Optimism, a leading Ethereum scaling solution provider, is poised to enhance its blockchain throughput by embracing layer-3 applications on top of the OP Stack.
The Optimism team announced on May 8 their initiative to onboard layer-3 applications to the Superchain, enabling them to build on the OP Stack and share revenue with the Optimism Collective.
The OP Stack serves as the open standard codebase empowering development on the Superchain. This ecosystem isn’t confined to L2 chain deployers and app builders; it’s open to an array of Layer-3s as well.
Optimism Superchain comprises a network of layer-2 chains, known as OP Chains, which share security, communication layers, and open-source technology.
Layer-3 protocols, which sit atop layer-2s, offer specialized decentralized applications tailored to specific needs. While they provide advantages such as eligibility for funding, airdrops, and developer grant programs, they may face restrictions on certain features like interoperability.
The OP Stack is set to introduce two crucial features for L3 builders: custom gas tokens and “Plasma Mode.” Custom gas tokens eliminate the need for costly transactions between layers, while Plasma Mode reduces the fixed overhead cost of operating an L3 compared to an L2.
Despite the optimism surrounding Layer-3 networks, skepticism persists. Polygon CEO Marc Boiron has raised concerns about security risks and the potential value capture from the Ethereum network. Boiron asserts that Layer-2 networks offer quicker settlement back to Ethereum compared to Layer-3s.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin believes that Layer-3s will serve a distinct purpose by providing customized functionality to the scaling ecosystem.
Optimism’s rollup-based solution, OP Mainnet, boasts a substantial presence in the layer-2 space, with a total value locked of $6.76 billion, accounting for approximately 18% of the market share according to L2beat.
In conclusion, Optimism’s initiative to incorporate layer-3 applications marks a significant development in Ethereum’s scaling landscape, offering enhanced solutions while sparking debates about the future direction of Ethereum’s scalability.
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