1. General-Purpose Smart Contract Platforms
Used to build decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi, NFTs, etc.
1. Ethereum – Most widely used smart contract platform; supports Solidity-based dApps.
2. Solana – High throughput and low fees, but with more centralized components.
3. Cardano – Peer-reviewed, research-driven platform focusing on scalability and sustainability.
4. Polkadot – Connects multiple blockchains using parachains and a central relay chain.
5. Avalanche – High-performance platform with customizable subnets.
2. Layer 2 Platforms (Scaling Ethereum)
1. Built on top of Ethereum to improve scalability and reduce fees.
2. Arbitrum – Optimistic rollup with strong developer support.
3. Optimism – Another optimistic rollup; known for simplicity and integration with Ethereum.
4. zkSync / Starknet / Polygon zkEVM – Use zero-knowledge rollups for faster, cheaper transactions.
3. Specialized Chains
Focused on specific industries or features.
1. Ripple (XRP Ledger) – Designed for cross-border payments.
2. Chainlink – Not a blockchain, but a decentralized oracle network used across many platforms.
3. Flow – Built for NFTs and gaming (e.g., NBA Top Shot).
4. Binance Smart Chain (BNB Chain) – EVM-compatible, with low fees and high speed.
4. Private Blockchains
Focused on business use cases with permissioned access.
1. Hyperledger Fabric – Modular and private; suited for supply chain, finance, and enterprise.
2. Quorum – Ethereum-based, enterprise-grade platform developed by JPMorgan.
3. Corda – Built by R3, tailored for financial institutions.
