Polkadot — Operating System
← Target Reference | VM: POLKAVM
Runtime Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| VM | POLKAVM |
| Runtime binding | polkadot.ext.* |
| Account model | Account |
| Storage model | Key-value |
| Cost model | Weight (ref_time + proof_size) |
| Cross-chain | XCM (Cross-Consensus Messaging) |
Runtime Binding (polkadot.ext.*)
- Storage access — key-value read/write to on-chain storage
- Cross-contract calls — invoke other contracts within the same parachain
- XCM dispatch — send cross-consensus messages to other parachains and relay chain
Notes
Polkadot uses a two-dimensional weight system: ref_time (computation time)
and proof_size (state proof size for validators). This provides more
accurate resource metering than single-dimensional gas models.
XCM (Cross-Consensus Messaging) enables native cross-chain communication between parachains, the relay chain, and external bridges — without third-party intermediaries.
Language-agnostic — any code compiling to RISC-V can target POLKAVM. This opens Polkadot smart contract development beyond Rust/ink! to any language with a RISC-V backend.
For POLKAVM details (instruction set, lowering path, bytecode format), see polkavm.md.