Author: nairolf
Compiled by: TechFlow
“Friends, what is a multi-layer chain abstraction stack?”
Let me explain the multi-layer chain abstraction stack in very simple terms.
Chain abstraction means that users don’t have to manually handle the complex process of interacting with multiple blockchains.
The multi-layer stack provides various chain abstraction methods at different levels: application layer, account layer, and blockchain layer.
“Application layer?”
This layer enables developers to build chain-agnostic applications that can easily interact with multiple blockchains.
In effect, this layer facilitates cross-chain transactions and workflows, enabling applications to be combined with any other applications and assets.
“So it’s mainly for developers?”
That's right. Projects like @agoric, @SocketProtocol or @skipprotocol simplify the complexity of building chain abstraction applications.
You no longer deal with blockchains, you deal with applications.
“What about the account layer?”
This layer solves problems such as handling multiple wallets, managing multiple token balances across chains, and varying gas fees.
You can think of the account layer as the level that implements one account that is universal to all blockchains.
“Who is doing this?” @ParticleNtwrk’s universal account allows users to use any blockchain with just one account and one balance.
Meta accounts provided by @burnt_xion allow centralized control of assets and accounts on external chains using their L1.
“What about the blockchain layer?”
This is probably the most difficult layer to understand.
Essentially, it involves multiple blockchains deciding to share certain properties, thereby increasing interoperability between them.
"What's the meaning?"
For example, blockchains built with the same technology stack (or infrastructure) can be directly compatible.
The recent @ZKsync's Elastic Chain or @Optimism's Superchain are good examples.
"but?"
Although this cannot directly implement chain abstraction, this layer acts like glue to improve the security and efficiency of chain abstraction.
Another example is Polygon’s AggLayer or the widely used IBC in Cosmos for interoperability.
"in conclusion"
The application layer enables developers to easily build cross-chain applications, the account layer reduces the complexity for users in terms of wallets and cross-chain bridges, and the blockchain layer facilitates collaboration through shared infrastructure features.
All of them have one common goal: chain abstraction.
