ælf is a decentralized self-evolving cloud computing blockchain network that aims to provide a high-performance platform for commercial adoption of blockchain technology. In order to establish a blockchain infrastructure for various commercial requirements, ælf provides an efficiency-focused multi-chain parallel-processing system with cross-chain communication and self-evolving governance.

 ælf focuses on four main characteristics: scalable nodes on a cluster of computers, parallel processing for maximum processing power utilization, resource isolation for smart contracts via independent and specialized side chains, and interoperability and flexibility to choose from various consensus protocols (native delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS), proof-of-work (PoW), or proof-of-stake (PoS)) and private/public chains

ELF tokens are used to pay for system resources such as smart contract implementation, system operation, and system upgrades (transaction fees, cross- chain data transfer fees). It also allows the community to vote on significant on-chain decisions like electing mining nodes, adding new features to the system, and other major decisions, all of which contribute to the system's to self-evolving capabilities.

The aelf roadmap consists of four stages: Stage I: aelf Project Launch consists of the release of the White Paper, launch of the ELF token and launch of candy system. Stage II: Basic Function Development consists of the launch of the testnet, building of the AEDPoS consensus mechanism and complete parallel processing function. Stage III: Core System Development consists of building out the economic model as well as the main and side chain systems. Stage IV: Official Mainnet Launch consists of the mainnet launch, completion of TokenSwap and election of mainnet nodes.