Polygon Labs Shifts Focus from Edge to CDK Expansion

Polygon Labs has announced its decision to cease contributions to the Edge framework, also known as Supernets. The company is now channelling its resources towards the Chain Development Kit (CDK), a move reflecting a change in development priorities over the past year.

The Rise of CDK in Blockchain Networks

Initially, Edge was developed as an open-source tool under the Apache License 2.0. It played a crucial role in enabling the creation of custom blockchain networks compatible with Ethereum. However, the evolving landscape of blockchain technology has led Polygon Labs to pivot towards the CDK. This toolkit is specifically designed for developing various Layer 2 ZK-Rollups, which are Layer 2 networks crafted using zero-knowledge proofs.

Interoperability and Liquidity: The CDK Advantage

The CDK is garnering interest from numerous projects, including Immutable, OKX, Astar, Canto, Palm Network, Aavegotchi, IDEX, Nubank, and Manta Network, for their Layer 2 network developments. The CDK offers a key advantage over Edge of the capability for deployed chains to be interoperable within a broad network of ZK-powered L2s.

This interoperability creates a unified pool of liquidity, a feature not natively supported by Edge and requiring significant modifications for migration.

Polygon’s Dual Scaling Methods

Polygon Labs employs two primary scaling methods: Polygon PoS, a sidechain, and zkEVM, a zero-knowledge rollup network. The firm is also focusing on a significant development of the 2.0 upgrade. This upgrade, slated for release in 2024, is set to form an ecosystem comprising multiple chains with enhanced zero-knowledge capabilities.

Powered by the CDK, this ecosystem aims to integrate Layer 2 chains based on ZK rollups and facilitate cross-chain communication, marking a significant step forward in blockchain technology.

The shift in focus from Edge to CDK by Polygon Labs underscores the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of blockchain technology. As the industry evolves, Polygon Labs is positioning itself to lead in developing advanced, interoperable blockchain networks.

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