What Is Flow?

Flow is a layer one blockchain designed from the ground up for consumer apps and the digital assets that power them. The network runs on a Proof of Stake consensus mechanism with a unique "multi-role" architecture that solves the blockchain trilemma, balancing scalability, efficiency, and cost.

FLOW ($FLOW) is the native utility token that is used for:

• Fees for processing transactions and storing data.
• Buying, selling, and trading assets on Flow
• Staking and delegating to secure the network

Flow tools include:

• Cadence, a purpose-built smart contract programming language designed for consumer-grade applications
• Full EVM equivalence, allowing anything from Ethereum to work on Flow
• Protocol-level account abstraction and mobile support for onboarding new users
• Cross-chain interoperability with the wider web3 ecosystem
• Developer hub with comprehensive documentation and tools

What Makes Flow Unique?

Flow allows for massive, mainstream scale experiences at a low cost.The only blockchain designed from the ground up for consumer applications, the Flow enables innovative applications that aren’t possible on other networks.

• Consumer Focus: Over 45-million people have used a product on Flow, making it the home of consumer web3
• Multi-Role Architecture: A unique approach that solves the blockchain trilemma without compromising decentralization
• Brand Adoption: Trusted by major brands including NBA, NFL, Disney, Mattel, and LiveNation/Ticketmaster
• Developer Experience: Features Cadence, a next-gen smart contract language, and supports Solidity with full EVM equivalence
• Proven Track Record: Home to successful applications like NBA Top Shot, NFL ALL DAY, and Disney Pinnacle

The latest upgrade to Flow, Crescendo, launched on September 4th, 2024, bringing:

• Full EVM equivalence for access to Ethereum's liquidity and infrastructure
• Major performance improvements, including forward compatibility
• Enhanced developer tools and features

What Is The Technology Behind Flow?

Flow utilizes a Proof of Stake consensus mechanism with its innovative multi-role architecture. This design separates consensus nodes into distinct roles, each serving different purposes in the network's operation. This approach enables high throughput without sacrificing security or decentralization. Node operators contributing to the network's security and decentralization include Google Cloud, Coinbase, Ubisoft, T-Systems, and Samsung.

The architecture of Flow enables features like account linking, UI abstraction, and protocol-native account abstraction, enhancing user experience and security while integrating with existing applications and services.

Who Are The Founders of Flow?

Flow was designed by Dieter Shirley, the co-author of the ERC-721 standard (“the first NFT standard”) and co-creator of the industry's first "killer app" (CryptoKitties) in 2017. In 2018, Dieter Shirley, Roham Gharegzelou, and Mikhael Naayem co-founded Dapper Labs following the viral success of CryptoKitties. In 2019, Flow was introduced in a white paper to enable the blockchain's next wave of innovation. In 2020, Dapper Labs launched the Flow network, with NBA Top Shot becoming its first major success. In 2024, to ensure the Flow network's long-term vision, the Flow Foundation was established as a decentralized non-profit and a separate entity from Dapper Labs.

Related Pages:

For the latest on Flow, visit Flow.com.

For Flow developer resources, visit developers.flow.com.

For resources on Cadence, the next-gen smart contract language that Flow uses, visit cadence-lang.org.

To explore blocks and the latest information on $FLOW, visit flowscan.io.