# Decoding Aztec

**Published by:** [deNodes](https://paragraph.com/@denodes/)
**Published on:** 2025-05-14
**URL:** https://paragraph.com/@denodes/decoding-aztec

## Content

The Aztec Public Testnet 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!SubscribeAbout Aztec NetworkEthereum 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 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, 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). For more in-depth roadmap with key milestones, please refer to the Aztec interactive roadmap:Launching the Public TestnetAfter completing its Sequencer & Prover Testnet, 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. Aztec @aztecnetwork Aztec’s Public Testnet is live. The privacy revolution is finally here. 7,733 7:59 AM • May 1, 2025 The Aztec Testnet allows everyone to test its decentralized infrastructure in three key areas: governance, proving, and sequencing:Contribute as a DeveloperThe 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, 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 DevelopersNoirLingsYou can also explore open-source projects in the Aztec ecosystem and contribute to them: app.onlydust.com/ecosystems/aztecContribute as an OperatorAs a node operator, you can contribute to network decentralization by running either a sequencer or prover node. The options are:Prover Node: Generates proofs for rollup integrity using data center hardware (16-Cores, 128 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD).Sequencer Node: 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 EcosystemAztec'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 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 is a self-custody wallet natively built for Aztec to support private and public balances and transfers, and account abstraction.Human.Tech is building a bridge between Ethereum and Aztec to allow users to make private transactions and payments.Tezac is a privacy-focused NFT marketplace that ensures your ownership and transactions remain private across L2 networks.Obsidion Wallet 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 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/ecosystemFinal ThoughtsLooking 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 and @AztecFND to stay updated on the development progress and community initiatives!Subscribe

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