HISTORY OF KUSAMA
You may have heard of Kusama, but don’t know what it is. In this publication we will tell you everything about this network. Basically, Kusama (KSM) is Polkadot’s testnet, the blockchain protocol that connects multiple specialized blockchains into a single unified network.
We can consider Kusama as Polkadot’s bodyguard (DOT). Represents an experimental version of community research and development for the initial Polkadot protocol. Although we are talking about a simple testnet, it is more than that and has real economic value.
Kusama became Polkadot’s “Canarian network”. The Canarian network refers to a network that warns and detects any type of vulnerability in the Polkadot network. This dates back to many years ago when miners used canaries in coal mines to warn other toxic gases found in the mine. Kusama does the same function, to prevent accidents.
On July 16, 2019, Polkadot presented on his blog the first experimental version of his new protocol called Kusama. This protocol was designed for real economic conditions.
The main objective of this project is to allow network developers to build parachains and test the government among other functions that Polkadot offers in a real environment but without running any risk. According to the co-founder and creator of Polkadot, this new implementation is aimed at “new functionality, early and high risk projects”
HOW DOES KUSAMA WORK?
Kusama is in charge of detecting every problem that exists in the network and guaranteeing its correct operation. Thanks to this, the potential dangers that may appear can be registered and eliminated. Kusama has state-of-the-art technology from which innovative results are expected.
Although Kusama is based on the same Polkadot protocol, it is an unaudited version. We are not just talking about the testnet as such, but about a future test bed for new features that will be implemented in Polkadot through the first tests carried out by Kusama. Once a new feature is implemented, network users use it in Kusama by putting it to the test. When the correct operation of the updates is confirmed, they will be implemented in Polkadot. It basically acts as a barrier for faulty products, services or updates.
The Kusama network is configured by the builders and network maintainers. The builders are responsible for developing the network and include the equipment used for the process. These carry out the function of building parachutes, block explorers, bridges and threads that guarantee correct operation.
On the other hand, the maintainers of the network represent the nominators or governance actors and the validators.
TOKEN KSM
Kusama has its own native token called KSM in charge of powering the platform. This token is distributed in the same way that DOTs are distributed. This means that whoever had DOT during the sale owns an equal share in Kusama.
Like many native tokens, KSM works as an incentive for users. This is because the network will be owned by those who have KSM. The more tokens they have in possession, the more functionalities of the network they can use. With the token you can validate, nominate validators and pay to transmit interoperability messages.
Kusama use cases
Kusama, as the co-founder and creator of Polkadot said, “expect chaos.” It is the perfect network to start a project in development, to check its errors and to detect bugs. It has many use cases that contribute to the development of large projects, including:
Startups in development stages. In this way it will be possible to experiment and locate the faults that would make each project fail.
Experimenting with new applications.
Small applications that do not need high security and stability standards.
Pre-production space for the Polkadot network. The space to test any project that you want to take to Polkadot, making sure that it works properly.