# 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](https://docs.avascan.info/how-to-use-avascan/c-chain)
* **X-Chain**: "exchange chain" default chain for asset transfers; for more [info](https://docs.avascan.info/how-to-use-avascan/x-chain)

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](https://3320892846-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MDFMOQjPzpT25LWjCB8%2F-MR-KpALligjo4CZKo0C%2F-MR-LlrHJcAPi_JQ1OoG%2FBlockchains-list.png?alt=media\&token=5475422d-dbc4-4d7e-b94e-85ad3dc86e3b)

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](https://3320892846-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-MDFMOQjPzpT25LWjCB8%2F-MR-KpALligjo4CZKo0C%2F-MR-L82wAhxHUZOYaF4Y%2FBlockchain%20Details.png?alt=media\&token=9aff6d51-3444-40a8-af7c-53519ac28451)

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)