# ⭐️ Introduction

## What is ERC-4337?

ERC-4337 enables **Account Abstraction (AA)** on Ethereum without requiring any changes to the protocol. Instead of modifying Ethereum's base protocol, it introduces a new flow using `UserOperation` objects, a decentralized **alt-mempool**, and an on-chain **EntryPoint** contract.

This architecture unlocks powerful wallet features like:

* ✅ Custom signature schemes (e.g. passkeys, multisig)
* ✅ Gasless transactions via **Paymasters**
* ✅ One-click flows through batched calls
* ✅ Modular smart accounts with upgradability and recovery
* ✅ Wallet creation without EOAs or upfront ETH

Unlike centralized relayer-based solutions, ERC-4337 achieves these benefits while preserving decentralization through a **permissionless mempool** and **bundler** ecosystem.

## 🌐 Why This GitBook?

This GitBook serves as your technical companion to everything ERC-4337 and beyond. It consolidates specs, summaries, and best practices to help you:

* Build or integrate **smart contract wallets**
* Understand the **UserOperation lifecycle**
* Leverage **Paymasters** for better onboarding
* Explore modularity and emerging standards
* Stay aligned with Ethereum’s decentralization ethos

Let’s build the future of wallets — programmable, recoverable, and user-friendly — without compromising Ethereum's core values.

> 📖 Start here: [Smart Accounts ➡](smart-accounts)

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## 🔗 Resources

* 🤖 Powered by [ChAAtGPT](https://chatgpt.com/g/g-6817474bd880819192d1bbda07958d09-chaatgpt) — a custom GPT focused on Account Abstraction
* 🛠️ This GitBook on GitHub: [github.com/eth-infinitism/gitbook](https://github.com/eth-infinitism/gitbook)
* 📄 License: [MIT](https://github.com/eth-infinitism/gitbook/blob/master/LICENSE/README.md)
