# How it works APEX essentially functions as a non-custodial trustless orderbook on top of the Perpetual Protocol virtual Automated Market Maker (vAMM). This is known as a "best of both worlds" combination, whereby APEX users can enjoy: * The advantages of Perpetual Protocol's vAMM model, whereby liquidity can easily be bootstrapped for new markets and new markets are listed regularly. * Advanced order type functionality they are used to use on centralised exchanges. As a decentralised, non-custodial solution, APEX is open to anyone and it keeps your funds safe. --- # Agent Instructions: 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: ``` GET https://docs.apex.win/apex-docs/how-apex-works.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. 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.