A blockchain platform is a software infrastructure that enables the creation and management of decentralized applications, dApps, smart contracts and other digital assets. These platforms are based on blockchain technology, which is a distributed and secure database consisting of a chain of blocks, where each block contains information about transactions and other data. In this review, we will take a look at the most popular ones.

Ethereum

Ethereum is a decentralized platform that allows you to create smart contracts and decentralized dApps. It is the second most capitalized cryptocurrency after Bitcoin.

Features:

• Ability to create smart contracts;
• support for different tokens, e.g. ERC-20, ERC-72;
• transition to Ethereum 2.0 with Proof of Stake.

Applications: dApps, DeFi, NFT.

Binance Smart Chain

A blockchain platform created by the largest cryptocurrency exchange Binance. It offers support for smart contracts and is considered one of the main alternatives to Ethereum.

Features:

• fast transaction times;
• low fees;
• Ethereum compatibility.

Applications: dApps, DeFi, NFT, bridges between blockchains.

Solana

Solana is a high-performance blockchain platform that promises fast and cheap transactions. It aims to scale without sacrificing decentralization.

Features:

• high throughput of up to 65,000 transactions per second;
• low fees;
• use of Proof of History consensus algorithm.

Applications: DeFi, NFT, gamification, decentralized applications.

Polkadot

Polkadot is a blockchain platform that connects multiple chains into a single network, allowing them to interact with each other. It was designed to improve interoperability and scalability.

Features:

• multi-chain architecture, parachains;
• Interoperability between different blockchains;
• scalability;
• security.

Applications: dApps, DeFi, internetworking.

Cardano

A blockchain platform developed with a scientific approach and based on evidence. It aims to create a more secure and scalable network for smart contracts.

Features:

• Use of a Proof of Stake algorithm called Ouroboros;
• attention to security and scalability;
• multi-layer architecture.

Applications: dApps, DeFi, supply chain management, identity management.

Avalanche

Avalanche is a platform focused on building blockchains and dApps with high scalability and performance.

Features:

• fast transaction confirmations, less than one second;
• support for creating different blockchains;
• low fees.

Applications: DeFi, NFT, institutional applications, dApps.

Tezos

A platform that focuses on self-renewal through a voting mechanism. This avoids hard forks and improves the system over time.

Features:

• self-updating platform;
• use of Liquid Proof of Stake;
• Strong focus on formal verification of smart contracts.

Applications: dApps, DeFi, NFT, governance.