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

# How Alpen works

- [System architecture](https://docs.alpenlabs.io/how-alpen-works/system-architecture.md)
- [Alpen design rationale](https://docs.alpenlabs.io/how-alpen-works/strata-design-rationale.md)
- [Transaction lifecycle](https://docs.alpenlabs.io/how-alpen-works/transaction-lifecycle.md)
- [Bitcoin bridge](https://docs.alpenlabs.io/how-alpen-works/bitcoin-bridge.md)
- [Comparing Alpen and Ethereum](https://docs.alpenlabs.io/how-alpen-works/comparing-strata-and-ethereum.md)
- [Specifications](https://docs.alpenlabs.io/how-alpen-works/specifications.md)