REVISED VERSION
Key Announcement: Changes in Polygon Labs’ Framework Strategy
Polygon Labs is discontinuing contributions to its Edge framework, formerly known as Supernets, and shifting its focus towards the Chain Development Kit (CDK), a toolkit gaining adoption across various projects.
Initially introduced as an open-source tool under the Apache License 2.0, Edge enabled the creation of custom blockchain networks compatible with Ethereum. However, the team’s development priorities have evolved over the past year, leading to a decision to cease contributions to Edge and emphasize the advancement of CDK.
CDK, Polygon’s successor solution, is designed for developing Layer 2 ZK-Rollups—Layer 2 networks utilizing zero-knowledge proofs. Chains deployed with CDK are expected to offer interoperability within a broader network.
Key Points:
- Multiple projects, including Immutable, OKX, Astar, Canto, Palm Network, Aavegotchi, IDEX, Nubank, and Manta Network, have expressed interest in or have plans to utilize Polygon CDK for their Layer 2 network development.
- Polygon Labs emphasized that CDK-deployed chains will seamlessly interoperate within a wider web of ZK-powered Layer 2s in the CDK ecosystem, creating a unified pool of liquidity. These features are not natively supported by Edge and require migration with significant modifications.
- The project currently utilizes two primary scaling methods: Polygon PoS sidechain and zkEVM, a zero-knowledge rollup network.
- A major focus for Polygon Labs is the 2.0 upgrade, an ecosystem comprising multiple chains enhanced with zero-knowledge capabilities. Set for release in 2024, this ecosystem, powered by CDK, aims to integrate Layer 2 chains based on ZK rollups and facilitate cross-chain communication.
