Rollup
A Layer 2 scaling technique that bundles many transactions into a single batch submitted to the main chain.
Explained Simply
Rollups execute transactions off-chain, then post compressed transaction data back to Layer 1 for security. There are two main types: Optimistic Rollups (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base) assume transactions are valid unless challenged, while ZK-Rollups (zkSync, Scroll, Linea) use cryptographic proofs to verify correctness. Rollups inherit the security of the underlying chain while offering 10-100x lower fees and higher throughput. They are considered the primary scaling strategy for Ethereum.
Example
A swap on Arbitrum costs a few cents because the rollup batches hundreds of transactions into one Ethereum transaction, splitting the L1 gas cost.
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