> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.skale.space/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Appchain

> Dedicated SKALE Chain for a single application or consortium — full control, dedicated resources, zero gas fees for users

## What Is an Appchain?

An appchain is a dedicated SKALE Chain allocated entirely to one application or a small consortium. It gets its own compute, storage, and validator resources — no sharing with other apps. The chain owner prepays via subscription, and end users transact with zero gas fees.

## When to Use an Appchain

Appchains are ideal when you need:

* **Full control** — Access control, chain config, upgrades on your schedule
* **Dedicated throughput** — No competing apps consuming your blockspace
* **Predictable costs** — Flat monthly fee, no per-transaction spikes
* **Custom features** — Configure chain size, storage, native features per your needs

## Key Characteristics

* **Dedicated resources** — Compute and storage are yours alone
* **Customizable** — Different sizes, storage allocations, access controls
* **Full control** — Ownership of chain configuration and management
* **Native features** — Bridge, RNG, filestorage, oracle included

## Gas and Compute Model

Zero gas fees for users (like all SKALE Chains). Compute is prepaid by the chain owner through a subscription.

## Comparison

| Feature            | Appchain                         | Credit Chain          | Gas Chain            |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------- | --------------------- | -------------------- |
| Resource model     | Dedicated                        | Dedicated             | Shared or dedicated  |
| Who pays           | Chain owner                      | Chain owner           | Users                |
| User needs tokens? | No                               | No                    | Yes                  |
| Best for           | Enterprise, B2B, high-throughput | Consumer dApps, games | DeFi, financial apps |

## Related Topics

* [Intro to SKALE Chains](/developers/run-a-skale-chain/intro-to-schains)
* [Pricing and Payments](/developers/run-a-skale-chain/pricing-and-payments)
* [SKALE on Base](/get-started/quick-start/skale-on-base)