Clear DefinitionsLayer 1
Pronunciation
[ley-er wuhn]
Analogy
If Layer 0 is the overall highway system, a Layer 1 blockchain is like a specific city with its own roads, traffic laws (consensus rules), police force (validators/miners), and public record office (the ledger). It's a self-contained system where all core activities happen.
Definition
The base blockchain network protocol that forms the foundational layer of a decentralized ecosystem. Layer 1 blockchains are responsible for their own security, transaction validation, consensus mechanism, and maintaining the immutable ledger.
Key Points Intro
Layer 1s are the primary blockchains where transactions are directly processed and settled on their own native ledger.
Key Points
The main, underlying blockchain network (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
Responsible for its own consensus, data finality, and security.
All transactions ultimately need to be settled or anchored to a Layer 1 for the highest level of security.
Can face scalability challenges (the 'blockchain trilemma' of balancing security, decentralization, and scalability).
Example
Bitcoin is a Layer 1 blockchain designed for peer-to-peer electronic cash. Ethereum is a Layer 1 blockchain that enables smart contracts and decentralized applications.
Technical Deep Dive
Layer 1 blockchains implement core functionalities including a peer-to-peer network for communication, a consensus mechanism (e.g., Proof of Work, Proof of Stake) to agree on the state of the ledger, a native cryptocurrency for transaction fees and incentives, and rules for transaction validation and block production. The 'blockchain trilemma' often forces Layer 1s to make trade-offs: achieving high decentralization and security might limit transaction throughput, leading to the development of Layer 2 scaling solutions.
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