# What is Second State

Second State builds the next-generation open source “operating system” for the cloud and the decentralized web. The Second State Virtual Machine (SSVM) is a WebAssembly runtime optimized for server-side applications. It works seamlessly with existing application frameworks, such as Node.js, but provides a secure and lightweight runtime at native performance. It is a managed alternative to native code, and is ideal for building AI and big data microservices. [Check out why](https://www.secondstate.io/articles/why-webassembly-server/) you want to use WebAssembly on the server-side.

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Node.js and Rust developers [get started here](https://www.secondstate.io/articles/getting-started-with-rust-function/)! Create high-performance Rust + JavaScript hybrid apps in Node.js.
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The SSVM also powers decentralized applications as the execution engine for leading public blockchains, such as [Ethereum 2.0](https://blog.secondstate.io/post/20191022-soll-compiler-project/), [Ethereum Classic](https://blog.secondstate.io/post/20190901-etc-partners-with-secondstate/), [Polkadot / Web3](https://blog.secondstate.io/post/20200302-polkadot-en/), [Oasis](https://www.coindesk.com/a16z-leads-45-million-raise-for-blockchain-startup-oasis-labs), and [CyberMiles](https://docs.secondstate.io/buidl-developer-tool/getting-started/develop-for-cybermiles). If you are interested in our blockchain-related technologies, [check out here](https://docs.secondstate.io).

The [Second State BUIDL IDE](https://www.secondstate.io/buidl/) brings the cloud experience to decentralized apps (DApps) developers. It is an entirely browser-based IDE that enables you to

* Write, compile, and deploy smart contracts (Solidity & Lity)
* Develop rule-based smart contracts using the Lity rules engine
* Develop & run JavaScript DApps based on smart contracts
* Access web3 & smart contract search engine JS libraries
* Allow other people to run your H5 JavaScript DApp
* Interact with your own Second State blockchain

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[Create and publish](https://docs.secondstate.io/buidl-developer-tool/getting-started) a blockchain-based web application (known as Decentralized Apps or Dapps) in 5 minutes. [Get the book!](https://www.buildingblockchainapps.com/)
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The Second State Virtual Machine (SSVM) is a WebAssembly runtime optimized for server-side applications. It has applications [beyond the blockchain](https://cloud.secondstate.io/).

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Node.js and Rust developers [get started here!](https://cloud.secondstate.io/server-side-webassembly/getting-started) Create high-performance Rust + JavaScript hybrid apps in Node.js.
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Second State is a Venture Capital backed startup with offices in USA, Taiwan, China, and Australia.