Polkadot (DOT) is a cryptocurrency and blockchain platform that aims to solve one of the main challenges of the current blockchain ecosystem: interoperability. It was created by Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum, and its main proposal is to allow different blockchains to communicate and interact with each other in a fluid way.
Interoperability between blockchains:
Polkadot allows different blockchains to exchange data and assets efficiently and without the need for intermediaries. This is done through a central network called Relay Chain, which connects different blockchains (called parachains) in an interconnected ecosystem. This is especially important for integrating multiple platforms and enabling the transfer of value and information between them.
Relay Chain and Parachains:
Relay Chain: The Relay Chain is Polkadot's main chain. It coordinates the network, ensuring security and interoperability between the different parachains.
Parachains: These are independent blockchains that can be created to run specific applications. They connect to the Relay Chain, allowing them to benefit from the security and scalability of the Polkadot network. Each parachain can have its own rules and functionality, but still communicate with the others securely.
Scalability
Polkadot is designed to be more scalable than many existing blockchains, such as Ethereum. Instead of a single chain processing all transactions, Polkadot distributes traffic across multiple parachains, which allows more transactions to be processed simultaneously. This improves the efficiency of the network.