NEAR Protocol NEAR
Applications and network resources.
NEAR is a public blockchain for smart-contract applications. Its native token pays for network activity and storage.
What is NEAR Protocol?
NEAR runs applications using smart contracts. It divides network activity into parts called shards that can process work in parallel. The NEAR token pays transaction fees, covers stored data, and supports validator staking.
Applications and tokens on NEAR have their own risks. Staking and storage can reserve tokens, so not every token in an account is immediately available to transfer.
Why people pay attention
Applications
Smart contracts run programs and manage stored information.
Parallel processing
Shards share the work of processing network activity.
Network resources
NEAR has roles in transaction fees, storage, and staking.
Origins & development
NEAR’s mainnet began in April 2020 with an initial restricted phase. Its rollout reached unrestricted operation in October 2020.
Explore more
Related stories and learning resources will be added after editorial review.
Sources & further reading
Draft — editorial review pending