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Relay Chain
The security and coordination layer of Polkadot
What is Relay Chain?
The central chain in the Polkadot network responsible for securing all connected parachains and enabling cross-chain communication. The Relay Chain doesn't run smart contracts or applications itself, it's purely infrastructure. Validators stake DOT to secure the Relay Chain, and that security is shared across every parachain. Think of it as the foundation that makes the entire multi-chain architecture possible.
How it works
Key takeaways
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Core coordination layer of the network
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Validators secure all connected parachains
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Handles cross-chain message passing
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Real-world example
Polkadot's Relay Chain doesn't run smart contracts or DeFi. It validates blocks for all parachains, ensuring they share the same security guarantee.
