What does it mean that Catalyst has announced that it will be the only bridge between altVMs?

Written by: Biteye

As Ethereum performed below expectations, more and more chains began to introduce different virtual machines (VMs) - these are called "altVMs".

In contrast, public chains such as Solana and Sui stand out, and the rise of Meme coin is beyond expectations, showing the potential for competition and collaboration among different virtual machines (altVM). In this context, @CatalystSystem announced that it will become the only bridge between altVMs. What does it mean? 👇 🧵

What are altVMs? Why are they important?

As we all know, a virtual machine (VM) is a core component for executing smart contracts. Ethereum's EVM is one of the earliest and most popular virtual machines, but it is not the only option. altVM refers to virtual machines that run outside of Ethereum's EVM, and they are usually designed as solutions optimized for specific needs.

For example, Solana, Sui, and Aptos are all well-known altVMs that provide higher speed, more scalability, and even better security than Ethereum EVM through different architectures and technologies. The emergence of these altVMs gives developers more choices and makes on-chain application scenarios more diverse.

Although these altVMs have their own advantages, how to smoothly transfer assets and interoperate between them is still a huge challenge. Because of this, cross-chain protocols have become a hot topic.

2. Catalyst: Building a cross-chain bridge for altVM

Catalyst was created to allow users to easily cross different altVM ecosystems.

Unlike other cross-chains, the current cross-chain problem of EVM to EVM has been solved. Catalyst is the first bridge built specifically for altVM ecosystems such as Bitcoin, SVM, TON, Move, Cosmos, etc., connecting users outside of EVM.

The advantage of Catalyst lies in its rapid deployment and adaptability. It can support the newly emerging altVM in just a few months, quickly bringing a new cross-chain experience to users. Most importantly, the design of Catalyst allows users to easily access other altVM ecosystems just like operating on Ethereum, greatly reducing the technical threshold for cross-chain operations.

3. CrossCats: One of the core components of Catalyst

So, how does Catalyst combine with altVM? This is where CrossCats comes in. CrossCats is an intent-based cross-chain exchange protocol.

Through CrossCats, users can transfer assets from one altVM to another, or even from traditional blockchains like Bitcoin to more modern virtual machines. This cross-chain interoperability greatly improves the liquidity of users’ assets.

For example, suppose a user wants to exchange his Bitcoin for a token on an altVM. CrossCats will ensure that the transaction can be completed smoothly through its unique protocol, which is a more efficient and convenient cross-chain operation experience than Ethereum EVM.

4. What does it mean to users?

So, what does CrossCats mean to the average user?

On the one hand, users can more easily transfer assets, especially for the exchange between virtual machines and Bitcoin. Other cross-chain operations usually require the use of multiple tools, wallets, and cross-chain bridges, but with CrossCats, Bitcoin can be exchanged for tokens on an altVM in a single environment for cross-chain transactions, lending, or DeFi.

On the other hand, as CrossCats connects different altVMs, developers can deploy dapps on multiple chains. This means that users can experience more applications and services from other ecosystems, no longer limited to the Ethereum ecosystem.

✅ The CrossCats mainnet was launched on November 27, official website details:

https://crosscats.xyz/

V. Conclusion

Finally, let’s summarize the relationship between altVM, Catalyst, and CrossCats:

  • altVMs emerged to address the limitations of EVMs, and they provide more efficient solutions for specific applications.

  • Catalyst provides a bridge to the altVM, making cross-chain operations easier.

  • CrossCats are the core component in the Catalyst architecture.

At present, cross-chain between altVMs and between BTC and altVMs is still relatively new. As the only connecting bridge, @CatalystSystem is relatively popular in foreign communities and deserves attention.