--- category: Basics description: Polkadot overview, core concepts, and getting started guides for new developers. page_count: 32 token_estimate: 5393 updated: '2026-06-25T12:38:13.291384+00:00' --- ## Blocks https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/blocks-transactions-fees/blocks.md Understand how blocks are produced, validated, and imported in Polkadot SDK-based blockchains, covering initialization, finalization, and authoring processes. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - What is a Block? `#what-is-a-block` - Block Production `#block-production` - Initialize Block `#initialize-block` - Finalize Block `#finalize-block` - Block Authoring and Import `#block-authoring-and-import` - Block Import Queue `#block-import-queue` - Additional Resources `#additional-resources` --- ## Chain Data https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/chain-data.md Learn how to expose and utilize chain data for blockchain applications. Discover runtime metadata, RPC APIs, and tools for efficient development. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Application Development `#application-development` - Understand Metadata `#understand-metadata` - Expose Runtime Information as Metadata `#expose-runtime-information-as-metadata` - Generate Metadata `#generate-metadata` - Retrieve Runtime Metadata `#retrieve-runtime-metadata` - Use Polkadot.js `#use-polkadotjs` - Use Curl `#use-curl` - Use Subxt `#use-subxt` - Client Applications and Metadata `#client-applications-and-metadata` - Metadata Format `#metadata-format` - Pallets `#pallets` - Extrinsic `#extrinsic` - Included RPC APIs `#included-rpc-apis` - Additional Resources `#additional-resources` --- ## Contract Deployment https://docs.polkadot.com/smart-contracts/for-eth-devs/contract-deployment.md Compare deployment flows for REVM and PVM-based smart contracts on the Polkadot Hub. Includes single-step REVM flows and PVM's two-step deployment model. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - REVM Deployment `#revm-deployment` - PVM Deployment `#pvm-deployment` - Standard Contract Deployment `#standard-contract-deployment` - Two-Step Deployment Model `#two-step-deployment-model` - Factory Pattern Considerations `#factory-pattern-considerations` - Migration Strategy for Factory Contracts `#migration-strategy-for-factory-contracts` - Architecture-Specific Limitations `#architecture-specific-limitations` - On-Chain Constructors `#on-chain-constructors` - Gas Estimation vs Actual Consumption `#gas-estimation-vs-actual-consumption` - Deployment Comparison `#deployment-comparison` - Conclusion `#conclusion` --- ## Create an Account https://docs.polkadot.com/chain-interactions/accounts/create-account.md Step-by-step guide to creating Polkadot accounts using different programming languages and libraries, including JavaScript, Python, and Rust examples. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Prerequisites `#prerequisites` - Use JavaScript/TypeScript `#use-javascripttypescript` - Python `#python` - Rust `#rust` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Cryptography https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/cryptography.md A concise guide to cryptography in blockchain, covering hash functions, encryption types, digital signatures, and elliptic curve applications. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Hash Functions `#hash-functions` - Key Properties of Hash Functions `#key-properties-of-hash-functions` - Blake2 `#blake2` - Types of Cryptography `#types-of-cryptography` - Symmetric Cryptography `#symmetric-cryptography` - Asymmetric Cryptography `#asymmetric-cryptography` - Trade-offs and Compromises `#trade-offs-and-compromises` - Digital Signatures `#digital-signatures` - Example of Creating a Digital Signature `#example-of-creating-a-digital-signature` - Elliptic Curve `#elliptic-curve` - Various Implementations `#various-implementations` --- ## Data Encoding https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/data-encoding.md SCALE codec enables fast, efficient data encoding, ideal for resource-constrained environments like Wasm, supporting custom types and compact encoding. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - SCALE Codec `#scale-codec` - Encode `#encode` - Decode `#decode` - CompactAs `#compactas` - HasCompact `#hascompact` - EncodeLike `#encodelike` - Data Types `#data-types` - Encode and Decode Rust Trait Implementations `#encode-and-decode-rust-trait-implementations` - SCALE Codec Libraries `#scale-codec-libraries` --- ## Deploy an ERC-20 Using Hardhat https://docs.polkadot.com/smart-contracts/cookbook/smart-contracts/deploy-erc20/erc20-hardhat.md Deploy an ERC-20 token on Polkadot Hub using PVM. This guide covers contract creation, compilation, deployment, and interaction via Hardhat. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Prerequisites `#prerequisites` - Set Up Your Project `#set-up-your-project` - Configure Hardhat `#configure-hardhat` - Compile the Contract `#compile-the-contract` - Test the Contract `#test-the-contract` - Deploy the Contract `#deploy-the-contract` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Deploy an ERC-20 Using Remix IDE https://docs.polkadot.com/smart-contracts/cookbook/smart-contracts/deploy-erc20/erc20-remix.md Deploy an ERC-20 token contract on Polkadot Hub. This guide covers contract creation, compilation, deployment, and interaction via the Remix IDE. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Prerequisites `#prerequisites` - Create Your Contract `#create-your-contract` - Compile the Contract `#compile-the-contract` - Deploy the Contract `#deploy-the-contract` - Interact with the Contract `#interact-with-the-contract` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Deploy an ERC-721 NFT Using Remix https://docs.polkadot.com/smart-contracts/cookbook/smart-contracts/deploy-nft/nft-remix.md Learn how to deploy an ERC-721 NFT contract to Polkadot Hub using Remix, a browser-based IDE for quick prototyping and learning. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Prerequisites `#prerequisites` - Create Your Contract `#create-your-contract` - Compile the Contract `#compile-the-contract` - Deploy the Contract `#deploy-the-contract` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Deploy an ERC-721 Using Hardhat https://docs.polkadot.com/smart-contracts/cookbook/smart-contracts/deploy-nft/nft-hardhat.md Learn how to deploy an ERC-721 NFT contract to Polkadot Hub using Hardhat, a comprehensive development environment with built-in deployment capabilities. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Prerequisites `#prerequisites` - Set Up Your Project `#set-up-your-project` - Configure Hardhat `#configure-hardhat` - Create the Contract `#create-the-contract` - Compile the Contract `#compile-the-contract` - Deploy the Contract `#deploy-the-contract` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Get Started with Parachain Development https://docs.polkadot.com/parachains/get-started.md Practical examples and tutorials for building and deploying Polkadot parachains, covering everything from launch to customization and cross-chain messaging. ### Sections - Quick Start Guides `#quick-start-guides` - Launch a Simple Parachain `#launch-a-simple-parachain` - Customize Your Runtime `#customize-your-runtime` - Pallet Development `#pallet-development` - Testing `#testing` - Runtime Upgrades and Maintenance `#runtime-upgrades-and-maintenance` - Interoperability `#interoperability` - Integrations `#integrations` - Additional Resources `#additional-resources` --- ## Get Started with Smart Contracts https://docs.polkadot.com/smart-contracts/get-started.md Practical examples for building and deploying smart contracts on Polkadot Hub, from connecting and tooling to deployment, integrations, and precompiles. ### Sections - Quick Starts `#quick-starts` - Build and Test Locally `#build-and-test-locally` - Ethereum Tool Differences on Polkadot EVM `#ethereum-tool-differences-on-polkadot-evm` - Ethereum Developer Resources `#ethereum-developer-resources` - Cookbook: Hands-on Tutorials `#cookbook-hands-on-tutorials` - Libraries `#libraries` - Integrations `#integrations` - Precompiles `#precompiles` --- ## Get Started with XCM https://docs.polkadot.com/parachains/interoperability/get-started.md Unlock blockchain interoperability with XCM — Polkadot's Cross-Consensus Messaging format for cross-chain interactions. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Messaging Format `#messaging-format` - The Four Principles of XCM `#the-four-principles-of-xcm` - The XCM Tech Stack `#the-xcm-tech-stack` - Core Functionalities of XCM `#core-functionalities-of-xcm` - XCM Example `#xcm-example` - Overview `#overview` --- ## Install Polkadot SDK https://docs.polkadot.com/parachains/install-polkadot-sdk.md Install all required Polkadot SDK dependencies, set up the SDK itself, and verify that it runs correctly on your machine. ### Sections - Install Dependencies: macOS `#install-dependencies-macos` - Before You Begin {: #before-you-begin-mac-os } `#before-you-begin-before-you-begin-mac-os` - Install Command Line Tools `#install-command-line-tools` - Install Homebrew `#install-homebrew` - Support for Apple Silicon `#support-for-apple-silicon` - Install Required Packages and Rust {: #install-required-packages-and-rust-mac-os } `#install-required-packages-and-rust-install-required-packages-and-rust-mac-os` - Install Dependencies: Linux `#install-dependencies-linux` - Before You Begin {: #before-you-begin-linux } `#before-you-begin-before-you-begin-linux` - Install Required Packages and Rust {: #install-required-packages-and-rust-linux } `#install-required-packages-and-rust-install-required-packages-and-rust-linux` - Install Dependencies: Windows (WSL) `#install-dependencies-windows-wsl` - Before You Begin {: #before-you-begin-windows-wls } `#before-you-begin-before-you-begin-windows-wls` - Set Up Windows Subsystem for Linux `#set-up-windows-subsystem-for-linux` - Install Required Packages and Rust {: #install-required-packages-and-rust-windows-wls } `#install-required-packages-and-rust-install-required-packages-and-rust-windows-wls` - Build the Polkadot SDK `#build-the-polkadot-sdk` - Clone the Polkadot SDK `#clone-the-polkadot-sdk` - Compile the Polkadot SDK `#compile-the-polkadot-sdk` - Verify the Build `#verify-the-build` - Optional: Run the Kitchensink Node `#optional-run-the-kitchensink-node` - Run the Kitchensink Node in Development Mode `#run-the-kitchensink-node-in-development-mode` - Interact with the Kitchensink Node `#interact-with-the-kitchensink-node` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Interoperability https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/interoperability.md Explore the importance of interoperability in the Polkadot ecosystem, covering XCM, bridges, and cross-chain communication. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Why Interoperability Matters `#why-interoperability-matters` - Key Mechanisms for Interoperability `#key-mechanisms-for-interoperability` - Cross-Consensus Messaging (XCM): The Backbone of Communication `#cross-consensus-messaging-xcm-the-backbone-of-communication` - Bridges: Connecting External Networks `#bridges-connecting-external-networks` - The Polkadot Advantage `#the-polkadot-advantage` - Looking Ahead `#looking-ahead` --- ## Networks https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/networks.md Explore Polkadot's networks, with Paseo as the official Polkadot TestNet for parachain and dApp development, plus Kusama and Westend for specialized use cases. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Network Overview `#network-overview` - Recommended Development Path `#recommended-development-path` - Alternative Networks `#alternative-networks` - Polkadot MainNet `#polkadot-mainnet` - Polkadot TestNet (Paseo) `#polkadot-testnet-paseo` - Other Networks `#other-networks` - Kusama Network `#kusama-network` - Westend `#westend` - Local Test Networks `#local-test-networks` - Zombienet `#zombienet` - Chopsticks `#chopsticks` --- ## Node and Runtime https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/node-and-runtime.md Learn how Polkadot SDK-based nodes function, how the client and runtime are separated, and how they communicate using SCALE-encoded data. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Architectural Principles `#architectural-principles` - Advantages of this Architecture `#advantages-of-this-architecture` - Node (Client) `#node-client` - Runtime `#runtime` - Characteristics `#characteristics` - Key Functions `#key-functions` - Communication Between Node and Runtime `#communication-between-node-and-runtime` - Runtime APIs `#runtime-apis` - Host Functions `#host-functions` --- ## On-Chain Governance Overview https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/governance.md Discover Polkadot’s cutting-edge OpenGov system, enabling transparent, decentralized decision-making through direct democracy and flexible governance tracks. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Governance Evolution `#governance-evolution` - OpenGov Key Features `#opengov-key-features` - Origins and Tracks `#origins-and-tracks` - Referendums `#referendums` - Vote on Referendums `#vote-on-referendums` - Delegate Voting Power `#delegate-voting-power` - Cancel a Referendum `#cancel-a-referendum` - Additional Resources `#additional-resources` --- ## Overview of FRAME https://docs.polkadot.com/parachains/customize-runtime.md Learn how Polkadot SDK’s FRAME framework simplifies blockchain development with modular pallets and support libraries for efficient runtime design. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Understanding Your Runtime `#understanding-your-runtime` - Runtime Architecture `#runtime-architecture` - Building Blocks: Pallets `#building-blocks-pallets` - Pre-Built Pallets vs. Custom Pallets `#pre-built-pallets-vs-custom-pallets` - Pallet Structure `#pallet-structure` - How Runtime Customization Works `#how-runtime-customization-works` - Starting Templates `#starting-templates` - Key Customization Scenarios `#key-customization-scenarios` --- ## Overview of the Polkadot Relay Chain https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/polkadot-hub/consensus-and-security/relay-chain.md Explore Polkadot's core architecture, including its multi-chain vision, shared security, and the DOT token's governance and staking roles. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Polkadot 1.0 `#polkadot-10` - High-Level Architecture `#high-level-architecture` - Polkadot's Additional Functionalities `#polkadots-additional-functionalities` - Polkadot's Resilience `#polkadots-resilience` - Polkadot's Blockspace `#polkadots-blockspace` - DOT Token `#dot-token` - Redenomination of DOT `#redenomination-of-dot` - The Planck Unit `#the-planck-unit` - Uses for DOT `#uses-for-dot` - JAM and the Road Ahead `#jam-and-the-road-ahead` --- ## Parachains Overview https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains.md Learn about parachains, specialized blockchains on Polkadot that gain shared security and interoperability. Discover how they work and the tools to build them. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Polkadot SDK: Parachain Architecture `#polkadot-sdk-parachain-architecture` - Substrate: The Foundation `#substrate-the-foundation` - FRAME: Building Blocks for Your Runtime `#frame-building-blocks-for-your-runtime` - Cumulus: Parachain-Specific Functionality `#cumulus-parachain-specific-functionality` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Polkadot Hub Overview https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/polkadot-hub.md Learn how Polkadot Hub serves as the entry point to Polkadot, providing access to smart contracts, staking, governance, identity management, and cross-ecosystem interoperability. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Polkadot Hub Capabilities `#polkadot-hub-capabilities` - Core Components `#core-components` - Smart Contracts `#smart-contracts` - Asset Management `#asset-management` - People Chain `#people-chain` - Bridge Hub `#bridge-hub` - Consensus & Security `#consensus-security` - Collectives & DAOs `#collectives-daos` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Polkadot SDK Accounts https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/accounts.md Learn about account structures, balances, and address formats in the Polkadot SDK, including how to manage lifecycle, references, and balances. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Account Data Structure `#account-data-structure` - Account `#account` - Account Info `#account-info` - Account Reference Counters `#account-reference-counters` - Account Balance Types `#account-balance-types` - Balance Types `#balance-types` - Locks `#locks` - Balance Types on Polkadot.js `#balance-types-on-polkadotjs` - Address Formats `#address-formats` - Basic Format `#basic-format` - Address Type `#address-type` - Address Length `#address-length` - Checksum Types `#checksum-types` - Validating Addresses `#validating-addresses` --- ## Randomness https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/randomness.md Explore the importance of randomness in PoS blockchains, focusing on Polkadot’s VRF-based approach to ensure fairness and security in validator selection. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - VRF `#vrf` - How VRF Works `#how-vrf-works` - RANDAO `#randao` - VDFs `#vdfs` - Additional Resources `#additional-resources` --- ## Register a Local Asset https://docs.polkadot.com/chain-interactions/token-operations/register-local-asset.md Learn how to register a local asset on Polkadot Hub, including prerequisites, deposits, and step-by-step instructions using Polkadot.js Apps. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Prerequisites `#prerequisites` - Register a Local Asset `#register-a-local-asset` - Verify Asset Registration `#verify-asset-registration` - Test Setup Environment `#test-setup-environment` --- ## Set Up the Polkadot SDK Parachain Template https://docs.polkadot.com/parachains/launch-a-parachain/set-up-the-parachain-template.md Learn how to set up and run the Polkadot SDK Parachain Template locally, creating a ready-to-customize foundation for your parachain. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Prerequisites `#prerequisites` - Polkadot SDK Utility Tools `#polkadot-sdk-utility-tools` - Clone the Template `#clone-the-template` - Explore the Project Structure `#explore-the-project-structure` - Compile the Runtime `#compile-the-runtime` - Verify the Build `#verify-the-build` - Run the Node Locally `#run-the-node-locally` - Interact with the Node `#interact-with-the-node` - Stop the Node `#stop-the-node` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Smart Contracts Cookbook https://docs.polkadot.com/smart-contracts/cookbook.md Explore our full collection of tutorials and guides to learn step-by-step how to build, deploy, and work with smart contracts on Polkadot. --- ## Smart Contracts Overview https://docs.polkadot.com/smart-contracts/overview.md Learn about smart contract development on Polkadot Hub with native PVM support, dual-VM execution, and seamless cross-chain capabilities. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Why Build on Polkadot Hub `#why-build-on-polkadot-hub` - Ethereum Compatibility `#ethereum-compatibility` - Performance Options `#performance-options` - Cross-VM & Cross-Chain Capabilities `#cross-vm-cross-chain-capabilities` - Other Smart Contract Environments `#other-smart-contract-environments` - Next Steps `#next-steps` --- ## Support https://docs.polkadot.com/get-support.md Start here to get developer support for Polkadot. Connect with the team, find help, and explore resources beyond the documentation. ### Sections - Support Channels `#support-channels` - Community Resources `#community-resources` - AI Resources `#ai-resources` --- ## Technical Reference Overview https://docs.polkadot.com/reference.md Learn about Polkadot's technical architecture, governance framework, parachain ecosystem, and the tools you need to build and interact with the network. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - Polkadot Hub `#polkadot-hub` - Parachains `#parachains` - On-Chain Governance `#on-chain-governance` - Glossary `#glossary` - Tools `#tools` - Where to Go Next `#where-to-go-next` --- ## Transactions https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/blocks-transactions-fees/transactions.md Learn how to construct, submit, and validate transactions in the Polkadot SDK, covering signed, unsigned, and inherent types of transactions. ### Sections - Introduction `#introduction` - What Is a Transaction? `#what-is-a-transaction` - Signed Transactions `#signed-transactions` - Unsigned Transactions `#unsigned-transactions` - Inherent Transactions `#inherent-transactions` - Transaction Formats `#transaction-formats` - Types of Transaction Formats `#types-of-transaction-formats` - Signed Transaction Data Structure `#signed-transaction-data-structure` - Signed Extensions `#signed-extensions` - Transaction Construction `#transaction-construction` - Construct a Signed Transaction `#construct-a-signed-transaction` - Transaction Encoding `#transaction-encoding` - Customize Transaction Construction `#customize-transaction-construction` - Lifecycle of a Transaction `#lifecycle-of-a-transaction` - Define Transaction Properties `#define-transaction-properties` - Process on a Block Authoring Node `#process-on-a-block-authoring-node` - Validate and Queue `#validate-and-queue` - Transaction Ordering and Priority `#transaction-ordering-and-priority` - Transaction Execution `#transaction-execution` - Transaction Mortality `#transaction-mortality` - Unique Identifiers for Extrinsics `#unique-identifiers-for-extrinsics` - Additional Resources `#additional-resources` --- ## Transactions Weights and Fees https://docs.polkadot.com/reference/parachains/blocks-transactions-fees/fees.md Overview of transaction weights and fees in Polkadot SDK chains, detailing how fees are calculated using a defined formula and runtime specifics. ### Sections - Introductions `#introductions` - How Fees are Calculated `#how-fees-are-calculated` - Using the Transaction Payment Pallet `#using-the-transaction-payment-pallet` - Understanding the Inclusion Fee `#understanding-the-inclusion-fee` - Accounts with an Insufficient Balance `#accounts-with-an-insufficient-balance` - Fee Multipliers `#fee-multipliers` - Transactions with Special Requirements `#transactions-with-special-requirements` - Default Weight Annotations `#default-weight-annotations` - Weights and Database Read/Write Operations `#weights-and-database-readwrite-operations` - Dispatch Classes `#dispatch-classes` - Dynamic Weights `#dynamic-weights` - Post Dispatch Weight Correction `#post-dispatch-weight-correction` - Custom Fees `#custom-fees` - Custom Weights `#custom-weights` - Additional Resources `#additional-resources`