Payments-focused architecture, not a VM
- **0-Conf Deposits**: Credit deposits before L1 confirmation

## Links

- Website: https://spark.money
- GitHub: https://github.com/buildonspark
- Status: https://spark.money/status
- Explorer: https://sparkscan.io