Sidechain
An independent blockchain connected to a parent chain through a two-way peg, enabling asset transfers between them.
In-Depth Explanation
Sidechains run their own consensus while allowing assets to move to/from the main chain. They can experiment with different features or scaling approaches without affecting the parent chain. Unlike L2s, sidechains have their own security model—they don't inherit L1 security. Polygon PoS started as a sidechain (now also building L2 solutions).
Related Terms
Layer 2
L2Scaling solutions built on top of a base blockchain (L1) that process transactions off-chain while inheriting L1 security.
Bridge
A protocol that enables transferring assets or data between different blockchains.
Blockchain
A distributed, immutable ledger that records transactions across a network of computers using cryptographic linking.
More in Infrastructure
View all →Gas Fees
Transaction fees paid to validators/miners for executing operations on a blockchain.
Gwei
A denomination of Ether equal to one billionth of an ETH, commonly used to express gas prices.
Layer 2
L2Scaling solutions built on top of a base blockchain (L1) that process transactions off-chain while inheriting L1 security.
Layer 1
L1The base blockchain that provides security and consensus, such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, or Solana.