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

# How It Works

OpenGPU operates through two core concepts: **Sources** and **Tasks**.

## Sources

A Source is an execution environment: a Docker container configuration that defines what computation can run.

**Source includes:**

* Docker image(s) for different hardware (CPU, NVIDIA, AMD)
* Minimum payment requirements
* Maximum execution duration
* Hardware requirements
* Delivery method (First Response or Manual Confirmation)

Clients publish Sources. Providers register for Sources they want to support, becoming potential servers ready to execute tasks from that Source.

## Tasks

A Task is a computational job published to a Source.

**Task includes:**

* Reference to a Source
* Configuration/parameters (JSON)
* Payment amount (in $OGPU)
* Expiry time

## The Flow

### 1. Source Setup

```
Client publishes Source
    │
    ▼
Source contract deployed on-chain
    │
    ▼
Providers discover Source
    │
    ▼
Providers register & download container(s)
    │
    ▼
Providers ready to execute tasks
```

### 2. Task Execution

```
Client publishes Task (payment locked in escrow)
    │
    ▼
Task contract deployed on-chain
    │
    ▼
Registered providers compete
    │
    ├─► First Response: Race to complete first
    │
    └─► Manual Confirmation: Bid with suggested payment
    │
    ▼
Provider executes in Docker container
    │
    ▼
Response submitted on-chain
    │
    ▼
Payment released to provider
```

## Delivery Methods

### First Response

* Speed-based competition
* First valid response wins full payment
* Automatic confirmation
* Best for: time-sensitive tasks

### Manual Confirmation

* Price-based competition
* Providers suggest lower payments to win
* Client reviews and confirms preferred response
* Best for: cost optimization, quality review

> See [For Clients](/opengpu-network/for-clients/overview.md) to start publishing.
>
> See [For Providers](/opengpu-network/for-providers/overview.md) to start earning.