What is Chunk (NEAR)?

A part of every block generated by sharding on NEAR is referred to as a chunk. Chunks enable the system to scale horizontally by dividing the blockchain state into non-overlapping portions. It is a component of the data sharding system in the NEAR protocol.

Chunks have all transactions of a block, including results of completing those transactions as receipts.

In a Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm, anyone can partake as a validator. It is one of the reasons why the consensus is also referred to as an open Proof-of-Stake. This guarantees that it is open and permissionless, as well as secure. Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm is utilized by NEAR.

There are two main functions of chunks:

• Execution
• State storage

In the process of execution, a chunk processes transactions by utilizing the EVM. Besides, it keeps a transaction history including successful and failed transactions.

State storage, on the other hand, implies that a chunk retains a history of phases, as well as provides indexing and searching services.

Moreover, NEAR utilizes sharding as a way to balance the network. This implies that the speed depends on how many individuals are using it. NEAR is developed keeping sharding in mind throughout the whole process, and it is included in the fundamental protocol, which is different from a lot of other systems.

The maximum manageable decentralization at a performance level similar to centralized alternatives is achieved by a unique set of design tradeoffs. Sharding also assists in this regard since it parallelizes transactions across thousands of devices.

NEAR protocol has revealed “chunk-only producers” to make it possible for more individuals to participate in safeguarding as well as decentralizing the system. It is a process that operates on a node and it is qualified to issue blocks. Every shard is given a dedicated chunk-only producer (COP).

Shards are groups of computers or validators that complete transactions in a synchronized manner. Every one of them is processing a small portion of all transactions at the same time. This system is used by NEAR.

NEAR has three main advantages for developers:

• Compute Resources. CPU, RAM compute resources can be accessed by developers using the protocol to process their application.
• Scalability. Developers are able to scale their applications. This way the demand is matched as a result of state sharding. This type of machine learning might be utilized throughout a number of shards, along with decreasing the cost scaling.
• NEAR tokens. Users are able to transact on the platform using NEAR tokens. This enables opportunities for connecting with systems and applications developed on top of the protocol.

NEAR is a decentralized cloud computing network that makes it possible for developers to create applications on top of a shared infrastructure. This network is controlled by validators and stake-weighted community members, who are paid with NEAR tokens for their participation.