Buy Astar (ASTR)

Astar (formerly known as Plasm) is a multi-chain smart contract platform that runs on the Polkadot Network. The platform is designed to enable interoperability between different blockchains and provides a reliable and scalable infrastructure for decentralized applications (dApps). Astar solves the scalability and interoperability problem by using a two-layer system consisting of a Polkadot-based Relayer Chain and an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) layer.

The Relayer Chain provides cross-chain interoperability, data management, and transaction verification, meaning that Astar can connect different blockchains and exchange data and assets between them. The EVM layer provides an Ethereum-compatible environment, allowing developers to easily build and deploy smart contracts. This makes the platform accessible to a large number of developers who are familiar with Ethereum’s Solidity programming language.

A key component of Astar’s technology is the Optimistic Virtual Machine (OVM) module. This is a layer 2 solution that executes smart contracts off-chain and brings and stores the results on-chain, reducing the load on the main blockchain and improving scalability and transaction speed. This allows dApps to operate more efficiently without the usual limitations of congestion and high fees.

Astar users benefit from a flexible and future-proof platform. The ability to use multiple blockchains and virtual machines such as the Ethereum Virtual Machine and WebAssembly (Wasm) provides great flexibility and scalability. Developers can therefore build complex and diverse applications that are able to work with different blockchain networks.

The ASTR token plays an important role in the Astar ecosystem and is used for dApp staking, payment of transaction fees, and on-chain governance. Astar has also established collaborations and partnerships, including with Toyota and Sony, to explore and support the potential of Web3 applications. These collaborations help expand the Astar ecosystem and attract new users and developers.

Who are the founders of Astar?

Astar Network was founded by Sota Watanabe, a well-known name in the blockchain space with a technical background. He launched the platform to improve the interoperability and scalability of blockchains. Astar is run by a dedicated team of over 30 professionals, focused on further development and growth of the platform. Watanabe’s experience and vision have contributed to Astar’s rapid rise as a major player in the Polkadot ecosystem.

Astar has several features and use cases, including the ability to be used to:

• Create DeFi applications: Developers can use Astar to build decentralized financial applications that run on multiple blockchains, creating a decentralized and interoperable ecosystem.
• Develop gaming and NFT Platforms: With Astar’s OVM module and multi-chain support, developers can build gaming and NFT applications, enhancing the trading and ownership of digital assets.
• Cross-chain data exchange: It is possible to implement secure and efficient data exchange between different blockchains within the Polkadot ecosystem using Astar's Relayer Chain.
• Deploy smart contracts: EVM and Wasm compatibility allows developers to write and deploy smart contracts in popular programming languages such as Solidity and Rust.
• dApp staking: Users can support their favorite dApps and earn rewards by staking ASTR, promoting the growth of the Astar ecosystem.

Astar Network provides a strong and efficient infrastructure for developing and deploying dApps. Its technical architecture consists of multiple layers that work together to create a scalable and interoperable platform.

Polkadot-based Relayer Chain

The foundation of Astar's infrastructure is the Polkadot-based Relayer Chain. This blockchain is responsible for cross-chain interoperability, data storage, and transaction verification. By leveraging Polkadot's Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS) consensus mechanism, Astar provides a secure and decentralized environment for managing different blockchains.

Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) layer

Astar’s EVM layer provides an Ethereum-compatible environment, allowing developers to easily build and deploy smart contracts. This makes the platform accessible to a wide range of developers familiar with Solidity, Ethereum’s programming language. The EVM layer ensures seamless integration of Ethereum-based applications within the Astar ecosystem.

Optimistic Virtual Machine (OVM) module

To improve the efficiency of smart contract execution, Astar has implemented the Optimistic Virtual Machine (OVM) module. This layer 2 solution executes smart contracts off-chain and then brings the results on-chain. This reduces the load on the main blockchain, improves scalability, and increases transaction speed. The OVM module makes it possible to build more complex applications without the usual limitations of congestion and high costs.

Layer 2 zkEVM

In addition to the OVM module, Astar also provides a layer 2 zkEVM built with Polygon CDK technology. This solution uses zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to efficiently execute Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. The zkEVM not only improves scalability, but also increases privacy, which is essential for sensitive applications and transactions.

As a native token of Astar, ASTR is primarily used for transaction fees, staking, and governance. By staking ASTR tokens, users can support their favorite dApps and earn rewards, encouraging growth and engagement within the ecosystem. Additionally, ASTR tokens are essential for conducting on-chain transactions, where a portion of the transaction fees are burned and a portion is deposited with the collator, contributing to network maintenance.

Token holders can also use their ASTR to vote on important proposals that will determine the future of the network. This decentralized governance model ensures that the community has a direct influence on the development and direction of Astar Network.

The maximum supply is set at 7 billion ASTR tokens. Astar Network uses an inflationary token model, where the total supply of ASTR tokens increases over time through block rewards.

Staking ASTR is a simple process that allows users to earn rewards while supporting their favorite dApps. You can stake ASTR via the Astar Portal, where you connect an external wallet to the platform, making sure you have enough ASTR tokens in your wallet. You can purchase ASTR from Bitvavo and then stake via an external wallet on the Astar Portal.

Select the dApp you wish to support on the platform, for example a project you trust or find interesting, then decide how many ASTR tokens you want to stake and confirm the transaction. Your tokens will now be staked and you will start earning rewards based on the number of staked tokens and the performance of the dApp. These rewards will be automatically paid into your connected wallet.

Astar stands out in the world of blockchain and crypto with the following unique features and functionalities:

• Multi-blockchain support: Astar supports various blockchains and virtual machines, such as Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and WebAssembly (Wasm). This allows developers to easily build various applications.
• Optimistic Virtual Machine (OVM) module: The OVM module executes smart contracts off-chain and brings the results on-chain, which greatly improves the scalability and efficiency of the network.
• Layer 2 zkEVM: Built on Polygon CDK technology, Astar leverages zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to efficiently and privately execute Ethereum-compatible smart contracts, contributing to enhanced privacy and scalability.
• dApp staking: Astar's unique feature is its dApp staking mechanism, where users can stake ASTR tokens to support their favorite decentralized applications and earn rewards.
• Cross-chain interoperability: Astar's Polkadot-based Relayer Chain enables seamless cross-chain interoperability, allowing different blockchains to communicate and collaborate efficiently.

You can purchase Astar (ASTR) at Bitvavo. Our platform is suitable for both new and experienced traders. Simply follow these steps to buy ASTR tokens via our website or smartphone app:

1. Log in to your Bitvavo account or register a new account.
2. Deposit money into your account by clicking "Deposit".
3. Go to the Astar (ASTR) buying page.
4. Enter the amount in euros you wish to spend or the number of ASTR tokens you want to buy and click "Buy".

After purchase, your ASTR tokens will be added automatically to your Bitvavo account, where you can easily manage and trade them. You can also easily sell your ASTR coins from your Bitvavo account, allowing you to quickly respond to market and price changes.

You can safely store your ASTR tokens in your Bitvavo account. Bitvavo stores the majority of assets in cold storage, which means they are stored offline for extra security. For extra protection of your account, we recommend enabling two-factor authentication (2FA).

There are several software and hardware wallets that support ASTR. After purchase, you can easily transfer your ASTR tokens to an external wallet by linking the wallet address to your Bitvavo account. This gives you full control over your cryptocurrencies and increases the security of your digital assets.