Understand the project
Practical overview
When it fits
Use Gear when a project needs a Rust and WebAssembly execution environment for decentralized applications, or when a team is evaluating Substrate-based infrastructure for a custom Layer 1 network.
Who it is for
- Rust developers building decentralized applications.
- Teams creating WebAssembly smart contracts or programs.
- Blockchain builders deploying Substrate-based Layer 1 networks.
- Developers integrating a frontend with Gear-powered programs.
Documented uses
- Compile Rust application logic to WebAssembly.
- Run decentralized programs on Gear-powered networks such as Vara.
- Create and test dApps with local nodes and documented examples.
- Build custom Layer 1 networks using Gear runtime technology.
- Connect frontend applications through the Gear JavaScript API.
Before you choose
Requirements & limits
The project is available as a public GitHub repository under the GPL-3.0 license. Its documented development path uses local tooling, Gear Idea, Vara Network environments, and optional frontend integrations.
- Gear uses Rust and WebAssembly rather than presenting a general-purpose application interface.
- The platform is based on Substrate and includes technology for constructing custom Layer 1 networks.
- The documented programming model uses Actors, messages, delayed messages, and built-in Actors.
- Programs can be tested with a local node before upload to a Vara Network endpoint.
- Frontend integration is documented through a Gear JavaScript API.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Evidence and transparency
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 2 October 2026
- Original website title
- gear-tech/gear · Official homepage title · retained in its source language