Avalanche

Definition

Avalanche is a blockchain platform that aims to provide a scalable, secure, and efficient infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps) and custom blockchain networks. Launched by Ava Labs in 2020, Avalanche utilizes a novel consensus protocol known as Avalanche consensus, which allows for high throughput and near-instant finality of transactions, typically within seconds. This makes it one of the fastest smart contract platforms in the blockchain industry. Avalanche supports the creation of custom blockchains, known as subnets, that can operate independently with their own rules and functionalities, enabling a high degree of flexibility and customization. Additionally, its compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) allows developers to easily port their Ethereum dApps to the Avalanche network, leveraging its speed and cost efficiency while maintaining interoperability with the broader Ethereum ecosystem.