Of all the problems faced in the ever-evolving Ethereum blockchain, Fragmentation stands out as the one above all, lol. As the Ethereum ecosystem expands with L2 solutions, DApps, and application-specific chains, seamless interaction between these networks is important for achieving true decentralization.
Across, a user-centric protocol, is at the forefront of solving this puzzle. How? Before I go further into explaining how Across aims to solve the problem of fragmentation, I’d like to say that I was lucky enough to witness the birth of Across. Being a member of the SuperUMAns at the time, we had a hand in the early formation of the Across Protocol. I heard a lot of things; good and bad. I heard that the protocol and its solution(The Across Bridge) had great potential, but I also heard that it would fail, or wouldn’t be as massive as everyone was claiming it would be. But look at where it is today. I never imagined this. Maybe the founder and main team did, and this is just playing out the way they planned, but I doubt anyone outside of them could’ve seen any of what Across is now, coming. Kudos to them, for putting users over profit, for looking to find solutions to problems in crypto, and for not gatekeeping their solutions. Now…
What Are Intents?
Intents refer to specific goals or actions defined by a user, that express what they aim to accomplish across blockchain networks, rather than go through the manual and fragmented process where users have to perform multiple steps across different platforms. These intents guide how assets, data, or transactions move between different blockchains through a bridge protocol.
For example, a user could express an intent to “swap tokens on Chain A and use the proceeds to mint an NFT on Chain B.” Intents enable this seamless execution by orchestrating the various steps and interactions necessary to fulfil the request.
The Role of Interoperability
Interoperability is the one thing missing from the blockchain ecosystem. And without it, the fragmentation of liquidity, applications, and user bases threatens to stunt the potential of decentralized networks. Across addresses this challenge by creating a bridge that prioritises speed, security, and affordability, enabling frictionless cross-chain operations. Now it is not the bridge itself that is the solution, but the system or framework behind the Bridge.
Intents take interoperability to the next level by allowing these operations to feel simple to users. They eliminate the need for manual token transfers, app switching, and transaction monitoring, allowing for a swift and seamless experience.
The "Seatbelt" Innovation
Across has taken its implementation of intents to the next level by proposing ERC-7683(co-created by Across and Uniswap), a standard designed to make Across’ version of intents a shared resource for the entire Ethereum ecosystem. Just like how Nils Bohlin and Volvo revolutionized road safety by making the patent of their seatbelt invention freely available, Across aims to ensure that protocols and bridges everywhere can adopt this standard.
ERC-7683 isn't just another solution from Across, it is a call for UNIFICATION. By making the standard accessible and open, they are inviting the entire blockchain community to better their user experience, and even possibly develop new use cases and push the boundaries of what intents can achieve. This initiative reflects well on Across because it shows a belief that innovation and interoperability thrive when ideas are shared, and it lays a strong foundation for a more connected and unified Ethereum.
Unifying Ethereum with Intents
Across sees a future where interoperability powered by intents is the backbone of the Ethereum ecosystem. They want to create a one-stop shop ecosystem. And with intents, users, from developers to laymen, can easily access and utilize the ecosystem, which then leads to mass adoption, maximisation of Ethereum's potential, and the unlocking of new possibilities for innovation and collaboration. Honestly, I’m here for it.
