Getting Started with TOS Network

Welcome to TOS Network - the world’s first BlockDAG with Privacy, Scalability, and Smart Contracts. This guide will help you get started with TOS Network, whether you’re a user looking to make private transactions, a miner, or a developer wanting to build smart contracts.

What is TOS Network?

TOS Network is a revolutionary blockchain platform built on the principle “Don’t Trust, Verify it”. It combines cutting-edge cryptography with innovative consensus mechanisms to provide:

• 🔒 Complete Privacy: Encrypted balances and transaction amounts
• ⛏️ PoW Mining: Earn rewards through proof-of-work mining
• ⚡ High Performance: Fast transactions with BlockDAG
• 🚀 Smart Contracts: Rust programming with TAKO runtime
• ⚖️ Energy Model: Stake TOS for gas-free transactions

Quick Start Paths

Choose your journey based on your interests:

Core Concepts

Before diving in, let’s understand the key concepts that make TOS Network unique:

1. Trustless Verification

TOS Network operates on the principle “Don’t Trust, Verify it”. This means:

• Every transaction is mathematically proven to be valid
• No central authority controls the network
• All operations are cryptographically verifiable
• Privacy is protected through mathematics, not promises

2. Privacy by Default

Unlike traditional blockchains where everything is public:

• Account balances are encrypted and only visible to you
• Transaction amounts remain hidden during transfers
• Trading patterns cannot be analyzed or tracked
• Business operations stay confidential

3. BlockDAG Mining

TOS uses Proof-of-Work mining enhanced with BlockDAG technology:

• High Throughput: Parallel block processing for better performance
• Reduced Orphans: BlockDAG minimizes wasted mining work
• Secure Consensus: Proven PoW security model
• Decentralized: Anyone can participate in mining

4. Rust Smart Contracts

Smart contracts on TOS are written in Rust with the TAKO runtime:

• Memory safety with Rust’s compile-time guarantees
• Ultra-low gas at $0.001 per transaction average
• Native features including VRF, referrals, batch transfers
• Privacy integration for confidential smart contracts

Network Information

Mainnet

• Network Name: TOS Mainnet
• Launch: Production ready with full features
• Block Time: 1 second (instant finality)
• Max TPS: 10,000 transactions per second
• Explorer: https://explorer.tos.network 

Testnet

• Network Name: TOS Testnet
• Purpose: Testing and development
• Features: All mainnet features enabled
• Faucet: Available for free test tokens
• Explorer: https://testnet-explorer.tos.network 

Address Formats

• Mainnet addresses: Begin with tos
• Testnet addresses: Begin with tst
• Example: tos1abcd1234efgh5678ijkl90mnop...

Essential Tools

1. TOS Wallet

The official TOS wallet provides complete privacy and security:

2. Developer Tools

Step-by-Step Tutorials

For Users

• Wallet Setup
  • Download and install TOS wallet
  • Create your first wallet
  • Secure your seed phrase
  • Understand wallet features

2. Making Your First Transaction

   • Receive TOS tokens
   • Send private transactions
   • Understanding transaction fees
   • Using the TOS Energy Model

3. Privacy Features

   • How encrypted balances work
   • Understanding zero-knowledge proofs
   • Using confidential assets
   • Maintaining financial privacy

For Miners

• Mining Setup
  • Understanding mining concepts
  • Setting up your mining hardware
  • Connecting to mining pools
  • Starting to mine

2. Mining Optimization
   • Choosing the right hardware
   • Optimizing performance
   • Understanding reward systems
   • Building reputation

For Developers

• Development Environment Setup
  • Installing TOS development tools
  • Setting up Rust development
  • Connecting to testnet
  • Running local nodes

2. Your First Smart Contract

   • Writing Rust smart contracts
   • Deploying to testnet
   • Interacting with contracts
   • Testing and debugging

3. DApp Development

   • Building frontend applications
   • Integrating with TOS Network
   • Handling private transactions
   • User experience best practices

Network Participation

Running a Node

Help secure the TOS Network by running your own node:

# Download TOS daemon
wget https://releases.tos.network/latest/tos-daemon
 
# Initialize node
./tos-daemon --init --network mainnet
 
# Start syncing
./tos-daemon --start

Staking for Energy

Use the TOS Energy Model to reduce transaction costs:

# Stake TOS tokens for energy
tos energy stake --amount 1000 --duration 30days
 
# Use energy for transactions instead of fees
tos transfer --to tos1abc... --amount 100 --use-energy

Community and Support

Join the Community

• Discord: Real-time chat and support
• Telegram: Global community discussions
• Twitter: Latest news and updates
• GitHub: Open source development

Documentation Resources

Security Best Practices

Wallet Security

• Seed Phrase Protection
  • Write down your seed phrase offline
  • Store in multiple secure locations
  • Never share with anyone
  • Use hardware wallets for large amounts

2. Transaction Verification

   • Always verify recipient addresses
   • Double-check transaction amounts
   • Use TOS Network’s cryptographic verification
   • Monitor transaction confirmations

3. Privacy Practices

   • Understand what information is public vs private
   • Use different addresses for different purposes
   • Keep your viewing keys secure
   • Regular security audits of your setup

Development Security

• Smart Contract Security
  • Follow secure coding practices
  • Test thoroughly on testnet
  • Use formal verification tools
  • Regular security audits

2. Infrastructure Security
   • Secure your development environment
   • Use secure communication channels
   • Keep software updated
   • Monitor for security vulnerabilities

What’s Next?

Based on your role, here are the recommended next steps:

Users

1. Set up your wallet
2. Make your first transaction
3. Explore privacy features

Miners

1. Start Mining
2. Optimize your setup
3. Join mining communities

Developers

1. Set up development environment
2. Build your first smart contract
3. Deploy on testnet

Enterprises

1. Enterprise integration guide
2. Compliance and privacy features
3. Contact enterprise support

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues or have questions:

• 📖 Check our comprehensive documentation
• 💬 Join our community chat 
• 🎫 Submit a support ticket 
• 📧 Email us at [email protected]

Welcome to the future of private, scalable, and intelligent blockchain technology. Welcome to TOS Network!

“Don’t Trust, Verify it” - Your journey to truly trustless finance starts here.