Avalanche

Network Architecture (Critical)

• Avalanche has three chains: X-Chain, P-Chain, C-Chain — each serves different purpose
• C-Chain is EVM compatible — where most DeFi and tokens live, uses AVAX for gas
• X-Chain for fast transfers — native AVAX transfers, not EVM compatible
• P-Chain for staking — validators and subnet management
• Same AVAX token across all chains — but must transfer between chains to use

C-Chain (Most Common)

• EVM compatible — MetaMask, same tools as Ethereum
• Uses AVAX for gas — need AVAX to transact
• Chain ID: 43114 — RPC: https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc
• Block explorer: snowtrace.io — transaction verification
• Most tokens and DeFi here — Trader Joe, Aave, GMX

Cross-Chain Transfers

• Moving AVAX between chains uses Avalanche Wallet — not regular transfers
• C-Chain ↔ X-Chain transfer takes seconds — but requires correct process
• Export from one chain, import to another — two-step process
• Use official Core wallet or Avalanche Wallet — supports all three chains
• MetaMask only sees C-Chain — can't transfer to X or P chains directly

Bridging from Other Networks

• Avalanche Bridge official — bridge.avax.network, from Ethereum
• Bridged tokens are wrapped — ETH becomes WETH.e on Avalanche
• LayerZero, Stargate for multi-chain — faster alternatives with fees
• Bridge fees plus gas on both chains — budget for both
• Withdrawal to Ethereum can take time — depends on bridge used

Gas and Fees

• Gas model same as Ethereum post-EIP-1559 — base fee + priority fee
• Cheaper than Ethereum, more than some L2s — typically $0.01-0.10 per transaction
• Gas paid in AVAX only — no token payments for gas
• Fast finality (under 2 seconds) — no waiting for confirmations
• Failed transactions cost gas — same as Ethereum

Tokens and DeFi

• AVAX is native gas token — also tradeable like ETH
• WAVAX is wrapped AVAX — needed for some DeFi protocols
• Major DEXs: Trader Joe, Pangolin — similar to Uniswap
• Lending: Aave, Benqi — borrow and lend
• Verify token addresses — scam tokens exist, check snowtrace.io

Subnets

• Subnets are custom blockchains on Avalanche — like app-specific chains
• DFK Chain (DeFi Kingdoms), Dexalot — examples of subnets
• Each subnet can have own token for gas — not always AVAX
• Bridging to subnets through official bridges — subnet-specific
• Subnets have independent validators — different security assumptions

Staking

• Minimum 25 AVAX to delegate — stake with validators
• Minimum 2 weeks lock — staking period required
• Rewards vary by validator — check uptime and commission
• No slashing — underperforming validators just earn less
• Liquid staking: sAVAX, ggAVAX — maintain liquidity while staking

Wallet Options

• Core Wallet (official) — supports all three chains, subnets
• MetaMask for C-Chain only — familiar interface, limited to C-Chain
• Ledger supported — via Core or MetaMask
• Mobile wallets available — Core has mobile app

Common Issues

• "Insufficient funds" — need AVAX for gas on C-Chain
• Tokens on wrong chain — bridged to X-Chain instead of C-Chain
• Can't find tokens — wrong chain or need to add custom token
• Slow bridge — some bridges take 10-30 minutes, be patient
• Subnet tokens not showing — need to add subnet network to wallet

Security

• Standard EVM security on C-Chain — same best practices as Ethereum
• Private key controls all three chains — one seed, all chains
• Verify addresses on all chains — X-Chain addresses start with "X-"
• Revoke unused approvals — snowtrace.io token approval checker
• Official bridges safest — third-party bridges add risk