Blockchain technology makes a firm shift in the way digital applications function by making them more secure, transparent, and decentralized. Decentralized applications run on blockchain networks without a controlling central authority, and it is not easy to be changed or hacked. However, there are so many blockchain networks available, and picking the right one for DApp development becomes important. In this article, we will look at some of the best blockchain networks based on their speed, security, and developer support.
The most used blockchain for DApp building is Ethereum. It was launched back in 2015, coupled with the visionary smart contract concept under which contracts are self-executed without the intervention of any middleman. It has a large community of developers and also several DApps already running on Ethereum. Despite these positives, it suffers from transaction issues related to speed and high gas fees, or transaction costs. To overcome this, Ethereum is upgrading itself to Ethereum 2.0 based on the proof-of-stake (PoS) system, which would enable faster, cheaper transactions.
Binance Smart Chain (BSC) is a blockchain developed by Binance, one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges. It is Ethereum compatible, meaning developers can use Ethereum's tools to build on BSC. The main advantage of BSC is low transaction fees and fast transactions, making it popular for DeFi and NFT projects. However, some people worry that BSC is not fully decentralized since Binance has a lot of control over the network.
Solana is known to be very fast. It incorporates a unique method called Proof of History along with Proof of Stake to process hundreds of thousands of transactions per second. This has made it one of the great options for game, finance, and NFT projects. Nonetheless, Solana has been vulnerable to network downtimes where it stops working temporarily, causing tension among developers.
Polygon is not a different blockchain, but a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum. It helps make Ethereum faster and decreases gas fees. Most developers prefer building DApps on Polygon since it supports Ethereum and assets are easily transferred between the two networks. It's heavily used for DeFi and gaming applications.
Avalanche is a fast transaction blockchain that has a very low cost. It features a special system to finalize transactions rapidly, which is excellent for DeFi applications and business use. Since Avalanche supports Ethereum smart contracts, developers can easily move their projects from Ethereum to Avalanche. Its ecosystem is growing, and it provides a developer-friendly environment.
Cardano is a blockchain that focuses on security, scalability, and sustainability. It uses a unique system called Ouroboros, which is energy-efficient and decentralized. Cardano's smart contract platform, Plutus, allows developers to create secure and scalable DApps. Although Cardano is still developing, its focus on research-based improvements makes it a promising option for the future.
Polkadot is a blockchain that is based on interoperability. This means that different blockchains can connect and share data. Its relay chain also has multiple parachains, which provide improvements in scalability and security. For this reason, Polkadot also attracts developers building cross-chain applications that should work across multiple blockchains.
Tezos is a blockchain that features a self-amending system, where it can evolve without hard forks, which involve major changes to the network, causing the network to split. It also features on-chain governance, where users will vote on updates. Tezos is generally used for financial applications and NFTs, especially business solutions, running on Liquid Proof-of-Stake (LPoS), energy-efficient and secure.
Choosing the best blockchain for building DApps depends on factors like speed, security, cost, and developer support. Ethereum remains the most popular choice, but networks like Solana, BSC, and Polygon offer better efficiency and lower costs. Meanwhile, Avalanche, Cardano, and Polkadot bring innovations that make them useful for specific needs. As blockchain technology evolves, developers will have more options to build creative and decentralized applications.