Glossary
Archive node
A node that stores all historical states of a blockchain between blocks.
ASTR
The native token of Astar. Used for dApp staking.
Ask!
An embedded domain-specific language (eDSL) for writing smart contracts based on AssemblyScript.
Bridge
A mechanism that allows the transfer of assets or data between two different blockchain networks.
Collator
A node that maintains a parachain by collecting parachain transactions and producing state transition proofs for the validators.
Cross-chain
Ability of different blockchain networks to communicate and exchange data or assets with each other, allowing for interoperability and enhancing the functionality and scalability of blockchain ecosystems.
DAO
Short for Decentralized Autonomous Organization, a blockchain-based organization that allows for decentralized decision-making and management by its members.
DApp
A generic term for a decentralized application, that is, one that runs as part of a distributed network as opposed to being run on a specific system or set of systems.
EVM
short for Ethereum Virtual Machine. A software environment that executes smart contracts on the Ethereum compatible blockchain networks.
H160
An Ethereum format address for Substrate-based blockchains.
HRMP
Short for Horizontal Relay-routed Message Passing. A precursor to the complete XCMP implementation, that mimics the same interface and semantics of XCMP. The plan is to retire HRMP once the implementation of XCMP is complete.
Ink!
An embedded domain-specific language (eDSL) for writing smart contracts based on Rust.
Layer 1
The underlying infrastructure of a blockchain network, which includes the block production mechanism, the data structure, and the rules for validating transactions.
Layer 2
Programs built on top of layer 1 such as smart contracts or solutions to improve scalability, reduce transaction costs, and enhance the functionality of the blockchain network.
Light client
A client that does not download the full blockchain, and instead downloads only block headers. Connects to full nodes to query data.
Mainnet
Short for "main network": the fully functional production chain that runs its own network.
Node
A device connected to a blockchain network that stores a copy of the blockchain ledger and participates in validating transactions and maintaining the network's security and integrity.
Pallet
A Substrate runtime module.
Parachain
A blockchain that meets several characteristics that allow it to work within the confines of the Polkadot Host. Also known as “parallelized chain”.
Polakdot
A heterogeneous, multi-chain network allowing various blockchains of different characteristics to perform arbitrary, cross-chain communication under shared security.
Relayer
A node that relays messages between different chains in Polkadot.
Rollup
A scaling solution that bundles multiple transactions into a single transaction to increase throughput and reduce fees on a network.
Sharding
Partition of a blockchain network that allows for parallel processing of transactions to increase scalability and network capacity.
Shiden
The "canary network" for Astar connected to Kusama, a canary network for Polkadot. It consists of an early-release, unaudited version of the Astar codebase. It is not a testnet.
Shibuya
A testnet for Shiden and Astar.
Smart Contract
A self-executing computer program that automatically enforces and executes the terms of an agreement between parties on a blockchain network.
SS58
Standardized format for encoding and decoding account addresses. It stands for Substrate 58, where 58 refers to the base-58 encoding scheme used to encode the address and is used to represent user accounts and public keys in Substrate-based blockchains.
Staking
Allocating tokens to a process with defined objective (e.g. security, elections etc.) and earn rewards on the network. In Astar used to nominate dApps to provide basic income to developers.
Substrate
A modular framework for building blockchains. Astar is built with Substrate.
Swanky Suite
A suite of tools for building Wasm smart contracts on Astar that simplifly compilation, deployment and testing.
Testnet
Short for "test network": an experimental network where testing and development takes place. Networks are often executed on a testnet before they are deployed to a mainnet.
Vesting
A mechanism where a certain amount of tokens is released to the owner gradually over a period of time, often used for incentivizing long-term commitments and discouraging short-term speculation.
Wallet
A program that allows one to store private keys and sign transactions for Astar or other blockchain networks.
Wasm
Also WebAssembly, a language-agnostic, binary instruction format for a stack-based virtual machine.
XC-20
A standard for cross-chain assets in Polkadot ecosystem with ERC-20 interface.
XCM
Short for Cross-Consensus Messaging, a messaging format and language used to communicate between consensus systems.
XVM
Short for Cross Virtual Machine, a pallet that provides interfaces for smart contracts that run on different virtual machines to interact with each other.
Zero-knowledge proof
A cryptographic protocol that allows one party to prove knowledge of a secret without revealing the secret itself.
Zombienet
A CLI tool to easily spawn ephemeral Substrate-based networks and perform tests against them.