The Polkadot team has launched the cross-consensus messaging system XCM, which enables communication between different parachains. ForkLog reported this, according to project representatives.
“The XCM format (cross-consensus messaging) means that the main goal of the Polkadot network — to be a fully multi-chain compatible ecosystem — has been achieved,” they said.
Developers noted that messages over XCM channels are protected to the same level as the Relay Chain — the network’s central hub used by all parachains.
“Parachains that support a wide range of use cases and protocols […] will be able to use XCM to transfer assets or data between themselves,” the statement said.
XCM enables communication not only between parachains but also with smart contracts, as well as Substrate runtime modules.
It is expected that in a future iteration — XCMP (cross-chain message passing) — there will be no need to store data on the Relay Chain. In addition, there will be the ability to send messages to any blockchain capable of decoding the SCALE encoding, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
“Developers across the sector will find it easier to share ideas, which will lead to faster deployment of innovations,” Polkadot emphasised.
The team also updated the public parachain Statemint, opening options for NFT issuance, cross-chain token teleportation, and tracking.
The introduction of the messaging system to the ecosystem was greeted with enthusiasm, developers noted.
“XCM enables us to safely leverage the unique capabilities of our partner parachains without having to reinvent the wheel. For example, we will be able to launch DAO on Astar, which manages funds on Acala and controls devices in the real world through our platform,” said Nodle CTO Elliott Tessonye.
As reported, the winner of the third parachain auction on Polkadot, and Acala — the first.