Polygon

Polygon implements a multi-solution approach to scaling with several distinct technologies: (1) Polygon PoS (previously Matic Network), a proof-of-stake sidechain with its own validator set and checkpoint mechanism back to Ethereum; (2) Polygon zkEVM, a zero-knowledge rollup providing EVM compatibility with validity proofs; (3) Polygon Miden, an optimized zkEVM with its own specialized virtual machine; (4) Polygon Supernets, customizable application-specific chains; and (5) Polygon CDK (Chain Development Kit), providing modular tools for creating custom Layer 2 solutions. The platform has evolved from its original focus on the PoS sidechain to embrace a broader suite of ZK-based scaling solutions under the "Polygon 2.0" vision. Cross-chain communication within the ecosystem leverages specialized bridge protocols, with security models ranging from the proof-of-stake validator set for Polygon PoS to the cryptographic verification of zero-knowledge proofs for zkEVM. The development ecosystem focuses on maximum Ethereum compatibility, allowing developers to use familiar tools like Metamask, Truffle, and Hardhat. Token economics center around the MATIC token, which functions as a staking token for PoS security, a governance token for protocol decisions, and a payment token for various network services. Recent technological advances include significant progress in recursive zero-knowledge proofs, chain interoperability protocols, and state synchronization mechanisms.