# Decoding Aztec By [deNodes](https://paragraph.com/@denodes) · 2025-05-14 --- The [Aztec Public Testnet](https://x.com/aztecnetwork/status/1917926796986929192) is now live, featuring permissionless sequencer and prover operations, support for both public and private transactions, and a thriving ecosystem of apps and tools. Let's explore! [Subscribe](null) * * * **About Aztec Network** ----------------------- [Ethereum](https://x.com/ethereum) is the backbone of a new internet designed for programmable contracts and apps. However, its public ledger exposes every transaction to the world, sharing sensitive data that hinders widespread adoption by both individuals and institutions. [Aztec](https://x.com/aztecnetwork) solves this critical flaw with its privacy-first Layer 2 solution, built on a ZK-rollup. Its hybrid model supports both encrypted and transparent transactions, making Ethereum a versatile platform for enterprise and retail users alike. At its core is [Noir](https://noir-lang.org/), an open-source, Rust-based programming language designed to make ZKP-based private smart contracts accessible to devs without requiring deep cryptographic experience. Aztec is committed to launching its rollup later this year as a fully decentralized network ([Stage 2 rollup](https://medium.com/l2beat/introducing-stages-a-framework-to-evaluate-rollups-maturity-d290bb22befe)). For more in-depth roadmap with key milestones, please refer to the Aztec interactive roadmap: * * * Launching the Public Testnet ---------------------------- After completing its [Sequencer & Prover Testnet](https://x.com/aztecnetwork/status/1912900542244000233), which focused on a select group of operators for infrastructure stress testing, the Public Testnet has operated a permissionless decentralized sequencer and prover network since April 2025. [![User Avatar](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/8157da141303f20d32b8dddc2b4fcea0fd82f003eeb4da8b74180dd79a129289.jpg)](https://twitter.com/aztecnetwork) [Aztec](https://twitter.com/aztecnetwork) [@aztecnetwork](https://twitter.com/aztecnetwork) [![Twitter Logo](https://paragraph.com/editor/twitter/logo.png)](https://twitter.com/aztecnetwork/status/1917926796986929192) Aztec’s Public Testnet is live. The privacy revolution is finally here. ![](https://pbs.twimg.com/amplify_video_thumb/1917926756717338624/img/gxLH-2KNQhI8ftgX.jpg) [![Like Icon](https://paragraph.com/editor/twitter/heart.png) 7,733](https://twitter.com/aztecnetwork/status/1917926796986929192)[ 7:59 AM • May 1, 2025 ](https://twitter.com/aztecnetwork/status/1917926796986929192) The [Aztec Testnet](https://aztec.network/blog/a-new-era-for-web3-introducing-aztec-public-testnet) allows everyone to test its decentralized infrastructure in three key areas: **governance**, **proving**, and **sequencing**: ### **Contribute as a Developer** The testnet provides a pre-mainnet environment for developers to build and deploy smart contracts and applications that use both private and public states on Aztec, powered by Noir. This paves the way for next-generation Ethereum [applications](https://docs.aztec.network/developers/inspiration), such as private DEXs, auctions, betting platforms, private stablecoins, onchain identity solutions, private NFTs, and crosschain DAO voting. If you're a developer looking to try out the Aztec network, here's how to get started: * [Aztec Developers](https://aztec.network/developers) * [NoirLings](https://www.noirlings.app/) > _You can also explore open-source projects in the Aztec ecosystem and contribute to them:_ [_app.onlydust.com/ecosystems/aztec_](http://app.onlydust.com/ecosystems/aztec) ### **Contribute as an Operator** As a node operator, you can contribute to network decentralization by running either a sequencer or prover node. The options are: * [**Prover Node**](https://docs.aztec.network/the_aztec_network/guides/run_nodes/how_to_run_prover): Generates proofs for rollup integrity using data center hardware (16-Cores, 128 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD). * [**Sequencer Node**](https://docs.aztec.network/the_aztec_network/guides/run_nodes/how_to_run_sequencer): Proposes blocks and votes on network upgrades using consumer hardware (8-Cores, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD). **_Note_**_: The Aztec Public Testnet is a non-incentivized network, which means users do not receive any rewards for participating._ * * * **Exploring the Ecosystem** --------------------------- Aztec's ecosystem is a thriving hub of privacy-focused applications, connecting innovative use cases to Ethereum through one of the fastest-growing developer communities. Here are a few examples already live on testnet that showcase what's possible only on Aztec: * [Nemi](https://x.com/nemi_fi) is a DeFi platform offering private, non-custodial trading and MEV protection, currently live on an invite-only basis (you'll need to fill out the form to get access). * [Azguard Wallet](https://x.com/azguardwallet) is a self-custody wallet natively built for Aztec to support private and public balances and transfers, and account abstraction. * [Human.Tech](https://x.com/0xHolonym) is building a [bridge](https://bridge.human.tech/) between Ethereum and Aztec to allow users to make private transactions and payments. * [Tezac](https://x.com/Tezac_xyz) is a privacy-focused NFT marketplace that ensures your ownership and transactions remain private across L2 networks. * [Obsidion Wallet](https://x.com/ObsidionWallet) is a wallet for the Aztec network that allows users to create addresses using Passkeys, make payments using email addresses and explore built-in apps. * [Raven House NFT](https://x.com/ravenhousenft) is an NFT marketplace on the Aztec network, supporting enhanced privacy features for creating, minting, and trading NFTs. _Discover more ecosystem apps and tools by visiting the Aztec ecosystem page:_ [https://aztec.network/ecosystem](https://aztec.network/ecosystem) * * * **Final Thoughts** ------------------ Looking at Aztec's Public Testnet launch, we're genuinely excited about what this means for privacy on Ethereum. Aztec is making it easier than ever for both end-users and institutions to keep their transactions private when needed, while still maintaining the option for public transactions. Aztec providing developers with strong support, onboarding resources, and a playground for building new privacy-focused use cases and applications. Make sure to follow @[AztecNetwork](https://x.com/aztecnetwork) and @[AztecFND](https://x.com/aztecFND) to stay updated on the development progress and community initiatives! * * * [Subscribe](null) --- *Originally published on [deNodes](https://paragraph.com/@denodes/decoding-aztec)*