What is Sui?

Sui is a layer 1 blockchain protocol designed for high performance and scalability. The name derives from the Japanese word for water, reflecting the platform’s fluid and adaptable nature. Sui features several key innovations:
  • Object-Centric Architecture: Unlike traditional blockchains that use key-value stores, Sui treats blocks as objects that define assets, enabling more sophisticated programmability.
  • Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS): Energy-efficient consensus mechanism where validators stake SUI tokens to secure the network.
  • Move Programming Language: A robust logic engine specifically designed for Sui’s object-based approach to blockchain technology.
  • Parallel Transaction Processing: Enables high throughput by processing independent transactions simultaneously.

Sui Networks

Sui operates across multiple networks serving different purposes:
  • Mainnet: Production network processing real transactions and handling SUI trading and NFT activities
  • Testnet: Staging environment for quality assurance and developer testing
  • Devnet: Development network for testing new features and latest planned capabilities
  • Localnet: Local development environment for optimized workflows

SUI Token Economics

The native token for Sui is SUI, with MIST serving as the smallest unit (1 SUI = 1 billion MIST). All transaction costs, including gas fees and data storage, are paid using SUI tokens. The platform uses a delegated proof-of-stake model where validators must stake SUI to participate in consensus, aligning their interests with network security and efficiency.

Sui Data on Dune

Sui blockchain data is organized into several key tables that capture different aspects of on-chain activity: