// GLOSSARY -- BLOCKCHAIN & CRYPTO FUNDAMENTALS

What is Avalanche?

1 min read Updated

Avalanche is a Layer 1 blockchain platform using a novel consensus protocol that achieves sub-second finality, supporting the creation of custom subnets for specialized blockchain deployments.

WHY IT MATTERS

Avalanche's consensus protocol is genuinely novel — using repeated random sampling rather than leader-based block production. This achieves sub-second finality with thousands of validators, a unique tradeoff in blockchain design.

The Subnet architecture allows anyone to launch custom blockchains with their own validation rules, token economics, and virtual machines — while optionally inheriting Avalanche's security.

Avalanche has found particular traction in institutional and enterprise use cases, with tokenized assets and permissioned subnets. The C-Chain (EVM-compatible) provides standard DeFi functionality.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How fast is Avalanche?
Sub-second finality — transactions are finalized in under 1 second. This is significantly faster than Ethereum (~15 minutes for finality) and competitive with centralized systems.
What are Subnets?
Custom blockchain networks within Avalanche. Each subnet can define its own rules, virtual machine, and validator set. Use cases include gaming chains, permissioned institutional networks, and specialized DeFi.
Avalanche vs Ethereum?
Different approaches. Avalanche optimizes for fast finality and customizable subnets. Ethereum prioritizes decentralization and L2 scaling. Both have significant ecosystems.

FURTHER READING

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