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
Westend is the current testnet for Polkadot. By default, any node running on the Westend testnet will appear on telemetry.polkadot.io
For details on Westend and other networks in the Polkadot ecosystem, see the Polkadot Wiki
The testnet allows you to create accounts, propose governance referenda, stake testnet DOT to become a validator or nominate other accounts as validators with your testnet DOT.
Connect your running node to the main Polkadot user interface to play around.
Get testnet DOT to stake by following these instructions on the Polkadot Wiki
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.
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.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 DOT from the faucet or by asking on Element. Assuming you have more DOT 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 DOT is available on the wiki.
Web3 Foundation provides grants to steward research and development of Polkadot and the Web3 tech stack. The program funds work on runtime modules and parachains, development tools, UI, protocol integrations, maintenance, and more.
Learn more
Upcoming events
Want to host a Polkadot meetup in your city? Check out the resources and guides for hosting your own Polkadot meetup.
Host a Polkadot Meetup
