Near protocol
A community-run platform for cloud computing, NEAR Protocol is a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain enabling smart contracts. The NEAR Collective built NEAR intending to host decentralized applications (DApps), and the blockchain platform aims to compete with Ethereum and other leading smart contract blockchains, including EOS and Polkadot. Transaction fees and storage are paid with NEAR's native token, also known as NEAR. Additionally, NEAR tokens can be staked by token holders who verify transactions and help achieve consensus on the NEAR network
A key goal of the NEAR Protocol is to create a user-friendly and developer-friendly platform. Several features have been implemented by NEAR that meet this mission, including human-readable account names, cryptographic wallet addresses, and the ability for new users to interact with DApps and smart contracts without requiring a wallet.
The NEAR protocol powers projects such as Mintbase, which mints non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and Flux, which allows developers to create markets around assets, commodities, and real-world events.