Introducing Hyperchains

Matter Labs, the parent company of zkSync released the ZK Stack, a codebase aimed at developers seeking maximum sovereignty in their blockchain projects on June 26. 

The ZK Stack leverages the underlying technology of zkSync Era, an Ethereum zk-rollup, and enables developers to build interconnected blockchains using zero-knowledge proofs. These new networks, dubbed Hyperchains, represent a significant milestone in scaling Ethereum and offer customizable chains while maintaining the utmost security.

With the ZK Stack being free and open source, developers gain the freedom to tailor Hyperchains to their specific needs. Whether opting for Layer 2 networks that run parallel to zkSync Era or Layer 3 networks that operate on top of it, the possibilities for customization will be extensive. According to Matter Labs, this flexibility empowers developers to create blockchain networks with enhanced functionalities and diverse use cases.

Moreover, in order for Hyperchains to operate smoothly, a sequencer will be required to collect and order transactions before broadcasting them to Ethereum's mainnet. Matter Labs is developing a decentralized sequencer, but projects can choose to use a centralized or decentralized approach depending on their specific needs.

Further, in line with fostering community growth, Matter Labs is introducing Hyperbridges as a means of connecting Hyperchains. These bridges facilitate efficient cross-chain swaps, enabling seamless transactions that are complete in minutes and incur costs equivalent to a single transaction. 

While similar to Optimism's OP Stack, the ZK Stack differs in its technological approach. Optimism relies on optimistic rollups, while zkSync leverages zero-knowledge proofs for all transactions. This emerging competition between the two visions for scaling Ethereum reflects the industry's drive for innovation and advancement.

The launch of the ZK Stack signifies a strategic shift for Matter Labs, as they prioritize attracting independent development teams to contribute to the zkSync ecosystem.

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What is zkSync:

zkSync is an Ether and ERC20 token transfer layer 2 solutions. The L2 protocol positions itself as an Ethereum scaling and privacy engine. The project is based on a zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup architecture that allows for "unlimited" Ethereum scaling.

Learn more about zkSync:

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