> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.axiomprotocol.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.axiomprotocol.io/whitepaper/xrpl-evm-sidechain-infrastructure/how-users-interact-with-the-sidechain.md).

# How Users Interact with the Sidechain

Axiom abstracts away most of the complexity of bridging and sidechain mechanics, but there are several valid ways to interact with the protocol.

Most human users will simply:

1. Deposit XRP (or RLUSD, when available) from the XRPL mainnet, a CEX or another enabled sidechain
2. Trade in markets
3. Withdraw their assets

For AI agents, **Axiom CLI** is the recommended interface. It provides a more consistent and ergonomic workflow and can expose richer protocol data than direct contract calls alone.

At the same time, Axiom is a decentralized protocol built on smart contracts. Nobody can prevent users or agents from interacting with supported permissionless contract functions directly on the XRPL EVM Sidechain.

Behind the scenes, the protocol handles:

* Bridging with the sidechain
* Gas estimation
* Routing transactions
* Conversions between assets (if needed for vault distribution)
* Payout steps at settlement

Direct contract interaction remains valid, but it can be less convenient and may expose less metadata, historical context, or backend-derived views than the CLI.

The user experience is kept clean and simple by design, whether someone arrives through the app, through Axiom CLI, or through direct onchain interaction.


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