#### What is Plian? Plian, formerly known as PCHAIN, is a multichain [smart contract](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-smart-contract) platform that aims to cater to both public and enterprise [decentralized finance](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-defi) (DeFi) needs. It is a proof-of-[stake](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-staking) native multichain network that supports the [Ethereum](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-ethereum) Virtual Machine (EVM). Plian's unique PDBFT [consensus mechanism](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/consensus-mechanism-protocol) allows any [decentralized application](https://help.coinbase.com/en/wallet/other-topics/what-is-a-dapp) running on its platform to maintain high-speed consensus across multiple chains and dynamic shards. This creates a foundation for programmable finance that is both instant and highly scalable. Plian's technology aims to provide instant trust and unparalleled scalability to the DeFi economy and its decentralized applications, systems, and communities. #### How does Plian work? Plian operates using a unique PDBFT consensus mechanism, which enables high-speed consensus across multiple chains and dynamic shards. This mechanism allows for the dynamic entry and exit of potentially thousands of nodes without impacting the speed or throughput of the network. Plian's architecture includes a parallel chain framework that anchors each child chain to the main chain, requiring attackers to attack all chains simultaneously to be successful. Plian also features smart contracts based on Smart Data enabled by cross-chain transactions, expanding the applicability of smart contracts beyond just programmable data. #### What are the potential use cases for Plian? Plian aims to simplify the deployment of DeFi solutions on its [blockchain](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-a-blockchain) with well-known tools. It also seeks to improve Paiswap and other subsequent community-driven swaps for Plian with Ethereum, [Bitcoin](https://www.coinbase.com/learn/crypto-basics/what-is-bitcoin), and other cross-chain compatibilities. Plian is also developing a Plian-specific scan, which supports browsing assets, transactions, and mainnet information on Plian, as well as displaying statistical on-chain data to community members. Another potential use case for Plian is the creation of an [NFT](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/nft) platform that supports trading and contains useful information, and supports multi-chain that crosses to other platforms. #### What is the history of Plian? Plian was founded by some of China's foremost pioneers in the blockchain industry. The platform's cutting-edge and patented technologies were developed with the aim of providing instant trust and unparalleled scalability to the DeFi economy and its decentralized applications, systems, and communities. Plian has also developed a suite of tools that make testing, launching, and maintaining complex smart contracts simple. These tools, along with smart data and oracle mechanisms, increase the complexity of what is possible with smart contracts. Plian also sponsors a community-governed Decentralised Swap, Pizzap, to open the platform to cross-blockchain [liquidity](https://help.coinbase.com/en/coinbase/getting-started/crypto-education/glossary/liquidity-).