The Optimism Bedrock Upgrade And Its Importance for the Future of Ethereum
The Optimism Bedrock mainnet upgrade and hard fork is all set to revolutionize the landscape of decentralized applications (dApps) and unlock a new era of possibilities. Optimism Bedrock, scheduled for June 6, 2023, makes blockchain transactions faster, more cost-effective, and more scalable to support real-world Optimism network applications.
The Optimism Bedrock hard fork represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the Optimism ecosystem. This eagerly anticipated release brings forth a range of crucial improvements that hold great importance for developers, users, and the entire blockchain community.
In this blog, we explore the specific improvements offered by Optimism Bedrock and their implications for developers, dApps, and the broader blockchain community. We will uncover the intricacies of this transformative upgrade, shedding light on its unique features and benefits.
Introduction to Optimism
Optimism is one of the most popular Layer2 scaling solutions for the Ethereum blockchain. The network was developed to address Ethereum’s scalability challenges, offering higher throughput and lower gas fees than the underlying Layer1 blockchain while enjoying the same level of security as Ethereum.
Optimism provides a separate layer of infrastructure that works with Ethereum to enhance scalability and improve transaction throughput. It does so by using a technology called optimistic rollups. Rollups bundle multiple transactions into a single transaction that is then executed on the Ethereum Layer 1 blockchain.
Optimism's optimistic rollups inherit the Ethereum network’s security features, ensuring user funds' protection and maintaining the ecosystem's decentralization. By offloading the transactional load to Layer 2, Optimism aims to alleviate congestion and improve the overall efficiency of the Ethereum blockchain.
OP is the native token of the Optimism network and serves as the governance token of the Optimism Collective. $OP token holders form members of the Optimism Collective and can participate in the Optimism ecosystem's decision-making processes and governance.
OP token is supported on KuCoin, and if you are interested in it, please check out our step by step guide about how to buy Optimism (OP) on KuCoin.
What Makes Bedrock Different?
The Optimism Bedrock is a major network-wide upgrade designed to make Optimism the industry’s fastest, cheapest, and most advanced rollup architecture. The Bedrock upgrade and hard fork will let Optimism support multiple fault-proof and client implementations and has the potential to redefine the blockchain experience.
Optimism Bedrock aims to address the challenges faced by the Ethereum network and other Layer1 blockchains. The Bedrock network upgrade can enhance scalability using optimistic rollups without compromising Ethereum’s superior security or decentralization.
The groundbreaking and revolutionary update can optimize transaction throughput by bundling multiple transactions into a single transaction for execution on the Ethereum Layer 1 blockchain. This can reduce costs and increase the speed of running dApps on the Optimism network.
Here are some key reasons why this network upgrade is especially significant for Optimism developers and users:
Bedrock - Official Release of the OP Stack
Bedrock marks the official release of the OP Stack, a comprehensive collection of free and open-source modular components that power Optimism. The Bedrock release in June 2023 introduces unprecedented modularity, allowing developers to build on Optimism with greater flexibility and customization. The modular design simplifies the development process, making it more accessible and user-friendly for developers.
Bedrock Enables EIP-1559 Support
With the Bedrock upgrade, Optimism has upgraded its network to support EIP-1559. This means the base fee mechanism will be implemented in Optimism, aligning it with the Ethereum network. The base fee will be the same for all transactions in a block, ensuring fairness and predictability in fee calculations.
EIP-1559 aims to improve the user experience by simplifying the gas fee structure. Previously, users had to manually set gas prices, leading to congestion and high fees during peak periods. With EIP-1559, users will only need to specify a "tip" amount to incentivize miners, while the network automatically determines the base fee.
Another critical aspect of EIP-1559 is fee burning. Under this mechanism, a portion of the base fee is burned, effectively reducing the overall supply of Ether (ETH) and potentially leading to deflationary effects.
Bedrock Introduces Key Upgrades to Optimism’s Infrastructure
Following the Bedrock update, the Optimism Mainnet will transform with the Bedrock release, upgrading its infrastructure to leverage the power of the OP Stack. These infrastructure enhancements lay the foundation for improved scalability, security, and performance, setting the stage for a seamless user experience on the Optimism network.
Move Over EVM and Ethereum Compatibility, Hello Ethereum Equivalence!
With the Bedrock release, Optimism aims to achieve Ethereum equivalence on its Layer 2 network. Transactions and smart contracts on Optimism will closely mirror the functionality and compatibility of the Ethereum mainnet. Developers and users can enjoy the benefits of Ethereum's robust ecosystem while taking advantage of the scalability and cost-effectiveness offered by Optimism.
Improved Performance and Security on Optimism Layer2 Network
The Bedrock hard fork brings forth a host of performance and security enhancements to the Optimism network. These improvements result in faster transaction speeds, reduced costs, and enhanced network security, fostering a more reliable and efficient environment for decentralized applications to thrive.
Bedrock Powers Decentralized Governance on Optimism Network
Optimism Bedrock paves the way for the continued growth and development of the Optimism ecosystem through its community-driven governance model. This upgrade further cements the role of the Optimism Collective, enabling OP token holders to actively participate in the decision-making process and shape the future of the network.
How Will Optimism’s Bedrock Upgrade Impact Ethereum?
While the Bedrock upgrade is essential for the Optimism mainnet, it also holds significance to the Layer1 Ethereum ecosystem. The upcoming Optimism Bedrock upgrade has implications for the Ethereum ecosystem, as it sets the foundation for Ethereum to evolve into a Superchain.
By embracing the Bedrock network upgrade, Ethereum takes a significant step toward realizing its full potential as a leading blockchain platform. Here are the key ways in which the Bedrock upgrade is expected to impact Ethereum:
Introducing the Concept of the Superchain
With the Bedrock release, Optimism aims to create a Superchain comprising multiple chains that share a software stack and possess the same security properties. This concept enables seamless communication and collaboration between chains, unlocking the potential for enhanced scalability and interoperability within the Ethereum ecosystem. The Superchain vision aligns with Ethereum's goal of becoming a highly efficient and interconnected blockchain network.
dApp Scalability will Get a Boost
One of the primary objectives of the Bedrock upgrade is to enhance Ethereum's scalability through the implementation of Optimistic Rollups. Optimistic Rollups bundle a large volume of transaction data into manageable batches, reducing gas fees and accelerating transaction confirmation times. By leveraging Layer 2 scaling solutions like Optimism, Ethereum can accommodate a significantly higher number of transactions per second, addressing the scalability challenges faced by the network.
Enhancing Ethereum’s User Experience
The Bedrock upgrade aims to provide a smoother user experience on Ethereum by reducing gas fees and improving transaction completion times. Lower gas fees make dApps more affordable, attracting a broader user base. Additionally, faster transaction confirmation times enhance the responsiveness of dApps, resulting in a more seamless and enjoyable user experience.
Preserving Ethereum’s Security While Offering Improved Efficiencies
While improving scalability and user experience, the Bedrock upgrade prioritizes preserving Ethereum's security. Optimistic Rollups maintain the security of the original Ethereum chain while processing transactions off-chain. This ensures that the trust and integrity of the underlying Ethereum network are upheld, providing users with confidence in the security of their transactions and assets.
Realizing a Multi-chain Future
The Bedrock upgrade is a stepping stone towards a more efficient and multi-chain future for Ethereum. The Superchain concept opens the door for interoperability and the potential integration of Ethereum-based projects and networks by enabling seamless communication and collaboration between chains. This fosters a vibrant and diverse ecosystem where various applications can co-exist and interact seamlessly.
Additions to the Bedrock Release: Optimism Cannon
The Optimism Cannon is an essential component and development in the Optimism ecosystem, specifically designed to work alongside the Bedrock release.
Enhanced Transaction Submission Costs
The Optimism Cannon, part of the Bedrock release, aims to enable theoretically optimal transaction submission costs. By leveraging Cannon, developers, and users can benefit from reduced transaction fees, making transactions more cost-effective on the Ethereum network.
Next-Generation Fault Proofing
Cannon is designed to be a next-generation fault-proofing solution within the Optimism ecosystem. It introduces advancements in fault tolerance and security, enhancing the reliability and robustness of the system.
Foundation of Optimism
The Cannon technology is built to be a foundational element of Optimism for the foreseeable future. It is expected to play a crucial role in the long-term development and evolution of the Optimism ecosystem, ensuring the scalability, security, and efficiency of transactions.
Contribution to EIP4844
The Optimism team has been actively contributing to Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 4844, which aims to reduce transaction fees by up to 100x. This contribution demonstrates Optimism's commitment to driving innovation and collaborating with the broader Ethereum community to improve the scalability and cost-effectiveness of the network.
How to Make the Most of the Upcoming Optimism Network Upgrade as a Crypto Investor
A significant network upgrade like the Bedrock release is a good time to trade the Optimism (OP) crypto. If you’re interested in making the most of this upcoming development, here are some ways to do so with KuCoin.
Trade OP Token on KuCoin
Visit the KuCoin Spot Market to trade Optimism against other crypto assets. Developments like the Bedrock upgrade drive considerable volatility in the crypto market, making it a suitable time to go long or short on OP on the KuCoin Futures Trading. Remember to DYOR before entering any new trade in the crypto market.
Lend Liquidity in OP with KuCoin Crypto Lending
If you already HODL Optimism in your crypto portfolio, visit our Crypto Lending section to earn passive income on your tokens. Head here to lend liquidity in OP to KuCoin and earn attractive daily interest over seven days, 14 days, or 28 days.
Earn Passive Income on OP Holdings With KuCoin Earn
You can also stake OP on KuCoin Earn to generate higher returns by putting your OP tokens to work. Check out our latest APRs and subscribe to our platform’s OP investment products.
Maximize Earning Potential Using KuCoin Trading Bot
If you’re willing to take on higher risk exposure, you can also use the KuCoin Trading Bot section to generate higher profits by automating the trading experience. Trade OP/USDT using the various trading bots on our platform.
Conclusion
The Optimism Bedrock upgrade represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Optimism. By introducing enhanced modularity, infrastructure upgrades, Ethereum equivalence, performance and security improvements, and community-driven governance, Bedrock sets the stage for the widespread adoption of Optimism as a leading Layer 2 scaling solution. This upgrade empowers developers to build innovative decentralized applications, enhances the user experience, and contributes to the overall growth and success of the blockchain ecosystem.