Eclipse, an Ethereum layer-2 network project, has announced that it will use Solana’s Virtual Machine (SVM) for its mainnet launch by the end of the year. This will enable faster and cheaper transaction execution on the modular blockchain platform.
Eclipse Adopts a Modular Blockchain Approach
Eclipse, an Ethereum layer-2 network project, has revealed its plan to use Solana’s Virtual Machine (SVM) for its mainnet launch, which is expected to go live by the end of the year.
This announcement has attracted significant attention from the blockchain industry, as it showcases a novel approach to blockchain design and performance.
Unlike traditional blockchains, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, that rely on a single-layer system to handle multiple functions, such as execution, settlement, consensus, and data availability, Eclipse adopts a modular blockchain approach that separates these functions into different layers.
This allows developers to customize their blockchain’s functionality and performance according to their needs and preferences.
Eclipse’s founder, Neel Somani, believes that all layer-2 solutions, such as validiums, optimiums, and zk-rollups, can be considered modular blockchains, as they have all “separated execution from settlement” at a minimum.
He also thinks that modular blockchains are the future of blockchain technology, as they offer more flexibility and scalability.
Eclipse Leverages Solana’s Virtual Machine for Execution
For its upcoming mainnet launch, Eclipse has strategically chosen to use Solana’s Virtual Machine (SVM) for the execution layer of its modular blockchain.
The execution layer is the layer that contains the code and rules of a transaction, enabling transaction signing and smart contract execution.
Ethereum, one of the dominant blockchains in the market, processes transactions in a sequential manner. This means that transactions have to wait in line to be executed individually.
This limits the throughput and increases the cost of transactions on Ethereum.
Solana, on the other hand, introduces a parallel execution environment with its SVM. This means that transactions can be processed simultaneously by multiple cores and threads.
This increases the throughput and reduces the cost of transactions on Solana.
Somani stated that this is “probably the biggest difference” between Ethereum and Solana’s virtual machines. He also highlighted other advantages of using SVM for execution, such as:
- The existence of local fee markets. This means that if one application experiences a surge in activity, it does not affect the fees for other applications on the same network.
- The register-based structure and the streamlined set of opcodes. This makes zero-knowledge proving easier and more efficient. Zero-knowledge proofs are cryptographic techniques that allow users to verify information without revealing it.
- The compatibility with existing Ethereum developer tools and codebases. This means that developers can easily port their Ethereum applications to Eclipse without much hassle.
Eclipse Aims to Launch Its Mainnet by the End of the Year
Eclipse is currently in its testnet phase, where it is testing its modular blockchain platform with various partners and projects.
Some of the notable projects that have integrated with or deployed on Eclipse include Uniswap, Aave, SushiSwap, Curve, Balancer, and more.
Eclipse aims to launch its mainnet by the end of the year, offering developers and users a fast and scalable layer-2 solution for Ethereum that leverages Solana’s Virtual Machine for execution.
The platform also plans to introduce a governance token in the future, which will allow users to participate in the network’s decision-making process.
