> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.layertao.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.layertao.com/welcome-to-layertao/readme.md).

# Introduction

LayerTao is the abstraction layer on Bittensor, giving developers simple APIs, smart routing, and seamless payments to build decentralized AI faster.\
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Bittensor has introduced a new paradigm: machine learning models running in a decentralized, incentive-driven network. In theory, this unlocks a global marketplace of intelligence. In practice, however, interacting with that network is still difficult.

Developers are not looking for complexity. They want something predictable:

* A stable endpoint
* Consistent outputs
* Clear pricing
* Minimal setup

Right now, using Bittensor directly means dealing with subnets, nodes, scoring systems, and network-level behavior. That’s powerful, but it’s not developer-friendly.

LayerTao exists to sit between those two worlds.

It translates a decentralized, evolving system into something that feels familiar, like calling an API.

Instead of navigating the network manually, developers make a single request. Everything else is handled underneath.