Ethereum's performance has not met expectations, and more chains are beginning to introduce different virtual machines (VMs) - these are called ‘altVMs’.

In contrast, public chains like Solana and Sui stand out, and the rise of meme coins is beyond expectations, demonstrating the competitive and collaborative potential of different virtual machines (altVMs). Against this backdrop, @CatalystSystem announced it will become the sole bridge between altVMs. What does this mean? 👇 🧵

Image Source: Biteye

One, What is altVM? Why are they important?

We all know that virtual machines (VMs) are the core components 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 those virtual machines that operate outside of Ethereum's EVM, typically designed as optimized solutions for specific needs.

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

Although these altVMs each have their strengths, how to achieve smooth asset transfer and interoperability between them remains a significant challenge. This is why cross-chain protocols have become a hot topic.

Two, Catalyst: Building a cross-chain bridge for altVMs

Catalyst was born to enable users to easily traverse different altVM ecosystems.

Unlike other cross-chains, the cross-chain issue from EVM to EVM has been resolved. Catalyst is the first bridge built specifically for altVM ecosystems like Bitcoin, SVM, TON, Move, and Cosmos, connecting users beyond EVM.

The advantage of Catalyst lies in its rapid deployment and adaptability, allowing it to support newly emerging altVMs within just a few months, quickly bringing users a whole new cross-chain experience. Most importantly, Catalyst's design enables users to easily access other altVM ecosystems as if they were operating on Ethereum, significantly lowering the technical barriers to cross-chain operations.

Image Source: Biteye

Three, CrossCats: One of the core components of Catalyst

So, how does Catalyst integrate with altVMs? This brings us to CrossCats. CrossCats is an intent-based cross-chain exchange protocol.

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

For example, suppose a user wants to exchange their Bitcoin for a token on a certain altVM. CrossCats will ensure this transaction is successfully completed through its unique protocol, providing a more efficient and convenient cross-chain operation experience than Ethereum's EVM.

Image Source: Biteye

Four, What does it mean for users?

So, what does CrossCats mean for the average user?

On one hand, users can more easily transfer assets, especially regarding exchanges between virtual machines and Bitcoin. Other cross-chain operations typically require multiple tools, wallets, and cross-chain bridges, but with CrossCats, Bitcoin can be exchanged for a token on a specific altVM within a single environment, enabling cross-chain trading, lending, or DeFi.

On the other hand, as CrossCats connects different altVMs, developers can deploy dapps across multiple chains. This means 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: https://crosscats.xyz/

Five, Summary

Lastly, let's summarize the relationship between altVM, Catalyst, and CrossCats:

  • altVMs emerged to address the limitations of EVM, providing more efficient solutions for specific applications.

  • Catalyst provides a bridge connecting altVMs, making cross-chain operations simpler.

  • CrossCats is a core component of the Catalyst architecture.

Currently, cross-chain operations between altVMs and between Bitcoin and altVMs are still relatively novel. As the sole connecting bridge, @CatalystSystem has gained considerable attention in foreign communities and is worth noting.

[Disclaimer] The market has risks, and investment requires caution. This article does not constitute investment advice, and users should consider whether any opinions, viewpoints, or conclusions in this article are applicable to their specific circumstances. Invest at your own risk.

  • This article is reprinted with permission from: (ShenChao TechFlow)

  • Original Author: Biteye

‘The Innovative Track Behind the Meme Wave! What are altVM and Catalyst? Why are they worth billions?’ This article was first published in ‘Crypto City’