What is the Near protocol blockchain?
Near Protocol (a decentralized app platform) focuses on user and developer usability. NearProtocol, a competitor to Ethereum, is also smart contract capable and an proof of-stake blockchain (PoS).
Near uses Sharding technology to achieve scale. This is a key aspect that will be discussed later. NEAR is the native token and it’s used to store NEAR tokens on the Near crypto platform. NEAR tokenholders may also use tokens to stake in order to become transaction validators and contribute to network consensus.
Near was created by the NeaCollective. It is a community-run cloud computing system that hosts decentralized apps. Near was designed to be user-friendly and easy for developers.
What is the Near Protocol?
The crypto community has seen a boom in decentralized applications, which include DApps that offer everything from financial services to games. It has become clear that most blockchains still suffer from scalability.
Blockchains are often faced with the problem of scaling, particularly older ones like Ethereum and Bitcoin. These challenges stem mainly from blockchains’ inability to handle large transactions at high speeds and low costs.
Near is a project that seeks to solve this problem by creating a completely new blockchain with a different architecture. Near found a solution by implementing sharding.
Near can break down the blockchain into smaller, more manageable pieces by using the sharding strategy. This reduces network load and increases transaction throughput.
The Near protocol uses a PoS mechanism, as mentioned previously. To be eligible for participation, NEAR token holders who are interested in being transaction validators can stake their NEAR tokens. If token holders do not want to run a node, they can delegate their stakes to the validator.
Validators with higher stakes generally have more influence in the consensus process. Near validators are selected via an auction system. They are usually chosen at 12 hour intervals.
Near allows DApps to be created, just as Ethereum. Near’s cloud infrastructure makes this possible. It combines serverless computing with decentralized data storage. Nea uses hundreds of servers located around the world.
Near Protocol has unique features
Sharding strategy
In any blockchain, nodes have three primary functions: they process transactions, communicate valid transactions and complete blocks with one another, and store the history of transactions. These functions become more complex as a network becomes larger and more complicated to manage.
Nea employs a sharding strategy that allows the network’s ability to grow as more nodes join. Network nodes that are highly utilized split into multiple shards dynamically. These shards allow computing to be parallelized, which reduces the computational load on each node.
Nodes do not have to run all of the network code, as is the case for Bitcoin nodes. They can only run the code that is relevant to the shards. Near Protocol assumes that transactions will touch multiple Shards. This is the default behavior of most smart contracts.
Decentralization is the key
A network must be permissible to allow potential operators to join, in order to maintain true decentralization. This is not to encourage pooling but to be open to all.
Near employs threshold proof-of–stake, which is a staking method that is both fair and predictable. This discourages pooling by powerful validators and encourages large-scale participation among members of the network.
An approach that is user-first
Near Protocol follows a usability-first model, with a progressive security model. This allows developers to create an experience that is similar to web experiences.
Near recognizes the importance of usability. App developers will only create apps that are useful and easy to use. Near’s efforts to be user-centric offers users easy subscriptions, predictable pricing, easy onboarding, and familiar usage styles.
Governance
Near Protocol’s governance allows for rapid protocol improvement, while still providing helpful input and supervision towards community members to ensure protocol independence.
Near is committed to preserving community-led creativity by ensuring efficient execution, decision making, and adequate representation within its network.
Near is what are the projects?
Here are some popular Near: projects.
Mintbase
Mintbase makes it possible to sell Near nonfungible tokens. Assets can range from event tickets to crypto art. These assets can be mint on the platform as NFTs and then put them up for purchase via their NearNFT marketplace, or other NFT marketplaces.
Minters can make a smart contract to limit token transferability and protect themselves against fraud. Mintbase supports the creation of multiple digital assets unlike other platforms which focus only on one type.
Mintbase changed from Ethereum to Near, earning NEAR another point in the Near vs. Ethereum debate. The ridiculously high gas fees that Ethereum has to pay due to network congestion was the reason for this switch.
Mintbase quit Ethereum after store creation fees rose to hundreds dollars. The platform advised its users to wait until gas prices drop before they create their stores.
Paras
Paras was created to facilitate the exchange and validation of old collectible cards. Paras allows ownership to be verified via Near-by, fast and inexpensive transactions.
It’s a digital marketplace for cards built on Near. This marketplace helps collectors reduce the effort required to keep their collectibles in good condition. Access to the digital market for collectibles is also free for artists and collectors.
NPunks
Near Protocol’s version of successful projects such as CryptoPunks Tpunks and SolPunks is NPunks. In keeping with the original Punks project 10,000 unique NPunks will be given their own rare traits. There will be 111 bots, 9 aliens, 88 zombies and 24 apes in the collection.
Fair participation is guaranteed by offering everyone the opportunity to purchase a NPunk. The buyer’s identity is kept secret until the transaction is complete. Purchases are made randomly. After the NPunk has been minted, users can sell it on the secondary market.
The Near Protocol: Why Use It?
Near’s unique sharding technology, which allows for faster and more secure transactions at lower prices, is what draws users to it. Near is also a great choice for developers who want to create apps that are highly dynamic.
Also, Ethereum developers who want to create bridges between their applications to Near can use the layer-2 solutions. Near Protocol investors can add it to an investment portfolio and take advantage of Near’s unique scaling solution: sharding.
Near Protocol’s native asset is the NEAR token. It has many uses. Each token can be used in the following ways:
