区块链技术的出现创造了巨大的机会

区块链技术的出现创造了巨大的机会，但也带来了巨大的挑战。也许最大的挑战是可扩展性。

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.

区块链技术的出现创造了巨大的机会，但也带来了巨大的挑战。也许最大的挑战是可扩展性。以太坊和比特币等著名的区块链遇到了诸如交易速度缓慢的问题和网络拥挤时的高成本等问题。随着越来越多的用户进入生态系统，扩展这些网络变得越来越重要。

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.

为了应对这些问题，到目前为止已经有两种基本解决方案：Sidechains和2层解决方案。两者都可以提高区块链系统的速度和效率，但具有不同的工作，安全功能以及大规模活动的性能水平。

What Are Sidechains?

什么是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是一个单独的区块链，并与主区块链（或主网）一起运行。双向桥将其连接到Mainchain，资产可以在两个区块链之间转移。作为说明，您可以将比特币移至Sidechain上，将其用于更快，更便宜的交易，然后根据需要将其移回主要的比特币网络。

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。它们可以由具有多种规则，共识算法和功能性的开发人员开发，而不会影响主要区块链。这使Sidechains可以测试新概念，启用智能合约并处理大量交易。

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，每个侧链都由其自己的验证者或矿工保护。这就是说Sidechain的安全性依赖于其自身的基础设施，这可能不如Mainchain强。

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

一些最受欢迎的Sidechains是用于比特币的以太坊和液体网络的多边形POS（以前称为Matic）。

What Are Layer 2 Solutions?

什么是第2层解决方案？

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层解决方案是在预先存在的区块链上构建的。它们本身不是链条，而是父母区块链的补充。第2层处理大多数交易，仅在主链上解决最终结果，这显着缓解了网络拥塞。

There are multiple forms of Layer 2 solutions, such as

有多种形式的第2层解决方案，例如

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

汇总（ZK滚动和乐观）：它们将大量交易汇总到一个交易中，然后将它们推到批处理中的Mainchain。

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

州渠道：它们使用户能够在链上进行交易，并且仅发布链上的最终结果。

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

血浆链：它们是依靠主链的辅助链来获得最终安全检查点。

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层最重要的特征之一是它们继承了主要链的安全性。由于最终结果与基础区块链息息相关，因此用户能够在不信任新验证器的情况下信任该平台。

Sidechains vs. Layer 2

Sidechains vs.第2层

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.

当我们询问哪个时，一个更好的尺度（Sidechains或第2层）取决于我们所说的“更好”。让我们看一些关键领域以了解差异。

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层解决方案通常提供更好的安全性，因为它们依赖于主链的共识和安全性。例如，ZK滚动使用Mainchain验证的加密证明，这很难作弊。

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具有独立的安全性。如果Sidechain上的验证者弱或不道德，则用户可能会亏钱。因此，第2层解决方案通常对用户更安全。

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层都具有显着提高交易速度的能力。 Sidechains每秒可以处理许多交易，因为它们是独立的。第2层（例如汇总）还通过将多个交易分组在一起来提供高通量。

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层解决方案在利用主链方面往往更有效，从而提高了重复方案的可伸缩性。例如，Zkrollups可以在单个交易中执行数千笔交易，而链上数据很少。

3. Cost

3。费用

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.

与直接通过MainChain相比，将SIDECHAIN和第2层一起应用可能会导致交易费用减少。另一方面，第2层由于有效地使用了链链房地产，可节省更多的费用。个人通常会为批处理交易支付最低费用，而不是单独的交易。

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

Sidechains还可以收取验证者的费用，其价格取决于链条的受欢迎程度和基础设施。

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。他们可以适应各种代币标准，智能合约，甚至完全不同的区块链体系结构。这使它们非常适合定制应用程序，企业区块链或测试。

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层与Mainchain更加集成。这使它们更适合扩展当前应用，而不必更改。它们非常适合已经在以太坊或比特币上开发的项目，需要快速扩展。

5. Decentralization

5。权力下放

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层与基础层的权力下放目标更一致，主要是使用欺诈证明或有效性证明。当Sidechains依赖一小部分验证器时，有时可能会更加集中。

Which Scales Better?

哪个尺度更好？

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

如果我们从安全性，信任和长期采用方面理解“更好的规模”，那么第2层解决方案肯定是领先的。他们