Intro to Polygon
Ethereum Scaling Solutions
Ethereum has become one of the most popular blockchains for a while due to its ability to employ Turing complete smart-contracts. Though, after it gained popularity there has been a significant network congestion resulting in high gas fees.
Difference Between Ethereum L1, L2, and Sidechains
L1 Blockchain refers to the main blockchain layer such as Ethereum. Layer1 scaling solutions are implemented directly on the main blockchain, thus deriving the name on-chain solutions. Some examples of the on-chain scaling solution involve Consensus Protocol Switch and Sharding.
L2 Blockchains are add-on solutions built on the base layer. Thus deriving the name off-chain scaling solution, since they intend to take away workload from the blockchain while utilizing its security.
Sidechains are Ethereum-compatible independent blockchains with their own consensus model. Sidechains achieve interoperability with Ethereum by the use of the same EVM. Since they are independent from the main-chain, side chains are responsible for their own security. If a sidechain’s security is compromised, it will pose no impact to the mainchain.
In this program, we will focus on developing applications on the Polygon sidechain.
What Is Polygon?
Polygon is a scaling solution that achieves scale by utilizing sidechains for off-chain computation and a decentralized network of Proof-of-Stake (PoS) validators.
Polygon strives to solve the scalability and usability issues while not compromising on decentralization and leveraging the existing developer community and ecosystem.
Why Would A Developer Choose Polygon?
Ethereum can be slow and costly. Sidechains such as Polygon were created as a solution to speed up the blockchain while making minimal sacrifices on security and decentralization thus an improved user experience and reduced network congestion.
Writers: Fatma, Editors: Deborah Emeni, Cami