polkadot-developers
diff --git a/‎llms-files/llms-basics.txt‎
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@@ -3784,59 +3784,57 @@ These functionalities empower developers to build innovative, multi-chain applic
 Doc-Content: https://docs.polkadot.com/parachains/overview/
 --- BEGIN CONTENT ---
 ---
-title: Introduction to Polkadot SDK
-description: Learn about the Polkadot SDK, a robust developer toolkit for building custom blockchains. Explore its components and how it powers the Polkadot protocol.
-categories: Basics, Tooling
+title: Parachains Overview
+description: Learn about parachains, specialized blockchains on Polkadot that gain shared security and interoperability. Discover how they work and the tools to build them.
+categories: Basics, Parachains
 ---
 
-# Introduction to Polkadot SDK
+# Parachains Overview
 
 ## Introduction
 
-The [Polkadot SDK](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot-sdk/tree/{{dependencies.repositories.polkadot_sdk.version}}){target=\_blank} is a powerful and versatile developer kit designed to facilitate building on the Polkadot network. It provides the necessary components for creating custom blockchains, parachains, generalized rollups, and more. Written in the Rust programming language, it puts security and robustness at the forefront of its design.
+A parachain is a specialized blockchain that connects to the Polkadot relay chain, benefiting from shared security, interoperability, and scalability. Parachains are built using the [Polkadot SDK](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot-sdk){target=\_blank}, a powerful toolkit written in Rust that provides everything needed to create custom blockchain logic while integrating seamlessly with the Polkadot network.
 
-Whether you're building a standalone chain or deploying a parachain on Polkadot, this SDK equips developers with the libraries and tools needed to manage runtime logic, compile the codebase, and utilize core features like staking, governance, and Cross-Consensus Messaging (XCM). It also provides a means for building generalized peer-to-peer systems beyond blockchains. The Polkadot SDK houses the following overall functionality:
+Unlike standalone blockchains that must bootstrap their own validator sets and security, parachains leverage Polkadot's pooled security model. This allows parachain developers to focus on their application-specific functionality rather than consensus and security infrastructure. Parachains can communicate with each other through Cross-Consensus Messaging (XCM), enabling seamless interoperability across the Polkadot ecosystem.
 
-- Networking and peer-to-peer communication (powered by [Libp2p](/polkadot-protocol/glossary#libp2p){target=\_blank}).
-- Consensus protocols, such as [BABE](/polkadot-protocol/glossary#blind-assignment-of-blockchain-extension-babe){target=\_blank}, [GRANDPA](/polkadot-protocol/glossary#grandpa){target=\_blank}, or [Aura](/polkadot-protocol/glossary#authority-round-aura){target=\_blank}.
-- Cryptography.
-- The ability to create portable Wasm runtimes.
-- A selection of pre-built modules, called [pallets](/polkadot-protocol/glossary#pallet){target=\_blank}.
-- Benchmarking and testing suites.
+Key capabilities that parachains provide include:
 
-For an in-depth look at the monorepo, see the [Polkadot SDK Rust documentation](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/index.html){target=\_blank}.
+- **Shared security**: Inherit security from Polkadot's validator set without maintaining your own.
+- **Interoperability**: Communicate trustlessly with other parachains via XCM.
+- **Scalability**: Process transactions in parallel with other parachains.
+- **Customization**: Build application-specific logic tailored to your use case.
+- **Upgradeability**: Upgrade runtime logic without hard forks.
 
-## Polkadot SDK Overview
+## Polkadot SDK: Parachain Architecture
 
-The Polkadot SDK is composed of five major components:
+Building a parachain involves understanding and utilizing several key components of the Polkadot SDK:
 
 ![](/images/parachains/overview/overview-01.webp)
 
-- **[Substrate](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/substrate/index.html){target=\_blank}**: A set of libraries and primitives for building blockchains.
-- **[FRAME](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/frame_runtime/index.html){target=\_blank}**: A blockchain development framework built on top of Substrate.
-- **[Cumulus](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/cumulus/index.html){target=\_blank}**: A set of libraries and pallets to add parachain capabilities to a Substrate/FRAME runtime.
-- **[XCM (Cross Consensus Messaging)](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/xcm/index.html){target=\_blank}**: The primary format for conveying messages between parachains.
-- **[Polkadot](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/polkadot/index.html){target=\_blank}**: The node implementation for the Polkadot protocol.
+- **[Substrate](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/substrate/index.html){target=\_blank}**: The foundation providing core blockchain primitives and libraries.
+- **[FRAME](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/frame_runtime/index.html){target=\_blank}**: A modular framework for building your parachain's runtime logic.
+- **[Cumulus](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/cumulus/index.html){target=\_blank}**: Essential libraries and pallets that enable parachain functionality.
+- **[XCM (Cross Consensus Messaging)](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/xcm/index.html){target=\_blank}**: The messaging format for communicating with other parachains and the relay chain.
+- **[Polkadot](https://paritytech.github.io/polkadot-sdk/master/polkadot_sdk_docs/polkadot_sdk/polkadot/index.html){target=\_blank}**: The relay chain that provides security and coordination.
 
-### Substrate
+### Substrate: The Foundation
 
-Substrate is a Software Development Kit (SDK) that uses Rust-based libraries and tools to enable you to build application-specific blockchains from modular and extensible components. Application-specific blockchains built with Substrate can run as standalone services or in parallel with other chains to take advantage of the shared security provided by the Polkadot ecosystem. Substrate includes default implementations of the core components of the blockchain infrastructure to allow you to focus on the application logic.
+Substrate provides the core infrastructure that every parachain is built upon. It handles the low-level blockchain functionality, allowing you to focus on your application's unique features. Substrate includes implementations for networking, database management, consensus participation, and the execution environment for your runtime.
 
-Every blockchain platform relies on a decentralized network of computers—called nodes—that communicate with each other about transactions and blocks. In general, a node in this context is the software running on the connected devices rather than the physical or virtual machine in the network. As software, Substrate-based nodes consist of two main parts with separate responsibilities:
+Every Polkadot SDK node consists of two main components:
 
-- **Client**: Services to handle network and blockchain infrastructure activity.
+- **Client (Host)**: Handles infrastructure services.
 
-    - Native binary.
-    - Executes the Wasm runtime.
-    - Manages components like database, networking, mempool, consensus, and others.
-    - Also known as "Host".
+    - Native binary that runs on validator and collator nodes.
+    - Executes the Wasm-compiled runtime.
+    - Manages networking, database, mempool, and block production.
+    - Interfaces with the relay chain for validation.
 
-- **Runtime**: Business logic for state transitions.
+- **Runtime (State Transition Function)**: Contains your business logic.
 
-    - Application logic.
-    - Compiled to [Wasm](https://webassembly.org/){target=\_blank}.
-    - Stored as a part of the chain state.
-    - Also known as State Transition Function (STF).
+    - Defines how your Polkadot SDK node processes transactions.
+    - Compiled to [Wasm](https://webassembly.org/){target=\_blank} for deterministic execution.
+    - Stored on-chain and upgradeable via governance.
 
 ```mermaid
 %%{init: {'flowchart': {'padding': 5, 'nodeSpacing': 50, 'rankSpacing': 10}}}%%
@@ -3846,15 +3844,15 @@ graph TB
     classDef clientSubNodeStyle margin-top:10px
     classDef runtimeCallExecutorStyle padding-top:10px
 
-    subgraph sg1[Substrate<br /> Node]
+    subgraph sg1[Parachain<br /> Node]
         direction TB
 
         I[RuntimeCall Executor]
         B[Wasm Runtime - STF]
 
         subgraph sg2[Client]
             direction TB
-            C[Network and Blockchain<br/>Infrastructure Services]
+            C[Network and Blockchain<br/>Infrastructure Services<br/>+ Relay Chain Interface]
         end
 
         I --> B
@@ -3867,23 +3865,23 @@ graph TB
 
 ```
 
-### FRAME
+### FRAME: Building Blocks for Your Runtime
 
-FRAME provides the core modular and extensible components that make the Substrate SDK flexible and adaptable to different use cases. FRAME includes Rust-based libraries that simplify the development of application-specific logic. Most of the functionality that FRAME provides takes the form of plug-in modules called [pallets](/polkadot-protocol/glossary#pallet){target=\_blank} that you can add and configure to suit your requirements for a custom runtime.
+FRAME provides modular components called [pallets](/reference/glossary#pallet){target=\_blank} that you can compose to build your parachain's runtime. Each pallet provides specific functionality that you can customize and configure for your needs. This modular approach allows you to quickly assemble complex functionality without writing everything from scratch.
 
 ```mermaid
 graph LR
-    subgraph SP["<b style='font-size:18px;'>Runtime</b>"]
+    subgraph SP["<b style='font-size:18px;'>Parachain Runtime</b>"]
         direction LR
-        Timestamp ~~~ Aura ~~~ GRANDPA
+        Timestamp ~~~ Aura ~~~ ParachainSystem
         Balances ~~~ TransactionPayment ~~~ Sudo
         subgraph Timestamp["Timestamp"]
             SS1[Custom Config]
         end
         subgraph Aura["Aura"]
             SS2[Custom Config]
         end
-        subgraph GRANDPA["GRANDPA"]
+        subgraph ParachainSystem["Parachain System"]
             SS3[Custom Config]
         end
         subgraph Balances["Balances"]
@@ -3897,7 +3895,7 @@ graph LR
         end
         style Timestamp stroke:#FF69B4
         style Aura stroke:#FF69B4
-        style GRANDPA stroke:#FF69B4
+        style ParachainSystem stroke:#FF69B4
         style Balances stroke:#FF69B4
         style TransactionPayment stroke:#FF69B4
         style Sudo stroke:#FF69B4
@@ -3909,38 +3907,67 @@ graph LR
         style SS6 stroke-dasharray: 5
 
     end
-    subgraph AP["<b style='font-size:18px;'>FRAME Pallets</b>"]
+    subgraph AP["<b style='font-size:18px;'>Available FRAME Pallets</b>"]
         direction LR
-        A1[Aura]~~~A2[BABE]~~~A3[GRANDPA]~~~A4[Transaction<br>Payment]
-        B1[Identity]~~~B2[Balances]~~~B3[Sudo]~~~B4[EVM]
-        C1[Timestamp]~~~C2[Assets]~~~C3[Contracts]~~~C4[and more...]
+        A1[Aura]~~~A2[Parachain<br>System]~~~A3[Transaction<br>Payment]~~~A4[Sudo]
+        B1[Identity]~~~B2[Balances]~~~B3[Assets]~~~B4[EVM]
+        C1[Timestamp]~~~C2[Staking]~~~C3[Contracts]~~~C4[and more...]
     end
     AP --> SP
 ```
 
-### Cumulus
+### Cumulus: Parachain-Specific Functionality
 
-Cumulus provides utilities and libraries to turn FRAME-based runtimes into runtimes that can be a parachain on Polkadot. Cumulus runtimes are still FRAME runtimes but contain the necessary functionality that allows that runtime to become a parachain on a relay chain.
+Cumulus is what transforms a Polkadot SDK-based runtime into a parachain-capable runtime. It provides the essential components for communicating with the relay chain, participating in Polkadot's consensus, and handling parachain-specific operations like block validation and collation.
 
-## Why Use Polkadot SDK?
+Key Cumulus components include:
 
-Using the Polkadot SDK, you can build application-specific blockchains without the complexity of building a blockchain from scratch or the limitations of building on a general-purpose blockchain. You can focus on crafting the business logic that makes your chain unique and innovative with the additional benefits of flexibility, upgradeability, open-source licensing, and cross-consensus interoperability.
+- **Parachain system pallet**: Core parachain functionality and relay chain communication.
+- **Collator consensus**: Block production logic for parachain collators.
+- **Relay chain interface**: APIs for interacting with the Polkadot relay chain.
+- **Validation data**: Handling proof-of-validity data required by relay chain validators.
 
-## Create a Custom Blockchain Using the SDK
+## Where to Go Next
 
-Before starting your blockchain development journey, you'll need to decide whether you want to build a standalone chain or a parachain that connects to the Polkadot network. Each path has its considerations and requirements. Once you've made this decision, follow these development stages:
+Building a parachain requires understanding the relationship between your chain and the Polkadot relay chain. The Polkadot SDK provides all the tools needed to design custom runtime logic, enable cross-chain communication, and deploy your parachain to production.
 
-```mermaid
-graph LR
-    A[Install the Polkadot SDK] --> B[Build the Chain]
-    B --> C[Deploy the Chain]
-```
+The following sections provide detailed guidance on each aspect of parachain development, from initial design through deployment and ongoing maintenance.
+
+<div class="grid cards" markdown>
+
+-   <span class="badge guide">Guide</span> __Customize Your Runtime__
+
+    ---
+
+    Design your parachain's runtime logic and choose appropriate pallets for your use case.
+
+    [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Get Started](/parachains/customize-runtime/)
+
+-   <span class="badge guide">Guide</span> __Interoperability__
 
-1. **[Install the Polkadot SDK](/develop/parachains/install-polkadot-sdk/)**: Set up your development environment with all necessary dependencies and tools.
-2. **[Build the chain](/develop/parachains/customize-parachain)**: Learn how to create and customize your blockchain's runtime, configure pallets, and implement your chain's unique features.
-3. **[Deploy the chain](/develop/parachains/deployment)**: Follow the steps to launch your blockchain, whether as a standalone network or as a parachain on Polkadot.
+    ---
+
+    Implement XCM for trustless cross-chain communication with other parachains.
+
+    [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Learn More](/parachains/interoperability/get-started/)
+
+-   <span class="badge guide">Guide</span> __Nodes & Validators__
+
+    ---
+
+    Deploy your parachain to Polkadot by obtaining coretime and connecting to the relay chain.
 
-Each stage is covered in detail in its respective guide, walking you through the process from initial setup to final deployment.
+    [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Deploy](/parachains/launch-a-parachain/choose-a-template/)
+
+-   <span class="badge guide">Guide</span> __Runtime Upgrades__
+
+    ---
+
+    Upgrade your parachain's runtime without hard forks using forkless upgrade mechanisms.
+
+    [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Maintain](/parachains/runtime-maintenance/runtime-upgrades/)
+
+</div>
 --- END CONTENT ---
 
 Doc-Content: https://docs.polkadot.com/polkadot-protocol/architecture/parachains/overview/