--- updatedAt: 2026-05-13T16:13:59.000Z --- Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.blockdaemon.com/llms.txt. Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. Append .md to any documentation page URL to get its markdown version. # Substrate Polkadot is a layer-0 protocol and multichain network designed for the future of Web3. **Substrate** is the blockchain SDK used to build the parachains that form the Polkadot network. Developed by [Parity Technologies](https://www.parity.io/), Substrate allows the creation of specialized blockchains with high performance, flexibility, and security. ## What is Substrate? Substrate powers Polkadot and its connected blockchains, enabling the creation of custom chains. Substrate-based chains are easy to integrate into Polkadot or Kusama to become a parachain or parathread, with Polkadot providing security and cross-chain communication. > The name "Substrate" reflects its purpose: serving as the foundational layer for blockchain development. ## Smart Contracts on Polkadot Substrate supports smart contracts via its **[contracts pallet](https://docs.substrate.io/reference/frame-pallets/)**, using the **ink!** language (Rust-based). These contracts are [compiled](https://substrate.dev/docs/en/knowledgebase/advanced/executor) into [WebAssembly (Wasm)](https://webassembly.org/) for efficiency and portability. ### What is a Substrate Pallet? Substrate’s [FRAME](https://substrate.dev/docs/en/knowledgebase/runtime/frame) (Framework for Runtime Aggregation of Modularized Entities) runtime system allows developers to create blockchain-specific logic using pre-built modules called **pallets**. These pallets act as building blocks for features like governance, treasury, or assets. Developers can also create custom pallets, making Substrate both flexible and robust. ## 👋 Need Help? Contact us through [email](mailto:support@blockdaemon.com) or our [support page](https://www.blockdaemon.com/support) for any issues, bugs, or assistance you may need.