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Near Protocol (NEAR)

Cryptocurrency

About

NEAR Protocol is a Layer 1 blockchain designed to support the development and deployment of decentralized applications (dApps). It leverages sharding technology, specifically Nightshade, to enhance scalability and achieve fast, low-cost transactions. This approach splits the blockchain into smaller segments called shards, allowing parallel processing of transactions and smart contracts. NEAR Protocol is a smart contract platform that supports various use cases, including decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and gaming. NEAR Protocol uses a Thresholded Proof-of-Stake (TPoS) consensus mechanism, which promotes decentralization and security. The native NEAR token is used for transaction fees, staking, and governance. The protocol also features human-readable account names and interoperability solutions like the Rainbow Bridge, facilitating interactions with other blockchains such as Ethereum. NEAR's focus on developer and user experience makes it a promising platform for building scalable and accessible blockchain applications.