# Intents

## **What are Intents?**

An **intent** is a type of order where a user specifies an outcome instead of an execution path. Intents can be single-chain or cross-chain, where the user's desired outcome is on a different chain than the input assets.&#x20;

In other words, intent-based systems are focused on fulfilling the ***intent*** of the user, rather than how the outcome is achieved.

Mach is an optimistic-intents based system, that utilizes Solver Price Competition architecture, as outlined by the [CAKE framework.](https://frontier.tech/the-cake-framework)

<figure><img src="https://674683991-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FaIftfIHJQ0GtcT5l4WTG%2Fuploads%2FLILRO2H2tG7KKZbvQtTc%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=27de3450-0285-49ea-9dbe-ee58dbc9d36e" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>CAKE Framework</p></figcaption></figure>

**Solver Price Competition**

A Solver Price Competition involves sharing order information with all solvers. Solvers aim to incorporate the expected value (EV) generated by the intention of the order and provide it to users. The winning solver is selected based on maximizing user price improvement.<br>
