Movement DocsWhat is Movement L1
Learn about Movement L1 components and capabilities
Movement L1 is a native Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for the Move programming language and virtual machine. Unlike sidechains or Layer 2 solutions, Movement L1 operates as an independent blockchain with its own consensus mechanism and validator set.
Core Components
Native Move Virtual Machine (MoveVM)
Movement L1 runs the Move Virtual Machine natively, providing direct Move execution where smart contracts execute without translation or adaptation layers. The platform offers full support for Move's resource-oriented programming model with optimized performance through direct bytecode execution for maximum efficiency. Built-in type safety provides compile-time guarantees for asset safety and program correctness.
Consensus and Validation
Movement L1 employs a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism for energy-efficient validation with native staking. A decentralized validator network secures the network, while fast finality ensures sub-second transaction finality for optimal user experience. The system features Byzantine fault tolerance, providing robust consensus resistant to malicious actors.
Native Token Economics
The MOVE token serves as the native token for transaction fees, staking, and governance. Efficient gas metering provides resource pricing for computational operations, while staking rewards incentivize validators and delegators to earn rewards for network security. Token holders participate in protocol governance, ensuring decentralized decision-making.
Key Advantages
Developer Experience
Movement L1 provides a purpose-built Move language designed specifically for digital assets and DeFi applications. Developers benefit from comprehensive development tools and libraries, along with built-in testing and simulation capabilities. Extensive guides and API references ensure developers have the resources they need to build effectively.
Performance and Scalability
The platform delivers high throughput with thousands of transactions per second capability, combined with low latency through fast block times and transaction confirmation. Efficient storage is achieved through optimized state management and data structures, while parallel execution enables concurrent transaction processing where possible.
Security and Reliability
Movement L1 leverages Move's built-in formal verification capabilities to ensure program correctness. Resource safety prevents common smart contract vulnerabilities, while the platform is built on battle-tested blockchain architectures. An audit trail maintains transaction history and state transitions for full transparency.
Use Cases
DeFi Applications
Movement L1 excels at supporting DeFi applications including efficient decentralized exchanges through automated market makers (AMMs), secure borrowing and lending platforms, complex yield generation strategies, and the creation and management of synthetic assets and derivatives.
NFTs and Digital Assets
The platform enables direct creation and trading of non-fungible tokens through NFT marketplaces, supports gaming assets including in-game items and character progression systems, facilitates digital collectibles like unique digital art and memorabilia, and enables asset tokenization for real-world asset (RWA) representation on-chain.
Enterprise Applications
Movement L1 supports enterprise use cases such as transparent supply chain tracking for goods and materials, secure digital identity verification and management systems, efficient cross-border and micropayment solutions, and regulatory-friendly blockchain compliance tools.
Comparison with Sidechain
| Feature | Movement L1 | Sidechain |
|---|---|---|
| Security Model | Native validators | Operator and L1-secured |
| Consensus | BFT with PoS | Operator + Anchoring |
| Execution | native* MoveVM | native or adapted MoveVM |
| Finality | Native finality | anchoring- / bridge-dependent |
| Governance | Native governance | dependent on L1 |
* the L1 defines the meaning of native
Getting Started
For Developers
- Learn Move: Familiarize yourself with the Move programming language
- Set up Tools: Install Movement CLI and development environment
- Deploy on Testnet: Test your applications on Movement L1 testnet
- Build Applications: Create DeFi, NFT, or enterprise applications
For Users
- Get a Wallet: Use Move-compatible wallets for L1 interaction
- Acquire MOVE: Obtain native tokens for transaction fees
- Explore DApps: Discover applications built on Movement L1
- Participate: Engage with governance and network activities