Layer 2 Solutions
Layer 2 solutions are protocols built on top of a base-layer blockchain to improve its scalability and efficiency. They handle transaction execution off-chain while relying on the base layer for security and finality.
By moving the bulk of the transaction load to a secondary layer, these solutions significantly reduce congestion and fees on the main network. Common examples include optimistic rollups and zero-knowledge rollups, which bundle transactions and provide proofs to the main chain.
Layer 2 solutions are essential for the mainstream adoption of decentralized finance, as they provide a user experience comparable to centralized platforms. They allow for the creation of complex financial derivatives that would be too costly to run on the base layer.
They represent a major step forward in the evolution of blockchain architecture.