Ever since the inception of computational logic (the backbone of computer systems), developers have been behind the scenes. A developer is also known as a programmer, coder or software engineer is someone who uses programming languages to create computer software. They write, test, debug and maintain applications. Even the crypto industry is built on the expertise of developers. However, with the rapid rise of the crypto industry, developers need to be quick to test, iterate, debug and deploy applications. In order to cater to this issue, projects in the crypto industry have stepped up to provide a testing environment to aid the developers. Kusama (KSM) is one such project that has done this for the Polkadot network. Let’s understand how it works!
What is Kusama (KSM)?
Kusama (KSM) is an early experimental version of Polkadot (DOT). It is a scalable network of specialised blockchains with nearly the same codebase as Polkadot. It is built using Substrate which is a type of software bundle used to develop blockchains. This network provides an experimental and developmental environment for developers who want to either quickly iterate on Kusama itself, or prepare for deployment on Polkadot. Thus, it acts as a sandbox for developers. This has reduced the entry barriers for lean startups that can turn into disruptors. The entire Kusama ecosystem is geared towards helping developers test, iterate and launch applications. Using the Kusama network to build your own parachain can offer the following benefits:
- Innovation: The network has access to the latest tech from Parity Technologies and Web3 Foundation. This tech can be used by developers to have an edge over others.
- Scalability: Kusama has sharded blockchains (meaning the large Kusama network is split into smaller portions). These sharded blockchains and open governance allow Kusama to offer scalable and future-proof infrastructure for businesses and marketplaces.
- Interoperability: The entire Kusama network is one sharded network that consists of multiple blockchains. This frees developers from working narrowly in siloes and allows them to work with multiple blockchains that are interoperable.
- Customization: The Kusama network is built using Substrate. Using Substrate developers from across the world can build their own specific blockchain and connect it to the Kusama network. This allows for customization in line with the requirement of the project the developer is working on.
How does Kusama work?
Kusama is essentially a canary network of Polkadot. A canary network is an operational blockchain with limited features (such as scare token supply) that is used to test features before deploying an application on the mainnet. As such, Kusama is a testing field for the Polkadot network. Further, it is also identical to the Polkadot network.
Kusama works on a shared model where parachains in the network have a state transition function. A state transition function essentially dictates how a machine (in this case a parachain) changes in response to an event. Participants can create their own parachains on the Kusama network. The logic of a new parachain needs to be compiled in order to connect to Kusama as a parachain. They can then test, iterate, debug and deploy their application on the Polkadot mainnet after testing them on the Kusama network.
Just like Polkadot, Kusama also has a relay chain that acts as the main chain of the system. Parachains propose new blocks of the transaction to the relay chain. Then, the validators check for availability and validity checks before being finalised.
KSM token: a snapshot
The KSM token is the native token of the Kusama network. KSM token holders can use their tokens to
- Become a validator and validate transactions in order to win rewards and secure the network.
- Launch their own parachain in order to test, iterate and deploy their applications.
- Pay for transactions or messaging on the network.
- Govern the network by voting on proposals.
- Nominate validators on the chain to a capped validator set.
- Power computation (testing their parachains).
Knowing what you know now about the KSM token, We are sure you are wondering, “How to buy Kusama (KSM)?”. Now, you can buy Kusama (KSM) with Zebpay.
Conclusion
The Kusama network is an experimental and developmental version of the Polkadot network. It allows users to launch their own parachain as a part of the relay chain. These parachains are filled with codes that can be tested and iterated in a Polkadot like environment. Kusama provides its users with an experimental field to test, debug, iterate and innovate in order to eventually deploy them on the Polkadot mainnet. The native token of the Kusama network is the KSM token which can be used to pay for transactions, messages or launching a parachain. Moreover, users can also become validators to secure the network and earn rewards or help in the governance of the network. You can now buy the KSM token on Zebpay crypto exchange platform!
