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

# Bridge

> What a blockchain bridge is, and how assets from other chains reach Stellar so Soroswap can trade them.

### What is a Bridge?

In blockchain technology, a **bridge** is a protocol that connects two or more blockchain networks, enabling them to interact and exchange assets or data. Bridges are crucial for improving interoperability between different blockchains, which often operate independently of one another.

### Key Functions of a Bridge

* **Asset Transfer:** Bridges facilitate the transfer of assets, such as tokens or cryptocurrencies, between different blockchains. This is essential for users who wish to move their assets from one blockchain ecosystem to another.
* **Data Exchange:** Bridges allow for the transfer of data between blockchains, enabling different networks to share information and synchronize their activities.
* **Interoperability:** By connecting disparate blockchains, bridges enhance interoperability, allowing applications and users to operate seamlessly across multiple blockchain platforms.

### How Bridges Work

1. **Locking and Minting:**
   * **Locking:** Assets are locked on the source blockchain to prevent double-spending or misuse.
   * **Minting:** Corresponding assets are minted or issued on the destination blockchain, allowing users to access them within the new ecosystem.
2. **Verification:** The bridge verifies transactions and ensures that assets are securely locked on the source blockchain before issuing the equivalent assets on the destination blockchain.
3. **Reverse Transfers:** Bridges also handle the process of transferring assets back to the original blockchain, ensuring that assets are locked on the destination chain before unlocking or issuing them on the source chain.

### Bridging into Stellar for Soroswap

Soroswap itself is not a bridge. It trades assets that are already on Stellar, so anything
issued elsewhere has to be bridged in first, and then given a
[Stellar Asset Contract](/tutorials/stellar-classic-assets/wrapping) if you want to use it
with Soroban contracts.

The app has a **Bridge** tab for this, at
[app.soroswap.finance/bridge](https://app.soroswap.finance/bridge). The provider behind it
has changed over time, so the tab in the app is the accurate answer to which route is
available today rather than anything written here.

Once the asset is on Stellar, your account still needs a [trustline](/concepts/trustlines)
before it can hold it. The Soroswap API can open that trustline as part of the swap, see
[Gasless Trustline](/api/gasless-trustline).