Parachains are independent blockchains within the Polkadot network.
Parachains are independent Layer 1 blockchains within the Polkadot network. They allow Polkadot to scale by processing transactions across multiple chains simultaneously. Each parachain operates parallel to the central Polkadot relay chain (Layer 0), but relies on it for security, consensus, and cross-chain communication.
Parachains run independently of each other and are highly customizable. They allow projects to implement their own consensus mechanisms, governance structures, and token economies. The Polkadot relay chain acts like a central hub that ensures that all parachains within the network share the same security and consensus.
Each parachain is maintained by a network of collators who manage the parachain's state and generate proofs for validation by the relay chain’s validators. The relay chain’s job is to validate these proofs and keep the whole network consistent. This pooled security model allows the relay chain validators to protect the many different parachains from security threats. It lets parachains stay efficient while benefiting from the security of Polkadot’s entire network.
Some of the other advantages parachains offer include:
Although parachains are very effective at scaling the network, they aren’t the only option available for Web3 projects. If a project wants to secure a parachain for itself, it needs to maintain a dedicated core slot on the relay chain. This can be too costly for some projects to afford. Projects that only need to use a parachain occasionally or for a short while can opt to use on-demand parachains instead.
Formerly called parathreads, on-demand parachains are more flexible and cost-effective. They allow projects to temporarily participate in Polkadot’s network without committing to a full-time parachain slot.
On-demand parachains operate on a pay-per-use basis. They tap into the relay chain’s resources as needed, paying transaction fees in DOT based on their usage. They are ideal for projects that don’t need constant access to Polkadot’s resources or have unpredictable traffic and resource requirements.
Just like regular parachains, on-demand parachains still benefit from Polkadot’s shared security model. The main difference is that they get to leverage the Polkadot network’s features while being flexible enough to scale up or down as needed.
While both parachains and on-demand parachains offer access to Polkadot’s ecosystem, they differ in terms of usage, cost, and commitment. Parachains are suited for projects that need long-term access to the Polkadot network and complete customization and flexibility. On the other hand, on-demand parachains are best for projects that only need occasional access to Polkadot’s resources without the high costs of securing a permanent core slot.
Both parachains and on-demand parachains help make Polkadot scalable and interoperable. They are both crucial for the ecosystem to run smoothly and efficiently as it continues to grow.
