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zkSync's zkEVM Era mainnet goes public

Matter Labs has opened public access to its Layer 2 network, zkSync Era, marking the first zkEVM launch on the Ethereum blockchain. Initially tested internally during its baby alpha phase in October 2022, the network granted whitelisted access to development teams in February. Now, the zkSync Era is accessible to everyone.

As a Layer 2 network, zkSync Era uses zero-knowledge proofs to batch transactions for recording on the Ethereum network, maintaining compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This compatibility enables developers to port their applications to zkSync Era, benefiting from faster transactions and reduced fees without sacrificing trustlessness or security.

Major Ethereum projects, including Uniswap, Curve, Balancer, Maker, SushiSwap, Circle, and Argent, are already building on zkSync Era. One of its key features is native support for account abstraction, which enhances crypto wallet functionality and simplifies user onboarding. It also offers a unique level of data availability, publishing state differences rather than transaction inputs, enabling data compression, more frequent oracle updates, cheaper privacy, and better integration with off-chain storage extensions.

Although zkSync Era will not launch with a token due to its centralized nature, Matter Labs CEO Alex Gluchowski anticipates decentralizing the sequencer in about a year. Once the prover and core virtual machine engine are stable, a decentralized sequencer mechanism with validators and some form of stake will be introduced, with a dedicated team already working on this aspect.

To safeguard the network at launch, Matter Labs has implemented a 24-hour transaction confirmation delay to provide a buffer in case of issues. This delay will be reduced over time as the network proves its stability. The plan is to gradually hand over control of zkSync to its community, following the model of zkSync Lite. After a year or more, the network is expected to become decentralized, with a security council established to oversee emergency protocol upgrades.

Read more about the zkEVM's inner workings, shortcomings, future, and token details with the full article here.