From 1af36e372fdce52686495d46b3ba537611f74ed1 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: pretf00d Date: Mon, 1 Jun 2026 16:24:36 +0100 Subject: [PATCH] Update solvers.md Changed language per Odran's instructions. --- docs/cow-protocol/concepts/introduction/solvers.md | 8 +++++--- 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 3 deletions(-) diff --git a/docs/cow-protocol/concepts/introduction/solvers.md b/docs/cow-protocol/concepts/introduction/solvers.md index d363b3e7b..e37a5aee3 100644 --- a/docs/cow-protocol/concepts/introduction/solvers.md +++ b/docs/cow-protocol/concepts/introduction/solvers.md @@ -8,18 +8,20 @@ CoW Protocol delivers optimal price outcomes by leveraging an open solver compet ![Solvers](/img/concepts/solvers.png) -Solvers are bonded third parties that execute trades on behalf of users through an [intent-based delegated execution model](intents). +Solvers are independent, bonded participants that compete to construct valid settlement solutions for user-signed intents through CoW Protocol’s [intent-based delegated execution model](intents). Solvers are bonded third parties that execute trades on behalf of users through an Once a user submits an [intent](intents), the protocol groups it alongside other intents in a batch auction. As soon as a batch is "closed for orders", meaning that it stops considering new orders, the protocol runs a [competition](/cow-protocol/reference/core/auctions) where solvers submit solutions for the intents in the batch. -Whichever solver offers the best [solution](/cow-protocol/reference/core/auctions/the-problem#solution) for the batch auction (defined as the solver that provides the most surplus to user orders) gets to execute the orders. +The solver whose [solution](/cow-protocol/reference/core/auctions/the-problem#solution) generates the greatest surplus for the batch is selected to submit the winning settlement solution. -Solvers are compensated in COW tokens for settling batches, incentivizing them to compete to find better prices and win the right to execute user intents. +Solvers are compensated in COW tokens for successful settlement submissions, incentivizing them to compete to find better prices and submit valid solutions for user-signed intents. ## How Solvers Work Solvers can move tokens on behalf of the user using the `ERC-20` approvals that the user granted to the [vault relayer](/cow-protocol/reference/contracts/core/vault-relayer) contract. The [settlement](/cow-protocol/reference/contracts/core/settlement) contract, meanwhile, verifies the signature of the user's intent and ensures that execution happens according to the limit price and quantity specified by the user. +Solvers do not receive ERC-20 approvals from users. Token transfers occur through the protocol’s smart contracts, using the ERC-20 approvals that users grant to the [vault relayer](/cow-protocol/reference/contracts/core/vault-relayer) contract. The [settlement](/cow-protocol/reference/contracts/core/settlement) contract verifies each user’s signed intent and enforces the applicable limit price, quantity and settlement constraints. + Anyone with some DeFi knowledge and ability to code an optimizations algorithm can create a solver.