> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.cheqd.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.cheqd.io/cheq/start.md).

# Start here

Learn about how the $CHEQ token operates

The $CHEQ token at a basic level is used for three core functions:

1. **Network decisions:** cheqd is a Delegated Proof of Stake network, where individuals can vote on network decisions via a decentralised governance framework.
2. **Identity writes:** $CHEQ can be used to write Decentralised Identifiers (DIDs) and DID-Linked Resources to the network. This write also includes a percentage of tokens burnt from the network.
3. **Credential Payments:** $CHEQ can be used to pay for decrypting on-ledger resources for the purpose of a Verifier paying a Credential Issuer. 

## Getting started

Learn about the different mechanisms of the $CHEQ token below:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Tokenomics</strong></mark></td><td>Understand how $CHEQ works at an economic level.</td><td><a href="/cheq/tokenomics.md">Tokenomics</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Identity writes</strong></mark></td><td>Learn how $CHEQ can be used to create DIDs and DLRs.</td><td><a href="/cheq/identity-writes.md">Identity writes</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Credential Payments</strong></mark></td><td>Undestand how $CHEQ can be used for incentivising credential adoption.</td><td><a href="/cheq/credential-payments.md">Credential Payments</a></td></tr></tbody></table>