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Near Protocol

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description Near Protocol Overview

NEAR Protocol is designed to be a user-friendly and highly scalable Layer 1. It utilizes 'Nightshade' sharding, which allows the network to split data and execution across multiple shards simultaneously. NEAR focuses on abstracting away the complexities of blockchain technology from the end-user, aiming for a seamless web experience. Its developer tools are robust, and it supports both Rust and AssemblyScript, making it an attractive choice for developers looking for high performance and ease of use.

help Near Protocol FAQ

What makes Near Protocol different from Ethereum?

Near Protocol uses a unique sharding technology called Nightshade, which allows the network to process transactions in parallel rather than sequentially. This design drastically lowers transaction fees and increases throughput compared to Ethereum's base layer, while still supporting smart contracts.

Do I need to buy a full token to start using Near Protocol?

No, Near Protocol focuses on user-friendly account names instead of complex crypto wallets, and its gas fees are typically fractions of a cent. The network also utilizes wrapped tokens and bridge integrations to make transferring assets from other chains much easier.

Which programming language is used to build smart contracts on Near?

Developers can build decentralized applications on Near Protocol using Rust or AssemblyScript. This makes it highly accessible for traditional web developers who already know these languages, bypassing the need to learn Ethereum's Solidity.

Who actually created Near Protocol?

Near Protocol was co-founded by Illia Polosukhin and Alexander Skidanov, who initially formed a machine learning project called Near.ai in 2018. They pivoted to blockchain development, officially launching the mainnet in 2020 after raising significant venture capital.

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