Executive Summary: What Is an Application-Specific Blockchain (AppChain)?
In this article, I explain what application-specific blockchains (appchains) are, how they connect to a broader network for security while remaining specialized for their particular application.
Summary: Application-specific blockchains (appchains) are specialized layer-1 chains designed for a single application that connect to a broader layer-0 network for security and interoperability.
What are appchains:
- Blockchains built for a specific application
- Connect to a general layer-0 network
- Inherit security and scalability of layer-0
Benefits of appchains:
- Improved scalability
- Customization for developers
- Interoperability across ecosystem
- Fosters innovation
Blockchains using appchains:
- Cosmos has "zones" as appchains
- Polkadot uses "parachains" as appchains
Comparing appchains:
- More specialized than monolithic chains
- More autonomous than modular chains
- Don't rely on layer-1 like layer-2s
- Leverage layer-0 unlike sidechains
Popular appchains:
- Osmosis, Litentry, dYdX, Acala
Full article:
What Is an Application-Specific Blockchain (AppChain)? | CoinMarketCap
CoinMarketCap Alexandria takes a deep dive into appchains — blockchains that are designed to operate a specific application.
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