> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cronos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cronos.com/for-dapp-developers/dev-tools-and-integrations/caldera.md).

# Caldera

## What does Caldera do?

Caldera specializes in building high-performance, customizable, and application-specific layer-two blockchains. These custom-built blockchains **(Caldera Chains)** offer high throughput, low latency, and customizable features for optimizing the performance and user experience of decentralized applications, with the ability to process hundreds of transactions per second and sub-second confirmation times.

## How does Caldera do it?

We create ***Caldera Chains*** which are custom-built optimistic rollups. These rollups are:

1. **Fast:** Process hundreds of transactions per second with sub-second confirmation times
2. **Highly Customizable:** Features such as address whitelist or sustainable revenue generation.
3. **Ethereum Compatible:** Runs standard Ethereum smart contract code without modification

For more info on how Caldera works visit, the [Caldera docs](https://calderaxyz.gitbook.io/caldera-documentation/getting-started/overview)

## Getting Started with Caldera L2 Testnet

Let's take a look at how we can start using Caldera L2 Testnet, which is a rollup on the Cronos Testnet.

1. Visit: [Caldera Public Testnets](https://calderaxyz.gitbook.io/caldera-documentation/getting-started/caldera-public-testnets)
2. Add chains to metamask via the "add to metamask button"

<figure><img src="/files/ZOSU51AtSWTuLVhgKiEV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Request testnet tokens via the faucet.\
   If you want to send transactions on Caldera, then choose **"Request Faucet funds on rollup"**,\
   if you want to send from Cronos to Caldera, then choose **"Request Faucet funds on Cronos "**\
   Now type in your address you wish to receive funds on and click "**receive Funds"**

<figure><img src="/files/BxyjrDBwtW3hAfOB1V2G" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. When you send transactions via Metamask on the Caldera explorer, you can view these transactions using the caldera explorer: <https://cronos-testnet.calderaexplorer.xyz/>.\
   \
   For example the Faucet Transaction, which you may recognize is a similar interface to what other EVM blockscout explorers use:

<figure><img src="/files/tPaVHr6EEBGMFeRkjplQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. From here on you can start building just like you would on another L2 optimistic rollup. You can deploy your application onto a Caldera Chain via the same means as any Ethereum-compatible blockchain. For more tutorials on how to deploy on Caldera, visit the [Caldera docs](https://calderaxyz.gitbook.io/caldera-documentation/getting-started/deploy-on-a-caldera-chain)\\
6. In order to deploy on mainnet, you can use:

* <https://cronos-mainnet.caldera.dev/>
* <https://cronos-mainnet.calderaexplorer.xyz/>\
  \\


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