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Crypto
Layer 2
A secondary blockchain built on top of a main chain (like Ethereum) to make transactions faster and cheaper.
Layer 2s inherit the security of the main blockchain but process thousands of transactions per second. This is what makes DeFi, NFTs, and crypto gaming actually usable for normal people.
Most big crypto projects are now moving to or building on Layer 2s.
It's like adding an express lane to a busy highway. The main road (Layer 1) is still there, but the express lane handles most of the traffic without causing jams.
Real world: Arbitrum and Optimism are popular Layer 2 solutions on Ethereum. Users can swap tokens or play games for pennies instead of £20+ gas fees on the main chain.
💡 Layer 2 is how crypto becomes fast enough for everyday use.