# Getting Started

**Lita’s Valida zk-VM stack** sets a new standard in zero-knowledge proving, leading in speed, efficiency, modularity and development productivity. Key features include:

* **zk-Optimized ISA:** Valida’s custom instruction set architecture (ISA) is purpose-built for zk-proofs, offering up to <mark style="color:orange;">**10x efficiency**</mark> over standard architectures such as RISC-V. This design drastically accelerates proof generation and reduces computational costs.
* **High-Level Language Support:** Support for <mark style="color:orange;">**Rust, C and WASM**</mark> makes it easy for developers to start building trustless applications. Planned integration with Solidity and Go broadens this support, ensuring a smooth transition for Ethereum and Go developers.
* **Modular Chip Design:** Valida’s architecture is tailored for modularity, allowing customization of the VM stack to meet specific application demands and hardware optimizations. This approach makes it adaptable across a wide range of cryptographic use cases.
* **Record-Breaking Speed and Efficiency:** Valida outperforms existing systems, reaching speeds up to <mark style="color:orange;">**100-1000x faster**</mark> in key proving operations, enabling scalable, real-time zero-knowledge applications.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you are not in the Valida zk-VM community yet, join the [telegram channel](https://t.me/+KLjUr_cUGZgzN2E1) here.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

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## Learn  <a href="#learn" id="learn"></a>

If you want to learn more, get started by diving into these concepts:

* [Valida 101](/lita-documentation/architecture/overview.md) - a walkthrough of the Valida zk-VM stack in short, 5 minute videos.
* [Core Concepts](/lita-documentation/core-concepts/zk-vm.md) - learn about the building blocks of Lita, starting with zk-VM.
* [Architecture](/lita-documentation/architecture/overview.md) - a breakdown of Lita's proving system, zk-VM and compiler systems.
* [Benchmarks](/lita-documentation/architecture/benchmarks.md) - measuring Valida's speed and efficiency in succinctly proving program executions.

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## Tutorials <a href="#tutorials" id="tutorials"></a>

* [Prove your first program](/lita-documentation/quick-start/tutorial-rust-via-docker.md) - execute Rust programs on the Valida zk-VM and create succinct proofs of execution.

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## Contributing  <a href="#contributing" id="contributing"></a>

To learn about how to contribute to the protocol, including this documentation site, check out the [Contributing](/lita-documentation/contributing/overview.md) section.

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