What is aelf? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

aelf at a glance.

aelf is a smart contract platform whose architecture splits work between a governance main chain and application side chains, with elected block producers ordering transactions. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

$4.8M

Value locked in DeFi protocols on aelf. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

ELF

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live ELF price.

How it works

How aelf works.

ELF holders vote to elect a set of block producers, called core data centers. The network runs with 21 active block producers who are assigned time slots to produce blocks in turn. This elected set keeps block times near 2 seconds while spreading validation across multiple operators.

Consensus: AEDPoS (delegated proof of stake)

ELF holders vote to elect a set of block producers, called core data centers. The network runs with 21 active block producers who are assigned time slots to produce blocks in turn. This elected set keeps block times near 2 seconds while spreading validation across multiple operators.

Main chain and side chains

A central main chain handles governance and coordination, while separate side chains (dAppChains) run specific applications. This lets transactions on different chains process in parallel.

Block producers

A set of 21 elected nodes produce and validate blocks. Holders stake and vote for candidates, and the elected producers take turns adding blocks.

ELF token

ELF pays transaction fees, covers cross-chain indexing fees, and is staked by candidates who want to be elected as block producers.

C# smart contracts

aelf is built around the C# language and the .NET tooling many developers already know, with a microservice based node design.

Ecosystem & usage

What aelf is used for.

aelf is used as a base layer for applications that want parallel side chains and a familiar development stack.

DefiLlama

Parallel applications

Projects can run on a dedicated side chain so their activity does not compete for block space with unrelated applications.

Cross-chain transfers

The main chain indexes side chain blocks so assets and data can move between chains within the aelf network.

Fee payment and staking

ELF covers network fees and is staked by candidates taking part in block producer elections.

Top protocols by TVL · updated Jun 8, 2026

Awaken Swap · Dexs$4.8M

In Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend ELF.

aelf is integrated in Zypto App. Hold ELF in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold ELF in Zypto How to buy ELF

Be the reason aelf ships next.

aelf isn’t in Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

Request on X

FAQ

Common questions.

What is aelf?

aelf is a Layer 1 smart contract platform that uses a delegated proof of stake consensus and a main chain plus side chain structure. Its native token is ELF.

What is the ELF token used for?

ELF pays transaction fees, covers cross-chain indexing fees, and is staked by nodes that want to be elected as block producers.

How does aelf reach consensus?

aelf uses AEDPoS, a delegated proof of stake system in which holders elect 21 block producers who take turns producing blocks.

What language are aelf smart contracts written in?

aelf is built around C# and the .NET tooling, with side chains for running individual applications.

Can I hold ELF in Zypto App?

Not yet. ELF isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add aelf using the "Request aelf" button above.

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