Optimism

Optimism is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Layer 1 Ethereum, designed to enhance its throughput. Optimism’s primary product is the OP Mainnet, a decentralized optimistic rollup. This network processes transactions off-chain, bundles them, and assumes their validity unless proven otherwise during a challenge period. This method significantly boosts Ethereum’s throughput and scalability while maintaining its security.

In addition to rollup technology, Optimism offers Rollup-as-a-Service (RaaS) through the OP Stack. The OP Stack enables the simple and customizable development and deployment of optimistic rollups as Layer 2 or Layer 3 networks. Projects like Base and Mode use the OP Stack to build their networks. Optimism also has a visionary plan called the Superchain, which aims to interconnect all networks built with the OP Stack. This unified network will share the same underlying infrastructure for improved interoperability, security, and scalability.

Since the launch and airdrop of its token, OP, Optimism has been governed by the community through the Optimism Collective. This collective consists of the Token House and the Citizen House. The Token House focuses on protocol upgrades, treasury allocation, and other key aspects, while the Citizen House funds public goods that benefit the broader Ethereum ecosystem.