What is Klaytn?

Klaytn is a public blockchain platform developed by South Korean internet company, Kakao. It was designed to provide a scalable and user-friendly blockchain environment for decentralized applications (dApps) and services.

Klaytn uses a hybrid consensus algorithm that combines the benefits of both proof-of-work (PoW) and proof-of-stake (PoS). This hybrid approach allows Klaytn to process transactions faster and more efficiently, while still maintaining a high level of security.

In addition to its technical features, Klaytn also has a strong focus on usability and user experience. The platform includes various tools and services to make it easier for developers to build and deploy dApps, and it has a large user base through its parent company, Kakao.

What is the history of Klaytn?

In June 2019, Kakao Corporation’s GroundX (its blockchain subsidiary) launched Klaytn as a Layer 1 blockchain and metaverse solution platform. In 2021, Kakao formed the Klaytn Foundation to bring Klaytn to international users. 

One of Klaytn’s unique features is its governance structure. Under the Klaytn Foundation, Klaytn’s Governance Council, an alliance of DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) and multinational organizations, leads Klaytn’s development. 

How does Klaytn work?

Klaytn offers builders and participants a high-performance blockchain to build metaverse and gaming-related decentralized apps. Klaytn was built to have a theoretical speed of 4,000 transactions per second and a 1-second block finality. High throughput and fast finality (features that enable fast and effective transactions) are important in metaverse and gaming applications where quick transactions are essential.

Klaytn, like Ethereum, supports smart contracts written in Solidity, allowing for a smooth transition for Ethereum developers as well as porting of Solidity development documentation and tools.

Klaytn has three different networks — Core Cell Network (CCN), Endpoint Node Network (ENN), and Service Chain Network (SCN). CCN creates and disseminates blocks throughout the network. ENN creates transactions and processes data requests from service chains. SCN has side blockchains that are operated by dApps and are connected to the main chain through endpoint nodes. Developers can choose which network to operate on depending on their needs. 

What consensus mechanism does Klaytn use?

Klaytn uses Istanbul Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) as part of its hybrid consensus algorithm, which combines proof-of-work (PoW) and proof-of-stake (PoS).

In a PoW system, miners compete to solve complex mathematical problems in order to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain. This process requires a lot of computational power, and the miner who solves the problem first is rewarded with a certain amount of the cryptocurrency associated with the blockchain.

In a PoS system, on the other hand, validation of transactions is based on the amount of cryptocurrency that a user holds, rather than their computational power. Users who hold a large amount of the cryptocurrency are more likely to be chosen to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain, and they are rewarded with a share of the transaction fees for their work.

Klaytn's hybrid consensus algorithm combines the strengths of both PoW and PoS by using PoW for initial block validation and PoS for final block confirmation. This allows Klaytn to process transactions faster and more efficiently, while still maintaining a high level of security.

Istanbul Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) is a consensus algorithm that is used to ensure the integrity and consistency of data on a blockchain. It is designed to be resistant to "Byzantine faults," which are errors or malfunctions that can occur in a distributed system, such as a network of computers. Istanbul BFT is a consensus algorithm that allows nodes to come to a consensus on the state of the ledger, even if some nodes are experiencing errors or malfunctioning.

Istanbul BFT works by allowing nodes to communicate with each other and vote on the validity of transactions. If a sufficient number of nodes agree on the validity of a transaction, it is added to the ledger. If there is not enough agreement, the transaction is rejected. This process helps to ensure that only valid transactions are added to the ledger and that the ledger remains consistent and accurate.

Istanbul BFT is used by Ethereum and Klaytn. It is relatively fast and efficient, and it is resistant to a wide range of faults and errors.

In Klaytn’s updated Istanbul BFT, three nodes “talk” to each other to instantly verify and reach a consensus on the generated block. The three types of nodes are Consensus Nodes (CN), Proxy Nodes (PN), and Endpoint Nodes (EN). Core Cell Operators manage CNs and block generation.

What are Klaytn’s main uses?

Klaytn DApps

‍Decentralized apps (or DApps) are applications that run on a blockchain platform DApps on Klaytn span from exchange platforms (like KLAYswap) to singing content platforms (like Somesing). 

Klaytn DeFi

‍Decentralized Finance, often shortened to “DeFi,” is the term used to describe financial services that operate on blockchain technology. Common services include earning interest, borrowing, lending, and trading. DeFi enables trustless, permissionless, and fast transactions. While Klaytn is best known for its gaming NFTs and dApps, it is also used for DeFi. For example, both BINANCE Staking and Kai Protocol operate on Klaytn. 

Klaytn NFTs

‍Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are unique, digital items with blockchain-managed ownership. Examples of NFTs include digital art, collectibles, virtual reality items, crypto domain names, ownership records for physical items, and more. On Klaytn, NFTs are often gaming NFTs. Meta Toy DragonZ is an example of a Klaytn NFT. 

What are Klaytn NFTs?

Klaytn NFTs are NFTs that have been minted onto the Klaytn blockchain. Klaytn has become one of the go-to blockchains for gaming NFTs, with an ecosystem that caters to creators and developers. 

How do I buy and store Klay?

How do I buy Klay?

There are several ways to buy Klay, the cryptocurrency used on the Klaytn blockchain. You can’t buy Klay using OpenSea, but you can buy it via cryptocurrency exchange.

To buy Klay on an exchange, you will need to create an account, complete the required verification steps, and then deposit funds into your account using a supported payment method, such as a bank transfer or a credit card. You can then use your funds to buy Klay on the exchange.

Be sure to only buy Klay from reputable sources and always follow best practices for keeping your cryptocurrency safe.

How do I store Klay?

There are several options for storing Klay. Here are a few:

Kaikas Wallet: Kaikas Wallet is a cryptocurrency wallet developed by Kaikas Labs, a blockchain technology company based in Spain. It is a multi-currency wallet that supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Klay. Kaikas Wallet is compatible with OpenSea.

Hardware wallets: Hardware wallets are physical devices that store your cryptocurrency offline. To use a hardware wallet, you will need to transfer your Klay from an exchange or other online wallet to the hardware wallet using a special software or website.

Software wallets: A software wallet is a type of digital wallet that allows you to store, send, and receive cryptocurrencies. It is called a "software" wallet because it is a program that you install on your computer or mobile device.

Follow best practices like keeping your wallet software and hardware up to date, using strong and unique passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.

How do I interact with Klaytn NFTs?

To interact with Klaytn NFTs, you will need to use a cryptocurrency wallet that supports NFTs. Some popular wallets that support Klaytn NFTs include the Klaytn Wallet and the Kaikas Wallet.

Once you have a wallet that supports NFTs, you can interact with Klaytn NFTs in the following ways:

View and explore Klaytn NFTs: You can use your wallet to browse and explore different NFTs that are available on the Klaytn blockchain. You can view the details of each NFT, such as its name, description, and metadata, and you can see the current owner and other information about the NFT.

Buy and sell Klaytn NFTs: You can use your wallet to buy and sell NFTs on the Klaytn blockchain. To buy an NFT, you will need to have sufficient Klay, the cryptocurrency used on the Klaytn blockchain, in your wallet. To sell an NFT, you will need to list it for sale and wait for a buyer to make an offer.

Transfer Klaytn NFTs: You can use your wallet to transfer NFTs to other users. To transfer an NFT, you will need to have the private key for the NFT and the address of the recipient.

Manage Klaytn NFTs: You can use your wallet to manage your NFTs, including viewing your NFT collection, organizing your NFTs, and setting preferences for how you want to display your NFTs.

Is OpenSea compatible with Klaytn?

Yes! Users can use the Kaikas wallet browser extension to buy and sell Klaytn NFTs using OpenSea. Klaytn’s native token, Klay, can be used to pay transaction fees. You can explore Klaytn NFTs on OpenSea by using tools like our Trending chart and filtering for Klaytn.