Polkadot is a 100% open-source project created to enable a decentralized
web and better society. Anyone can contribute.
If you'd like to play with Polkadot, you'll need to install and run the Parity Polkadot client.
Get the client at Parity’s Polkadot repo
Alexander is the current default public testnet for Polkadot. By default, any node running on the Alexander testnet will appear on the telemetry.polkadot.io
The testnet allows you to create accounts, propose governance referenda, stake testnet DOTs to become a validator or nominate other accounts as validators with your testnet DOTs.
Connect your running node to the main Polkadot user interface to play around.
Get testnet DOTS to stake by requesting them in the Polkadot chat, or you can get some via the Polkadot faucet
If you don’t want to run a node, you can still interact with the network by using the explorer
Before interacting with the testnet, please read this legal notice
From running a validator on Polkadot, to applying for a Web3 Foundation Grant, to joining the Polkadot Ambassador Program — there are many ways to engage with the Polkadot community.
1. Set up your machine
In addition to any usual CLI parameters that you run polkadot with, you'll need to add an extra two:
--validator This tells your node to try to validate when it sees itself as a listed authority on the network;--key <SEED> This provides your node with a secret key that lets it know whether it's a listed authority on the network, and, if it is, lets it sign statements to authorise the creation of new blocks.2. Apply to validate
New validators will be chosen every 24 hours on mainnet. You’ll need to create separate accounts for Controller, Session, and Stash keys on the Polkadot UI (https://polkadot.js.org/apps/#/accounts/create). These accounts will be used to represent and control the validator node you just set up.
Next you will need to get some DOTs from the faucet or by asking on Riot. Assuming you have more DOTs than the lowest staked validator or there is an open validator slot, you can register to be staked. A step-by-step guide demonstrating how to set up your accounts and bond your DOTs is available on the wiki.
Polkadot is a brand new network with a burgeoning ecosystem. The Web3 Foundation is sponsoring community development of software services, including:
Upcoming events
Want to host a Polkadot meetup in your city? Check out the resources and guides for hosting your own Polkadot meetup.
View All Polkadot Events