Linea: Empowering DApps With Scalable zkEVM Technology
One of the big challenges of modern blockchain technology is to create scalable systems. Though networks like Ethereum are highly secure and reliable, they can sometimes struggle to handle large numbers of transactions. Linea hopes to provide helpful tools that make it quicker and more affordable to process thousands of transactions at once.
This guide explains how Linea works and explores its effect on the Ethereum blockchain — and what makes Linea stand out from other scaling systems.
Key Takeaways:
Linea is a Layer 2 Ethereum blockchain network that uses zero-knowledge technology to create a secure and scalable system.
The Linea network is fully compatible with the Ethereum virtual machine (EVM), and supports developers who want to create scalable DApps.
What Is Linea?
Linea is a Layer 2 Ethereum blockchain network that uses zero-knowledge technology to create a secure and scalable system. The Linea network is fully compatible with the Ethereum virtual machine (EVM), offering support for developers who want to create scalable DApps.
What Is Consensys?
Consensys, the blockchain software tech company that designed Linea, was founded by Joseph Lubin. It focuses on creating products for the web3 world. Other Consensys projects include MetaMask, Diligence and Infura.
History of Linea
Linea was founded in 2019 by Consensys. Since Lubin is best known as a co-founder of Ethereum, it's no surprise that he's still committed to working on the Ethereum network. For years, Lubin has discussed the challenges of scaling Ethereum. The Linea network is his contribution to helping Ethereum run as quickly and as affordably as possible.
After years of development, the Linea network was officially launched in July 2023, expanding since that time to include many DApps. Consensys has also worked to fully integrate Linea into its other projects, such as MetaMask.
What Does Linea Aim to Achieve?
At a glance, Linea's main goal is to make Ethereum more scalable. The Layer 2 network hopes to create an accessible decentralized future, in which people can process countless transactions without having to pay high fees or wait long periods of time. Linea highlights the importance of supporting other projects built on Ethereum, and offers specific tools available for scaling gaming projects, DeFi software and more.
Linea strives to remain true to the original vision of Ethereum. Its creators noticed that some other Ethereum scaling projects were relying on centralized communities or lax security protocols to achieve their speed. To solve these issues, Linea leverages a decentralized community that has shared stewardship over the network. Linea plans to provide the most robust security system possible, while still speeding up transaction processing times.
How Does Linea Work?
The Linea mainnet is a Layer 2 ecosystem, an independent blockchain that runs parallel to the main Ethereum chain. Just like a regular blockchain, Linea can validate transactions and store them in an unchanging ledger. However, Linea regularly sends information to and from the Ethereum network, so it relies on Ethereum to handle some of its security and data storage. As an EVM-compatible system, Linea uses the same exact protocols as Ethereum’s. Anything that runs on Ethereum can also run on Linea's Layer 2 network.
Linea relies on zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs and zero-knowledge (ZK) rollups to expedite transactions. ZK-proofs use a special type of algorithm to confirm transactions, while ZK-rollups bundle transactions. Together, ZK-proofs and ZK-rollups combine to make the ZK-rollup system. Here’s how it works:
Users process transactions on Linea.
Linea bundles these transactions and generates a ZK-proof that confirms their validity.
The Linea network sends the result of the ZK-proof to the Ethereum network.
The Ethereum network records that the bundle of transactions is correct, without having to store individual transaction data on-chain.
Ethereum sends the information back to Linea to confirm the mainnet is updated to include Linea's information.
Features of Linea
Linea's primary feature is its EVM-compatible blockchain that features ZK-rollups and a robust security system. Users can run any transaction they like on Linea to enjoy low fees and fast processing times. However, there’s more than that to the Linea network. Its ecosystem focuses on helping people create scalable DApps and has a lot of different features for developers to try.
Block Explorer
The block explorer provides direct access to Linea's network. Users can explore every part of the blockchain for full details on transactions, tokens and addresses. This creates greater transparency so the system can be as decentralized as possible. It's also very useful for developers who need to monitor network traffic while running their apps.
Linea Voyage
Linea Voyage is essentially a user account that tracks people's progress through the secure zkEVM ecosystem. Its gamified system awards XP points based on how often you contribute to the community, encouraging user activity. Linea Voyage issues points for everything from running smart contracts to contributing liquidity.
Linea Surge
Linea Surge, part of the Linea Voyage program, encourages users to make the most of their on-chain activity. It's a community event that runs for a limited time and encourages users to collect as many LXP tokens as possible.
Linea Ecosystem Investment Alliance
The Linea Ecosystem Investment Alliance (LEIA) is a funding program that offers support to those who build on Linea. It empowers users and consists of over 45 venture investor partners who provide funding and mentorship to new programs. Promising projects’ creators can sign up for technical coaching and professional advice to help them make the most of their ideas.
Linea Road Map
Linea has already launched its mainnet, but the Linea road map still has several stages to go. Currently, the team's primary aim is to increase decentralization. The company plans to diversify its governance system and provide direct access to node operation. Linea will also be creating a security council to ensure the most robust security system possible.
In the upcoming months, Linea plans to expand its technology with the addition of multi-prover rollups. This architecture will run multiple implementations of Linea, increasing both the accuracy and security of its platform.
The Future of Linea
In addition to its technological road map, Linea has big plans for the future of the EVM. Linea looks forward to an accessible decentralized future where anyone with an idea can build it on the blockchain without worrying about fees and security. To achieve this dream, Linea is taking several steps to support creators of easily accessible applications, offering tools, libraries with smart contracts and grants for developers. Anyone who builds on Linea gets built-in support and marketing from the entire Consensys ecosystem.
So far, the Linea network has been highlighting its developmental capabilities. However, some industry experts believe the chain also has plans to release some investment opportunities in the future, with some predicting that Linea may eventually release a token to help with DAO governance and transaction fees. If this happens, the token could also be used to raise funds for the project and reward community members.
Closing Thoughts
Linea provides a secure zkEVM ecosystem whose users can fulfill smart contracts affordably while enjoying a robust security system. Though its network has a lot of competition from other Layer 2s, Linea leverages its connection to Ethereum to help it stand out. With backing from Ethereum's founder and funding from Consensys, Linea is likely to become a popular choice for creating easily accessible applications in a fully EVM-compatible environment.
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