# Introduction

![Amish](https://2132378602-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FoOIwbZ91YFddJqZwT8MB%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e44c2e06f04f56bcea31cf3f159c4fb72c34b6ca%2Famish-header.png?alt=media)

## Amish Protocol

Amish is a decentralized lending protocol that matches borrowers and lenders directly across chains. No pools. No bridges. No idle capital on matched positions.

### Why it matters

Pool-based lending reserves idle capital to ensure withdrawal liquidity. Intent-based lending deploys capital only when a counterparty match exists, achieving full utilization on matched positions.

* **Capital efficiency** - When capital matches to a specific borrower, 100% earns the agreed rate.
* **Cross-chain settlement** - Collateral on one chain, principal on another, settled via storage proofs without bridges.
* **Permissionless markets** - Any ERC-20 can have a lending market. No governance vote required.
* **Fixed terms** - Rate, LTV, and duration lock at match time. Both parties know their terms before committing.

### Quick start

**New users** - Start with [What is Amish](https://docs.amish.xyz/getting-started/what-is-amish) for a high-level overview.

**Protocol evaluation** - See [Why Amish Matters](https://docs.amish.xyz/getting-started/why-amish-matters) for pool architecture constraints and how Amish addresses them.

**Usage guides** - See [For Borrowers](https://docs.amish.xyz/using-amish/for-borrowers) or [For Lenders](https://docs.amish.xyz/using-amish/for-lenders).

**Technical depth** - The [Technical Reference](https://docs.amish.xyz/technical-reference/intent-engine) section covers implementation details.

### Documentation Sections

#### Getting Started

* [What is Amish](https://docs.amish.xyz/getting-started/what-is-amish) - Protocol overview
* [Why Amish Matters](https://docs.amish.xyz/getting-started/why-amish-matters) - Pool architecture constraints
* [How It Works](https://docs.amish.xyz/getting-started/how-it-works) - Three steps to a loan

#### The Protocol

* [Protocol Overview](https://docs.amish.xyz/the-protocol/overview) - Entry point and loan lifecycle
* [Capital Efficiency](https://docs.amish.xyz/the-protocol/capital-efficiency) - Intent-based vs pool-based utilization
* [Intent-Based Lending](https://docs.amish.xyz/the-protocol/intent-based-lending) - How matching works
* [Cross-Chain Settlement](https://docs.amish.xyz/the-protocol/cross-chain-settlement) - Storage proofs and multi-chain support
* [Fees and Incentives](https://docs.amish.xyz/the-protocol/fees-and-incentives) - Fee structure and execution fees
* [Supported Assets](https://docs.amish.xyz/the-protocol/supported-assets) - Token requirements and market creation

#### Analysis

* [Market Position](https://docs.amish.xyz/market-position/market-position) - Competitive landscape and positioning

#### Using Amish

* [Beta Access](https://docs.amish.xyz/using-amish/beta-access) - Access codes and referrals
* [For Borrowers](https://docs.amish.xyz/using-amish/for-borrowers) - How to borrow
* [For Lenders](https://docs.amish.xyz/using-amish/for-lenders) - How to lend
* [Managing Positions](https://docs.amish.xyz/using-amish/managing-positions) - Monitoring and maintenance
* [Notifications](https://docs.amish.xyz/using-amish/notifications) - Alerts and email settings
* [Security Model](https://docs.amish.xyz/technical-reference/security-model) - Protocol security architecture

#### Reference

* [Technical Reference](https://docs.amish.xyz/technical-reference/intent-engine) - Deep implementation details
* [Glossary](https://docs.amish.xyz/appendix/glossary) - Terms and definitions
* [FAQ](https://docs.amish.xyz/appendix/faq) - Common questions