ZKsync Introduces Elastic Chain Architecture in Major Upgrade
Layer 2 developer ZKsync has unveiled a significant upgrade to its ecosystem, transitioning to an "elastic chain" architecture with its recent v24 update. This move marks a shift from a singular zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup chain to a network of multiple ZK chains, each offering native interoperability and a unified user experience as part of the ZKsync 3.0 roadmap.
One of the key changes in this architectural overhaul is the reconfiguration of ZKsync’s native bridge into a token vault. This enhancement aims to improve connectivity among the growing number of ZK chains within its ecosystem, facilitating smoother transactions and interactions.
This upgrade follows the project's airdrop of 3.675 billion ZK tokens to early adopters of the Ethereum Layer 2 network. This distribution represents 17.5% of the ZK token’s total supply of 21 billion tokens, rewarding the community that has supported the network's growth.
The developers at ZKsync envision the elastic chain architecture creating a seamless operation that mimics a single blockchain. This means transactions will only require a single wallet confirmation, eliminating the need for network switching or manual asset bridging. This unified approach is designed to provide a more cohesive and user-friendly experience across the multi-chain ecosystem.
The ZKsync Era, the project's flagship rollup, serves as the foundational layer of this new elastic chain ecosystem. By the end of 2024, the network plans to encompass over 20 operational chains on the mainnet, all developed with the ZK Stack software kit. This expansion includes notable projects such as Lens Protocol, QuarkID, PlayFi, GRVT, Cronos zkEVM, Nodle, and others.