What is iExec?

iExec is a decentralized computing platform that enables developers to build and deploy privacy-preserving applications using confidential computing technology.

The Protocol (Simple Version)

Step 1: Protect Data

Your sensitive data gets encrypted and stored online. Only you control who can access it.

→ Devtool: DataProtector handles this for you

Step 2: Secure Computing (Workers)

Code runs inside secure enclaves (TEEs) on iExec workers. The worker can access your data to process it, but only within the privacy-safe TEE environment - your data never leaves the secure bubble.

Step 3: Run iApps

You submit a Task = "Run this iApp on this protected data". The protocol finds available workers and executes everything confidentially.

→ Devtool: iApp Generator helps you create and deploy iApps

Step 4: Get Results

Results come back encrypted to you. Workers never see raw data, you never lose control.

Protected Data + iApp + Worker = Task → Encrypted Result

What Each Piece Does

Protected Data

Your data, encrypted. You set the rules: "Only these apps can use it, only for these purposes."

iApps

Your code, packaged to run on workers. Can be AI models, data processing scripts, any computation.

Workers (Secure Enclaves)

Computers that process your data inside privacy-safe TEE environments. They can access your data to work with it, but the TEE ensures it stays confidential and tamper-proof.

Deals

A job request: "Execute iApp X on protected data Y, send results to Z." The protocol handles the rest.

Real Example Walkthrough

AI Model Training (Private)

1. Protect: Medical researchers upload patient data → becomes Protected Data
2. Deploy: AI company packages their model → becomes iApp
3. Execute: Someone submits Task → "Train model on this data"
4. Result: Model gets trained, researcher gets insights, raw data never leaves enclave

Web3 Email

1. Protect: Users upload email contacts → Protected Data
2. Execute: App submits Task → "Send email via Web3Mail iApp"
3. Result: Email sent, addresses stay private, sender/receiver authenticated

Start Building

Now that you get the protocol, pick your devtools:

• Quick Win: Add Web3Mail or Web3Telegram to your project ! (uses the protocol under the hood)
• Protect Data: Try DataProtector to encrypt your first dataset
• Build iApps: Create confidential compute with iApp Generator
• Hands-On: Follow our Hello World to see all devtools working together