# Table of Contents

- [Parachains | Polkadot Developer Docs](#parachains-polkadot-developer-docs)

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# Parachains | Polkadot Developer Docs

 

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Parachains[¶](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/#parachains "Permanent link")

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This section provides a complete guide to working with the Polkadot SDK, from getting started to long-term network maintenance. Discover how to create custom blockchains, test and deploy your parachains, and ensure their continued performance and reliability.

Building Parachains with the Polkadot SDK[¶](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/#building-parachains-with-the-polkadot-sdk "Permanent link")

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With the [Polkadot relay chain](https://docs.polkadot.com/polkadot-protocol/architecture/polkadot-chain/)
 handling security and consensus, parachain developers are free to focus on features such as asset management, governance, and cross-chain communication. The Polkadot SDK equips developers with the tools to build, deploy, and maintain efficient, scalable parachains.

Polkadot SDK’s FRAME framework provides developers with the tools to do the following:

*   **Customize parachain runtimes**: [Runtimes](https://docs.polkadot.com/polkadot-protocol/glossary/#runtime)
     are the core building blocks that define the logic and functionality of Polkadot SDK-based parachains and let developers customize the parameters, rules, and behaviors that shape their blockchain network.
*   **Develop new pallets**: Create custom modular pallets to define runtime behavior and achieve desired blockchain functionality.
*   **Add smart contract functionality**: Use specialized pallets to deploy and execute smart contracts, enhancing your chain's functionality and programmability.
*   **Test your build for a confident deployment**: Create a test environment that can simulate runtime and mock transaction execution.
*   **Deploy your blockchain for use**: Take your Polkadot SDK-based blockchain from a local environment to production.
*   **Maintain your network including monitoring and upgrades**: Runtimes can be upgraded through forkless runtime updates, enabling seamless evolution of the parachain.

New to parachain development? Start with the [Introduction to the Polkadot SDK](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/intro-polkadot-sdk/)
 to discover how this framework simplifies building custom parachains.

In This Section[¶](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/#in-this-section "Permanent link")

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[Introduction to Polkadot SDK\
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* * *\
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Learn about the Polkadot SDK, a robust developer toolkit for building custom blockchains. Explore its components and how it powers the Polkadot protocol.](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/intro-polkadot-sdk/)

[Install Polkadot SDK Dependencies\
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* * *\
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Install everything you need to begin working with Substrated-based blockchains and the Polkadot SDK, the framework for building blockchains.](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/install-polkadot-sdk/)

[Customize Your Parachain\
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* * *\
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Learn to build a custom parachain with Polkadot SDK's FRAME framework, which includes pallet development, testing, smart contracts, and runtime customization.](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/customize-parachain/)

[Testing\
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* * *\
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Explore comprehensive testing strategies for Polkadot SDK-based blockchains, from setting up test environments to verifying runtime and pallet interactions.](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/testing/)

[Deployment\
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* * *\
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Learn how to prepare your blockchain for deployment using the Polkadot SDK, including building deterministic Wasm runtimes and generating chain specifications.](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/deployment/)

[Maintenance\
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* * *\
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Learn how to maintain Polkadot SDK-based networks, covering runtime monitoring, upgrades, and storage migrations for optimal blockchain performance.](https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/parachains/maintenance/)

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