> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://aven-docs.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Aven: Decentralized Payment Streaming for Verified Work

> Aven lets clients fund work agreements on Stellar and automatically releases exact payments to freelancers based on verified active Git sessions.

Aven is a Stellar-based protocol that bridges the trust gap between clients and freelancers. Clients lock a project budget in a smart contract escrow, and workers use the `aven-stellar` CLI to track their active coding sessions. When work is done, Aven verifies delivery and releases the exact payment — no invoicing, no disputes over hours, no trust required.

> **[Employer Quickstart](https://aven-docs.mintlify.site/quickstart-employer.md)**
>
> Create a funded payment stream and invite your freelancer in minutes.

> **[Freelancer Quickstart](https://aven-docs.mintlify.site/quickstart-freelancer.md)**
>
> Install the CLI, authorize your wallet, and start tracking work sessions.

> **[How It Works](https://aven-docs.mintlify.site/how-it-works.md)**
>
> Understand the end-to-end flow from stream creation to payment release.

> **[CLI Reference](https://aven-docs.mintlify.site/cli/overview.md)**
>
> Complete reference for every `aven-stellar` command and flag.

## What Aven does for you

> **Escrow-backed Streams**
>
> Fund agreements in XLM or USDC. The smart contract holds funds until work is verified and approved.

> **Verified Work Sessions**
>
> The CLI records active coding time and Git change statistics — never keystrokes or source files.

> **Exact Payments**
>
> Payment is calculated as `active seconds × stream rate`, capped by the remaining escrow, and enforced on-chain.

> **On-chain Reputation**
>
> Every approved session mints a portable attestation that builds your verifiable work history.

> **GitHub Verification**
>
> Final delivery sessions verify branch commits against the connected GitHub repository.

> **Privacy by Design**
>
> The CLI never uploads source files, captures keystrokes, or stores wallet secrets.

## Get started in three steps

**1. Employer: Create a stream**

Connect your Freighter wallet, navigate to [Create Stream](https://aven-docs.mintlify.site/quickstart-employer.md), set a rate and budget, and deposit XLM or USDC into escrow.

**2. Freelancer: Install the CLI and authorize**

Run `npx aven-stellar start`, enter the stream ID, and sign the one-time authorization in your browser with Freighter.

**3. Work, submit, and get paid**

Track your sessions with `aven-stellar start` / `stop`. Submit your report, the employer reviews and approves, and the contract releases your payment instantly.

> [!NOTE]
>
> Aven currently runs on **Stellar testnet**. Testnet XLM, USDC, attestations, and reputation records are not production assets.


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.