Definition
Near Protocol is a public, Layer 1 blockchain network and native asset designed to support decentralized applications through a scalable, developer-focused infrastructure. It uses a sharded architecture and a proof-of-stake–based security model, enabling smart contract deployment and transaction validation by a distributed set of validators who stake the native token to participate in network consensus and governance.
In Simple Terms
Near Protocol is a base blockchain and its native token that together form a platform for running decentralized apps. It splits the network into parts to handle more activity and relies on participants who lock up the token and run validating software to help secure the chain and support smart contracts.
Context and Usage
Near Protocol is typically discussed in the context of general-purpose Layer 1 blockchains that prioritize scalability and developer usability. It appears in conversations about sharding-based designs, proof-of-stake validator sets, and platforms that host smart contracts for DeFi, NFTs, and other on-chain applications. The term can refer both to the underlying protocol rules and to the ecosystem built around its native token.