區塊鏈技術的出現創造了巨大的機會

區塊鏈技術的出現創造了巨大的機會，但也帶來了巨大的挑戰。也許最大的挑戰是可擴展性。

The emergence of blockchain technology has created tremendous opportunities—but also tremendous challenges. Perhaps the greatest challenge is scalability. Well-known blockchains such as Ethereum and Bitcoin suffer from problems such as slow transaction times and high costs when the network is congested. As more users enter the ecosystem, scaling these networks becomes increasingly important.

區塊鏈技術的出現創造了巨大的機會，但也帶來了巨大的挑戰。也許最大的挑戰是可擴展性。以太坊和比特幣等著名的區塊鏈遇到了諸如交易速度緩慢的問題和網絡擁擠時的高成本等問題。隨著越來越多的用戶進入生態系統，擴展這些網絡變得越來越重要。

In response to these concerns, there have been two fundamental solutions so far: sidechains and Layer 2 solutions. Both can increase the speed and efficiency of blockchain systems but with different workings, security features, and levels of performance at large scales of activity.

為了應對這些問題，到目前為止已經有兩種基本解決方案：Sidechains和2層解決方案。兩者都可以提高區塊鏈系統的速度和效率，但具有不同的工作，安全功能以及大規模活動的性能水平。

What Are Sidechains?

什麼是SIDECHAINS？

A sidechain is a separate blockchain running alongside a main blockchain (or mainnet). A two-way bridge links it to the mainchain, and assets can transfer between the two blockchains. As an illustration, you can move Bitcoin onto a sidechain, spend it there for quicker and cheaper transactions, and then move it back to the primary Bitcoin network as required.

Sidechain是一個單獨的區塊鏈，並與主區塊鏈（或主網）一起運行。雙向橋將其連接到Mainchain，資產可以在兩個區塊鏈之間轉移。作為說明，您可以將比特幣移至Sidechain上，將其用於更快，更便宜的交易，然後根據需要將其移回主要的比特幣網絡。

Sidechains are configurable. They can be developed by developers with varied rules, consensus algorithms, and functionalities without affecting the primary blockchain. This allows sidechains to test new concepts, enable smart contracts, and process large numbers of transactions.

Sidechains是可配置的。它們可以由具有多種規則，共識算法和功能性的開發人員開發，而不會影響主要區塊鏈。這使Sidechains可以測試新概念，啟用智能合約並處理大量交易。

Instead, each sidechain is secured by its own validators or miners. This is to say that the security of a sidechain relies on its own infrastructure, which could be less strong than that of the mainchain.

相反，每個側鏈都由其自己的驗證者或礦工保護。這就是說Sidechain的安全性依賴於其自身的基礎設施，這可能不如Mainchain強。

Some of the most popular sidechains are Polygon PoS (previously known as Matic) for Ethereum and Liquid Network for Bitcoin.

一些最受歡迎的Sidechains是用於比特幣的以太坊和液體網絡的多邊形POS（以前稱為Matic）。

What Are Layer 2 Solutions?

什麼是第2層解決方案？

Layer 2 solutions are constructed atop a pre-existing blockchain. They are not chains in themselves but rather an addition to the parent blockchain. Layer 2s process most of the transactions and only settle the final outcomes on the mainchain, significantly easing network congestion.

第2層解決方案是在預先存在的區塊鏈上構建的。它們本身不是鏈條，而是父母區塊鏈的補充。第2層處理大多數交易，僅在主鏈上解決最終結果，這顯著緩解了網絡擁塞。

There are multiple forms of Layer 2 solutions, such as

有多種形式的第2層解決方案，例如

Rollups (ZK-Rollups and Optimistic): They aggregate numerous transactions into a single one and push them to the mainchain in a batch.

匯總（ZK滾動和樂觀）：它們將大量交易匯總到一個交易中，然後將它們推到批處理中的Mainchain。

State Channels: They enable users to make transactions off-chain and only post the final outcome on-chain.

州渠道：它們使用戶能夠在鏈上進行交易，並且僅發布鏈上的最終結果。

Plasma Chains: They are auxiliary chains that rely on the main chain for end security checkpoints.

血漿鏈：它們是依靠主鏈的輔助鏈來獲得最終安全檢查點。

One of the most important characteristics of Layer 2s is that they inherit the security of the primary chain. Because the ultimate outcomes are tied to the underlying blockchain, users are able to trust the platform without trusting new validators.

第2層最重要的特徵之一是它們繼承了主要鏈的安全性。由於最終結果與基礎區塊鏈息息相關，因此用戶能夠在不信任新驗證器的情況下信任該平台。

Sidechains vs. Layer 2

Sidechains vs.第2層

When we ask which, one scales better—sidechains or Layer 2—the answer depends on what we mean by “better.” Let’s look at some key areas to understand the differences.

當我們詢問哪個時，一個更好的尺度（Sidechains或第2層）取決於我們所說的“更好”。讓我們看一些關鍵領域以了解差異。

1. Security

1。安全

Layer 2 solutions generally offer better security because they rely on the mainchain’s consensus and security. For example, ZK-Rollups use cryptographic proofs that are verified by the mainchain, making it very hard to cheat.

第2層解決方案通常提供更好的安全性，因為它們依賴於主鏈的共識和安全性。例如，ZK滾動使用Mainchain驗證的加密證明，這很難作弊。

Sidechains, however, possess standalone security. If validators on a sidechain are weak or unscrupulous, users may lose money. Layer 2 solutions are thus generally safer for users.

但是，Sidechains具有獨立的安全性。如果Sidechain上的驗證者弱或不道德，則用戶可能會虧錢。因此，第2層解決方案通常對用戶更安全。

2. Speed and Throughput

2。速度和吞吐量

Sidechains and Layer 2s both have the capability to dramatically increase transaction speed. Sidechains can handle numerous transactions per second because they are standalone. Layer 2s such as rollups also provide high throughput by grouping multiple transactions together.

Sidechains和第2層都具有顯著提高交易速度的能力。 Sidechains每秒可以處理許多交易，因為它們是獨立的。第2層（例如匯總）還通過將多個交易分組在一起來提供高通量。

But Layer 2 solutions tend to be more effective in terms of utilizing the mainchain, resulting in improved scalability in heavy-demand scenarios. For example, zkRollups can execute thousands of transactions in a single transaction with very little on-chain data.

但是，第2層解決方案在利用主鏈方面往往更有效，從而提高了重複方案的可伸縮性。例如，Zkrollups可以在單個交易中執行數千筆交易，而鏈上數據很少。

3. Cost

3。費用

Applying sidechains and Layer 2s together can result in reduced transaction fees when compared to going directly through the mainchain. Layer 2s, on the other hand, provide greater fee savings due to their effective usage of on-chain real estate. Individuals normally pay a minimal fee for the batch transaction over separate ones.

與直接通過MainChain相比，將SIDECHAIN和第2層一起應用可能會導致交易費用減少。另一方面，第2層由於有效地使用了鍊鍊房地產，可節省更多的費用。個人通常會為批處理交易支付最低費用，而不是單獨的交易。

Sidechains can also charge validators fees, and their prices depend on the popularity and infrastructure of the chain.

Sidechains還可以收取驗證者的費用，其價格取決於鏈條的受歡迎程度和基礎設施。

4. Use Cases and Compatibility

4。用例和兼容性

Sidechains are more versatile. They can accommodate various token standards, smart contracts, and even completely different blockchain architectures. This makes them perfect for bespoke applications, enterprise blockchains, or testing.

Sidechains更具通用性。他們可以適應各種代幣標準，智能合約，甚至完全不同的區塊鏈體系結構。這使它們非常適合定制應用程序，企業區塊鍊或測試。

Layer 2s are more integrated with the mainchain. This makes them more suitable for scaling current applications without having to change much. They are perfect for projects already developing on Ethereum or Bitcoin and need to scale fast.

第2層與Mainchain更加集成。這使它們更適合擴展當前應用，而不必更改。它們非常適合已經在以太坊或比特幣上開發的項目，需要快速擴展。

5. Decentralization

5。權力下放

Layer 2s are more in line with the decentralization goals of the base layer, mainly if they utilize fraud proofs or validity proofs. Sidechains might sometimes be more centralized when they depend on a small set of validators.

第2層與基礎層的權力下放目標更一致，主要是使用欺詐證明或有效性證明。當Sidechains依賴一小部分驗證器時，有時可能會更加集中。

Which Scales Better?

哪個尺度更好？

If we understand "scales better" in terms of security, trust, and long-term adoption, then Layer 2 solutions are definitely ahead. They

如果我們從安全性，信任和長期採用方面理解“更好的規模”，那麼第2層解決方案肯定是領先的。他們