> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gradient.trade/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gradient.trade/how-it-works/gradients-layers/the-flash-layer.md). # The Flash Layer ### Introduction The Flash Layer is where trades are fulfilled by Gradient market maker liquidity. This allows for the instant, price-impact free execution of off-market trades at market price. In order to create constant availability, Gradient allows for the public provision of liquidity to market Maker pools, incentivized via spread-based earnings. This network of liquidity serves as an immediate counterparty, enabling both buy-side & sell-side instant order fulfillment for traders while promoting deeper liquidity and healthier price action for tokens. ### Market Maker (MM) Liquidity Gradient allows users to participate as market makers by supplying ETH alongside a target token. * Market Makers capture profit from spread and platform volume. * The system prioritizes MM liquidity, ensuring instant order execution when possible. * Market Makers retain full control over their liquidity volatility & exposure. * Market Makers are never subject to impermanent loss or idle capital. Market Makers enhance and deepen liquidity while improving the Gradient protocol's efficiency. {% hint style="info" %} **Spread:** A fixed difference between buy and sell prices. In Gradient, this is a deliberate 2% spread per trade, transparently split between liquidity providers and the platform. {% endhint %} --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.gradient.trade/how-it-works/gradients-layers/the-flash-layer.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.