🌊 Plasma Chains: Ethereum's First L2
Learn about the groundbreaking child chain architecture from 2017
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0 / 5 completed🌿 What are Plasma Chains?
Plasma is a framework for building scalable blockchain applications using "child chains" that run alongside Ethereum mainnet. Think of it as creating separate blockchains that periodically checkpoint their state to Ethereum for security.
🎯 Core Concept
Plasma chains are independent blockchains that handle transactions separately from Ethereum but commit periodic "checkpoints" (Merkle roots) to the main chain for security.
Process thousands of transactions per second off-chain
Periodic commitments inherit Ethereum's security
Users can always exit to Ethereum if chain misbehaves
🎮 Transaction Flow Simulator
Step through how a transaction flows through a Plasma chain, from user submission to Ethereum commitment. Use the controls below to navigate at your own pace.
User Transaction
Step 1/4Alice sends 10 ETH to Bob on Plasma chain
From submission to commitment
Transactions per second capacity
🏗️ Plasma Architecture Basics
Child Chain
A separate blockchain that processes transactions independently. Operated by one or more validators who bundle transactions into blocks.
Root Chain (Ethereum)
The main Ethereum blockchain where Plasma checkpoints (Merkle roots) are periodically committed. This anchors the child chain's security to Ethereum.
Smart Contract
A contract on Ethereum that manages deposits, withdrawals, and stores child chain commitments. Acts as the bridge between chains.
Exit Mechanism
Users can withdraw funds from Plasma to Ethereum by proving ownership with Merkle proofs. Includes a challenge period for dispute resolution.
💡 Key Innovation
Plasma's breakthrough is that users don't need to verify every transaction on the child chain. You only need to:
This makes Plasma extremely scalable - child chains can process thousands of TPS while users only monitor what matters to them.
✅ Advantages
- •Massive Scalability: Can handle 1,000+ TPS per child chain
- •Low Costs: Transactions cost cents, not dollars
- •Ethereum Security: Inherits security through commitments
- •Flexible: Each chain can have custom rules
⚠️ Challenges
- •Data Availability: Users must watch chain or trust data providers
- •Exit Delays: Withdrawals take 7-14 days for safety
- •Mass Exit Problem: If everyone exits at once, congestion occurs
- •Complexity: Exit games and fraud proofs are intricate