What are Bitcoin Layer 2s?
Bitcoin Layer 2s (L2s) are solutions built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain to:
- Enhance scalability and composability.
- Introduce features that extend Bitcoin’s functionality beyond its native capabilities.
How Do Bitcoin Layer 2s Work?
- Independent blockchains: L2s operate as separate execution layers while leveraging Bitcoin’s base layer for settlement.
- Transaction processing: L2s compute transactions and submit the details to Bitcoin’s main layer for consensus.
- Gas token usage: Many L2s use BTC as their gas token, maintaining close integration with the Bitcoin ecosystem.
What do Bitcoin Layer 2s Offer?
- Enhanced scalability: Increased transaction throughput compared to the main Bitcoin blockchain.
- Smart contract capabilities: L2s introduce programmability, enabling features like DeFi and dApps on Bitcoin.
- Inheriting Bitcoin’s security: By using Bitcoin for settlement, L2s benefit from its robust security model.