# paritytech/polkadot

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7,136 stars · 1,555 forks · Rust · gpl-3.0 · archived

## Links

- GitHub: https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot
- awesome-repositories: https://awesome-repositories.com/repository/paritytech-polkadot.md

## Topics

`blockchain` `client` `node` `parity` `polkadot` `rust`

## Description

Polkadot is a Substrate-based layer 0 blockchain and distributed ledger node software. It functions as a multi-chain runtime environment and cross-chain interoperability protocol designed to connect and secure multiple independent blockchain shards through a shared relay chain.

The system utilizes a relay-chain hub architecture to provide shared security and communication for parallel blockchains. It implements cross-chain message passing to route data and value between networks and uses a WebAssembly-based state transition for deterministic execution of blockchain logic.

The software covers blockchain node operation and network infrastructure, including the ability to operate network nodes and simulate local multi-node environments. It also includes capabilities for blockchain performance monitoring by exporting system metrics to external dashboards.

## Tags

### Software Engineering & Architecture

- [Relay-Chain Architectures](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/relay-chain-architectures.md) — Uses a central relay-chain hub architecture to provide shared security and communication for parallel blockchains.
- [Blockchain Finality Gadgets](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/blockchain-finality-gadgets.md) — Ships a voting-based finality mechanism that allows the network to reach agreement without synchronous communication.
- [Layer 0 Blockchains](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/layer-0-blockchains.md) — Acts as a foundational networking layer that connects and secures multiple independent blockchain shards through a shared relay chain.
- [Wasm-Based Execution](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/state-machine-logic/deterministic-state-transitions/wasm-based-execution.md) — Executes blockchain logic inside a WebAssembly virtual machine to ensure deterministic execution across hardware platforms.
- [Slot-Based Block Production](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/software-engineering-architecture/slot-based-block-production.md) — Implements a deterministic pseudo-random function to assign block production slots to network validators.

### Data & Databases

- [Distributed Ledger Nodes](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/data-databases/distributed-ledger-nodes.md) — Provides node software that validates state transitions and maintains a synchronized state across a decentralized network.
- [Proof-of-Stake Consensus](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/data-databases/proof-of-stake-delegation/proof-of-stake-consensus.md) — Secures the network by selecting validators based on their locked token holdings to agree on blocks.

### DevOps & Infrastructure

- [Blockchain Node Operation](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/blockchain-node-operation.md) — Provides the software necessary to run a node that connects to the network to maintain a shared ledger. ([source](https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/paritytech/polkadot@master/README.md))
- [Blockchain Nodes](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/blockchain-nodes.md) — Enables participation in decentralized networks as a full, archive, or light node to maintain a synchronized ledger.
- [Blockchain Network Simulators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/devops-infrastructure/sandboxed-runtimes/blockchain-network-simulators.md) — Provides isolated runtimes that simulate a blockchain network for testing consensus and transactions.

### Networking & Communication

- [Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocols](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/cross-chain-interoperability-protocols.md) — Implements a communication standard for transferring data and assets between different blockchain networks.
- [Cross-Chain Messaging Protocols](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/networking-communication/cross-chain-messaging-protocols.md) — Provides standardized protocols for coordinating state changes and routing messages between independent distributed ledgers.

### Programming Languages & Runtimes

- [Multi-Chain Runtimes](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/programming-languages-runtimes/multi-chain-runtimes.md) — Provides a framework for executing custom blockchain logic and state transitions across a coordinated network of parachains.

### Testing & Quality Assurance

- [Local Network Simulators](https://awesome-repositories.com/f/testing-quality-assurance/local-network-simulators.md) — Launches single or multi-node environments on a local machine to test network behavior and consensus algorithms. ([source](https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/paritytech/polkadot@master/README.md))