Masterchain
The Masterchain is the backbone of the Venom blockchain. It is the network's base layer (i.e. the Layer-0 chain) that facilitates the coordination and communication among Workchains, Shardchains, and accounts (smart contracts).
The primary functions of the Masterchain are:
- Coordinate all layers of the protocol (Workchains and Shardchains) and smart contracts.
- Safety layer that provides a high-level security for all Workchains.
- Handle message routing.
- Store and distribute a Shardchain's shard configuration and its latest block hashes.
- Store and maintain the network configuration settings.
- Store a Workchain’s block-proof data.
- Store validator information about their stakes and election rounds.
With the Masterchain as a Layer-0 blockchain being integrated into the architecture of the network, Venom is able to host other blockchains. These chains can be launched on top of Venom’s infrastructure and can either run independent protocols (with their own native currencies and VM) or inherit the features of Venom’s Masterchain.
Venom launched with two chains, the Masterchain and a Workchain called “Basechain.” The Basechain is a Layer-1 Workchain designed to host dApps (decentralized applications) and to be used by developers, builders, and users.
The Masterchain is validated by a limited number of Validators. The selection of Masterchain validators is based on the number of staked $VENOM tokens. Only those validators with the highest stake are selected for the Masterchain. The rest of the validators are responsible for validating new Shardchain blocks.
A new block on Venom's Masterchain is generated approximately one second after the creation of a new block on a Shardchain. The reason for this is that the Masterchain needs to ensure all blocks are finalized which can only be done by including the hashes of all Shardchains.
