Learn how modular Layer-2 blockchains help developers build secure dApps for the Web3 future

Arguably the most popular blockchain among developers building decentralized applications (dApps), the Ethereum network is credited with introducing the Web3 community to innovations such as smart contracts while maintaining robust security standards.

However, to solve Ethereum’s scalability problem, a new type of Layer-2 (L2) blockchain was introduced that relies on the Ethereum Mainnet (Layer-1) for its security, but processes transactions on separate third-party networks to increase throughput speeds.

EVM compatibility for higher transaction speeds

Importantly, developers had to ensure that these L2 blockchains were compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), a runtime environment where Ethereum’s application code and smart contracts are executed, EVM compatibility ensures that smart contracts can be executed in a cross-chain environment, enabling Web3 developers to build dApps that can interact seamlessly with each other.

As a result, a number of decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming and social dApps are being built and hosted on L2 blockchains, marking a definite shift in Web3 developer preferences away from Ethereum’s mainnet.

Eventually, L2 blockchains began to innovate with new solutions and technologies that could reduce transaction fees or gas and increase network speed to accommodate a wider audience. However, L2 blockchains have found it difficult to achieve hyperscale without compromising security standards due to the bridges or sidechains they use. Therefore, to achieve both hyperscale performance and Ethereum’s unparalleled security, a new type of modular L2 blockchain had to be conceived to provide a future-proof building platform for Web3 innovators.

Next-generation Layer 2 solutions

Introducing Mantle – a high-performance Ethereum Layer-2 network that leverages a separate decentralized data availability layer and combines it with Ethereum roll-ups to open up even more use cases for developers building on the Mantle ecosystem.

By separating execution, data availability, and transaction completion into separate layers, Mantle offers Ethereum-level security while increasing transaction speeds through reduced inefficiencies. In fact, transaction-related data is solidified on Mantle’s L2 before being sent to Ethereum, effectively trimming the challenge period and providing faster end-user access. In this way, Mantle is able to efficiently utilize Ethereum’s massive trust network, while eliminating possible block space congestion through its modular design.

As a result of these improvements, game developers can now build more items on the chain without worrying about high transaction fees or struggling with poor end-user experience. Even advanced DeFi protocols that enable margin trading and other complex DeFi strategies can be developed and operated at a low cost, paving the way for much wider user adoption.

A product of BitDAO, Mantle is an example of how L2 blockchains can make Web3 technology more accessible. Moreover, the project shows how a blockchain built by a community-owned DAO can leverage member feedback and crowdsourced decision-making to constantly upgrade.

As more users and developers gravitate toward platforms like Mantle, the future of Web3 will focus more on modular L2 blockchains that can offer Ethereum’s trust while delivering lightning-fast speeds.