# Blockchains

A **blockchain**, or a chain is defined by a Virtual Machine (*VM*) and a set of validators (*subnet*). Three chains are available at launch:

* **P-Chain**: "platform chain", it manages the Avalanche network
* **C-Chain**: "contract chain", an Ethereum-like blockchain for smart contracts; for more [info](/how-to-use-avascan/c-chain.md)
* **X-Chain**: "exchange chain" default chain for asset transfers; for more [info](/how-to-use-avascan/x-chain.md)

Every main chain has a *characteristic color* that lets users understand how assets move between chains. You can search any chain by:

* Entering the *chainID* in the search bar
* Clicking on the **ALL BLOCKCHAINS** link in the navbar
* Click on the **BLOCKCHAINS** box in the left column at the center of the home page.

The last two options will bring you to the **complete list** of the blockchains deployed on the network.

![Blockchains list on Avascan](/files/-MR-LlrHJcAPi_JQ1OoG)

By default, Avascan shows all chains validated by the **Default Subnet**, but clicking on the *Change* button will show a list of all available subnets, filtering the list of blockchains by the subnet that validates them. To show only the blockchains validated by the **Default Subnet**, click on the *Show Default Subnet* button.

![Blockchain Details page on Avascan](/files/-MR-L82wAhxHUZOYaF4Y)

To enter the **Blockchains Details** page, simply click on a list item. The Blockchain Details page shows:

* **Blockchain ID** (except P-Chain)
* **Name**
* **Alias**
* **Status** of indexing on Avascan (i.e. if you can search assets, addresses transactions and/or smart contracts on it)
* **Virtual Machine**
* **Consensus protocol**
* The related **Subnet**, along with subnet ID and total number of validators.

### [Browse the blockchains on the Avalanche platform](https://avascan.info/blockchains)


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.avascan.info/how-to-use-avascan/blockchains.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.