Moonbeam is a Layer 1, Ethereum-compatible ecosystem running on Polkadot. The Moonbeam platform provides not just an EVM implementation, replete with Web3 functionality similar to that of Ethereum but also several additional features, including on-chain governance, staking, and cross-chain capabilities.
Moonbeam allows developers to deploy Ethereum’s Solidity and Vyper-based smart contracts on the Polkadot environment seamlessly, allowing Ethereum-based dApps to extend into the cross-chain ecosystem. As Moonbeam mirrors Ethereum's Web3 RPC accounts, developers can also connect existing tools and dApp front-ends from Ethereum via Moonbeam.
The Moonbeam network exists as a highly specialized parachain within Polkadot’s interconnected network. What it offers is an ecosystem that can support multiple leading digital assets - from GLMR and DOT to bridged assets like Bitcoin and even Ethereum’s ERC-20 tokens. Where Moonbeam truly shines is in taking the base Ethereum feature set and adding benefits of improved scalability and far lower gas fees.
Glimmer (GLMR) is the native digital asset of the platform and is often referred to as Moonbeam crypto or token. It serves as the utility token of Moonbeam, which is deployed as a relay chain on Polkadot, and on Moonriver, a relay chain of Polkadot’s sister network Kusama.
