Learn about Polkadot parachains

Polkadot is a layer-0 blockchain protocol, that enables layer 1 chains build on it and interact seamlessly with each other. Polkadot uses it's para-chains structure, allowing the various blockchains on it's network interact and share data with each other.
Unlike other blockchain networks like ethereum, sovereign blockchains on polkadot can run seamlessly together at scale.

Founded by Dr. Gavin Wood together with co-founders Robert Habermeier and Peter Czaban. Polkadot was developed to serve as a base layer network that connects several chains together allowing them process transactions in parallel and exchange data.

Gavin wood due to his Influence as ethereum co-founder, founder of parity technologies and creator of smart contract coding language solidity developed this network of blockchains and is accredited to have coined the term 'Web3'.

Web3 can be said to be a decentralized internet of blockchains, and Polkadot is laying the foundation for such. It acheives this using it's network of chains:

Parachains:

These are sovereign blockchains that have their own tokens. Parachains are utilized for their use cases.

Relay chains:

These are responsible for the
consensus and crosschain. Relay chains are the heart of Polkadot, providing network’s security, and ensuring interoperability.

Parathreads:

These are similar to parachains but with flexible connectivity based on an economical pay-as-you-go model.

Bridges:

These helps Polkadot shards connect and communicate with external
networks like Ethereum and special blockchains like that of Bitcoin.

Polkadot has a utility and governance token called DOT, used for staking and securing the network,also helps in facilitating network governance and bonding.
DOT has a circulating supply of 1,114,303,989 DOT coins. With a current price of $7.24 DOT is currently ranked 10th on the coinmarketcap crypto rankings and has a marketcap of $8.29 Billion. And listed on major exchanges like: Binance, Kucoin, Bybit etc.

Kusama (for testnets)

Kusama was developed by Polkadot, used for testing applications before lauching them live. It was produced to enable developers test ideas before deploying them to Polkadot. It serves as a platform for test-running applications.
Kusama has it's own governance token KSM, and is independent of Polkadot's governance.

Polkadot is serving as a base-layer for the building of different blockchains that are interconnected with each other and can share data together with ease, Laying the foundations for web3.

Website: https://Polkadot.network
Twitter:. https://twitter.com/Polkadot