# Polkadot > Defy what's possible Polkadot is a blockchain platform that connects multiple chains through shared security, enabling cross-chain communication and interoperability. Polkadot is a blockchain platform that connects multiple chains through shared security and cross-chain messaging. Developers can build custom blockchains using the Polkadot SDK with access to shared validator security, while users can participate in on-chain governance through OpenGov using DOT tokens. The network uses a coretime marketplace for flexible blockspace allocation across connected chains. - Type: Network - Sector: Blockchain Platforms - Status: Active - Founded: 2020-05-01 - Profile: https://thegrid.id/profiles/polkadot ## Products - [Polkadot SDK](https://thegrid.id/profiles/polkadot): A modular blockchain development toolkit built on the Substrate framework for creating custom blockchains with access to Polkadot shared security. The SDK includes configurable consensus mechanisms, governance modules, runtime pallets, and tooling for building interoperable chains that connect to the Polkadot relay chain. (Developer Tooling, Live) - [Polkadot Protocol](https://thegrid.id/profiles/polkadot): A Layer 1 blockchain that provides shared security and cross-chain messaging for connected rollups and parachains. The relay chain coordinates validator consensus, validates transactions across the network, and allocates blockspace through a coretime marketplace that replaced fixed parachain slot auctions. (L1, Live, Main Product) ## Assets - [Polkadot (DOT)](https://thegrid.id/profiles/polkadot): DOT is the native token of Polkadot. It is used for paying transaction fees, staking to secure the network through nominated proof-of-stake, and participating in on-chain governance via OpenGov. DOT holders can purchase coretime for blockspace allocation and lock tokens for conviction-weighted voting on protocol referenda. (Native) ## Links - [Main](https://polkadot.com) - [Documentation](https://docs.polkadot.com) - [Forum](https://forum.polkadot.network) - [Terms of Service](https://docs.polkadot.com/terms-of-use) - [Privacy policy](https://docs.polkadot.com/privacy-policy) - [Whitepaper](https://assets.polkadot.network/Polkadot-lightpaper.pdf) - [Governance](https://polkadot.subsquare.io) - [Twitter / X](https://x.com/Polkadot) - [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Polkadot) - [GitHub](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot-sdk) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB7PbjuZLEba_znc7mEGNgw) - [Instagram](https://instagram.com/polkadotnetwork) - [Telegram](https://t.me/PolkadotOfficial) - [Discord](https://discord.gg/polkadot) - [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/company/polkadot-network) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/paritytech) - [Telegram](https://t.me/parity_technologies) - [Twitter / X](https://x.com/paritytech) ## Legal This data is provided under two licensing models. 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