What is AppChain (App-specific blockchain)?

Application Chain is a blockchain designed to meet the needs of a single application. This article will explore what application chains are, introduce some advantages of application chains, compare application chains with Layer 1 blockchains, and list several examples of application chains.

What is application chain?

Application chain is a dedicated blockchain designed to achieve specific functions. Unlike general-purpose blockchains that provide multiple apps, app chains focus on a single app. In this way, AppChain can meet the needs of a specific App in terms of transaction processing, fees, smart contract functionality, and many other factors.

How does AppChain work?

The application chain operates based on the basic principles of blockchain technology, but will be adjusted according to the needs of different apps. Each app chain dedicates its resources to specific tasks, ensuring those resources are not used on unrelated apps.

The application chain can adopt a variety of consensus mechanisms, such as Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS), etc. These two mechanisms are most suitable for a single App. For example, an application chain designed for a financial app may choose a different consensus mechanism than an application chain designed for a supply chain management app.

In addition, smart contracts on the application chain can be specifically designed to meet the needs of a single application. This enables more complex contract logic, thereby increasing the functionality and efficiency of individual applications.

Generally speaking, a mature application chain architecture consists of the following five layers:

1.Network layer. This layer is responsible for managing peer-to-peer network functions, allowing nodes in the blockchain to communicate, exchange data, and participate in the transaction verification process.

2.Application layer. This layer is responsible for hosting applications running on the blockchain. It provides an interface for developers to build, deploy, and oversee the operation of decentralized applications (DApps).

3.Data layer. The data layer is responsible for organizing and storing blockchain information, including maintaining blockchain status, recording transaction details and processing smart contract data.

4.Consensus layer. This layer is responsible for implementing the consensus algorithm of the application chain. It can employ a variety of consensus algorithms, such as Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS).

5.Smart contract layer. This layer is responsible for facilitating the automation, verification and execution of smart contracts.

Advantages of application chain

Scalability

Application chain will focus on specific tasks or functions for resource allocation. This specialization can help solve the scalability challenges faced by general-purpose blockchains by increasing transaction throughput and reducing latency for individual apps.

Modularity

Different from general blockchains that usually adopt an integrated design, application chains often adopt a modular architecture. With a modular architecture, developers can flexibly tailor the functionality of the blockchain to the specific needs of an individual DApp.

Interoperability

The application chain aims to achieve interoperability and facilitate communication between different DApps. This way, users of one app can easily take advantage of the benefits of another app.

Comparison between Application Chain and Layer 1 Blockchain

Architecture

Given that the architecture of Application Chain can adapt to different blockchain layers, it can be built on top of the existing network or run independently. In contrast, Layer 1 blockchains are structured uniformly, with an established set of rules that network participants must adhere to, which limits their ability to adjust to the specific needs of individual DApps.

Consensus Algorithm

Application chains can adopt the consensus mechanism that best suits their specific use cases, which may vary depending on the base layer they are built on or whether they run autonomously. In contrast, Layer 1 blockchains are often limited by their inherent consensus models (such as PoW or PoS), which may be less adaptable to specific applications but provide a stable and unified method of reaching consensus.

Scalability

AppChain is designed to prioritize the scalability of a single App, thereby achieving high transaction throughput and low latency. In contrast, Layer 1 blockchains often face scalability issues as they need to accommodate multiple apps.

Comparison between application chain and side chain

While both application chains and side chains can communicate with the main chain, side chains are designed to perform various tasks. Therefore, unlike application chains, side chains have many uses and are not tailor-made for a specific App.

Application Chain Example

Polkadot Parachain

Polkadot Parachain is an independent blockchain that runs in parallel in the Polkadot ecosystem. They are connected to the Polkadot relay chain and enjoy its security guarantees. Parachains are identical to application chains and can have their own token economics, governance models, and functionality, allowing them to be tailored to the specific needs of individual apps.

Avalanche Subnet

Avalanche subnet refers to an independent blockchain created within the Avalanche network. They are able to develop app-specific blockchains, with each subnet powered by its own unique set of validators that can reach consensus on the state of a set of blockchains.

Cosmos Partition

The Cosmos Partition is connected to the Cosmos Hub as an independent blockchain and is equivalent to the application chain in the Cosmos ecosystem. They use the Inter-Chain Communication (IBC) protocol to transfer data between networks.

Conclusion

An application chain is a blockchain designed to meet the specific needs of a specific App. Its scalability and flexibility are higher than general blockchains. The application chain supports customization, and developers can choose specific parameters suitable for their apps. Therefore, App Chain helps improve the performance and efficiency of individual Apps while reducing the load on the general chain.

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