Base is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution built on the open source OP Stack, incubated by Coinbase, with a mission to make “onchain the next online.” Unlike standalone blockchains, Base leverages Optimism’s modular, interoperable framework to provide a reliable, secure, and low cost platform for developers to deploy decentralized applications (dApps). It an open ecosystem where developers and enterprises worldwide can create innovative tools and experiences.

Key features include:

• Low Transaction Fees: Built on the OP Stack’s Bedrock release, Base offers fees as low as $0.06 to send ETH and $0.11 to swap tokens (as of June 2023).

• Ethereum Compatibility: Base mirrors Ethereum’s developer experience, making it easy to build with familiar tools.

• Interoperability: It connects seamlessly with Ethereum’s Layer 1 (L1), other L2s, and ecosystems like Bitcoin, Solana, and Cosmos.

Base’s vision is to democratize blockchain development, enabling everyone from Web2 companies to Web3 innovators to build scalable, secure dApps. For BTD2025 readers, Base is a gateway to learning and innovating in blockchain.

Base was founded by Jesse Pollak, Coinbase’s Head of Protocols, who has been instrumental in shaping its vision and growth. Pollak, a prominent figure in the crypto space, emphasized Base’s focus on solving real user problems over token issuance, stating on X: “Starting without a token lets us focus on solving real problems, which means we must continually prove our value every day.” His leadership has driven Base to become a leading Ethereum L2, achieving the highest Total Value Locked (TVL) and processing 9.32 million transactions on November 26, 2024. Pollak’s approach draws inspiration from successful startups like Hyperliquid, prioritizing user experience and long-term utility, making Base a developer-friendly platform for the next generation of onchain builders.

Base tackles key challenges in blockchain development reliability, security, scalability, and accessibility making it a standout choice for onchain products. Here’s why it matters:

Building robust dApps requires dependable infrastructure. Base offers enterprise grade reliability, surpassing nascent toolkits like EVM, Solana’s Rust, or Cosmos SDK. Whether you’re a Web2 company exploring blockchain or a Web3 veteran, Base provides:

• A stable environment for compiling, deploying, and running dApps.

• Compatibility with Ethereum’s developer tools, easing the learning curve.

• Infrastructure to support high performance applications.

Security is critical for onchain adoption. Base leverages Coinbase’s expertise, offering:

• Best-in-class security practices for smart contract auditing and monitoring.

• A trusted environment for Web2 companies transitioning to Web3.

• Fraud-proof mechanisms via Optimistic Rollups (detailed below).

Base integrates with the broader crypto economy, offering access to:

• Coinbase’s ecosystem of products, users, and tools.

• Interoperability with Ethereum L1, other L2s, and non-Ethereum chains like Solana or Cosmos.

• Seamless asset bridging between Base and Ethereum.

High Ethereum L1 gas fees can deter adoption. Base, using the OP Stack’s Bedrock release, reduces costs by batching transactions off chain, offering:

• Fees as low as $0.06 for sending ETH and $0.11 for token swaps (as of June 2023).

• Affordable transactions that make dApps viable for everyday users.

Base embodies integration uniting Ethereum’s power with scalable solutions and elevation, removing barriers to blockchain innovation.

Base operates as an Optimistic Rollup on the OP Stack’s Bedrock release, designed to align closely with Ethereum while enhancing scalability. Here’s how it works:

Base operates as an Optimistic Rollup on the OP Stack’s Bedrock release, designed to align closely with Ethereum while enhancing scalability. Here’s how it works:

The OP Stack is a modular framework with components across three layers:

• Consensus Layer: Manages agreement on the blockchain’s state.

• Execution Layer: Runs a modified Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to process smart contracts and L2 transactions, including an L1 data fee for publishing to Ethereum.

• Settlement Layer: Handles state commitments and governance, with tools for upgrades and configurations.

The Bedrock release enhances modularity, allowing developers to swap or customize modules (e.g., using Celestia for data availability). This ensures Base evolves with new functionalities while maintaining Ethereum compatibility.

Base scales Ethereum using an Optimistic Rollup:

• Off-Chain Processing: Transactions are executed and stored off-chain on Base, reducing Ethereum’s load.

• Batching: Transactions are grouped into batches, spreading fixed costs and lowering fees.

• Posting to L1: Transaction data is posted to Ethereum as calldata, ensuring security.

• Fraud Proofs: Transactions are assumed valid but can be challenged during a set period, with fault proofs verifying correctness.

This balances speed, cost, and Ethereum’s security, ideal for high-throughput dApps.

A sequencer handles:

• Executing and confirming transactions.

• Constructing L2 blocks every two seconds, regardless of transaction volume.

• Submitting transactions to Ethereum L1.

Transactions reach the sequencer via:

1. L1 Deposits: Transactions on Ethereum (deposits) are included in the L2 block’s “epoch,” ensuring censorship resistance.

2. L2 Submissions: Direct submissions to the sequencer for faster processing.

The op-batcher posts batched transactions, but users can use “forced inclusion” transactions to bypass it, enhancing resilience.

A Base transaction involves:

1. Submission: Users submit transactions to the sequencer (L2) or via Ethereum (L1 deposits).

2. Execution: The sequencer processes transactions using op geth (Base’s EVM).

3. Batching: The op batcher compresses batches into channels and posts them to Ethereum.

4. State Commitment: The op proposer periodically writes the post-transaction state to Ethereum.

5. Fraud-Proof Window: A challenge period ensures verification.

Base’s smart contract bridge enables asset transfers between Ethereum (L1) and Base (L2):

• Deposits (L1 to L2): Assets or messages from Ethereum to Base are included in the L2 block’s epoch, typically within minutes.

• Withdrawals (L2 to L1): Users initiate withdrawals on Base, wait for the state root to be posted, and finalize after the fault-challenge period.

This supports ERC20 tokens and arbitrary messages for seamless cross-layer interactions.

• OnChain (Ethereum): Smart contracts store rollup blocks, monitor state updates, and track deposits.

• OffChain (Base): The modified EVM hosts dApps and handles computation.

This architecture ensures speed, affordability, and Ethereum’s security.

Base is developer-friendly for all skill levels. Here’s how to begin:

• Explore Resources: Visit Base.org and the Base Developer Docs for tutorials on deploying dApps.

• Join the Community: Engage with builders on the Base Discord.

• Follow Updates: Stay informed via Base’s Twitter and explore funding via the Base Ecosystem Fund.

• Build: Use Ethereum tools (e.g., Solidity, ethers.js) to create dApps, leveraging Base’s low fees and EVM compatibility.

Base is a platform for learning (mastering blockchain), innovating (building novel dApps), integrating (bridging Web2 and Web3), and elevating (scaling global impact).

Some helpful links are noted below:

• Base.org

• Base Developer Docs

• Base Twitter

• Base Ecosystem Fund

Base is developer-friendly for all skill levels. Here’s how to begin:

• Explore Resources: Visit Base.org and the Base Developer Docs for tutorials on deploying dApps.

• Join the Community: Engage with builders on the Base Discord.

• Follow Updates: Stay informed via Base’s Twitter and explore funding via the Base Ecosystem Fund.

• Build: Use Ethereum tools (e.g., Solidity, ethers.js) to create dApps, leveraging Base’s low fees and EVM compatibility.

For BTD2025 readers, Base is a platform for learning (mastering blockchain), innovating (building novel dApps), integrating (bridging Web2 and Web3), and elevating (scaling global impact).

Under Jesse Pollak’s leadership, Base has become a leader in Ethereum L2 solutions, with record-high TVL and transaction volumes. It’s more than a scaling solution it’s a catalyst for the onchain revolution, enabling affordable, secure dApps in finance, gaming, NFTs, and beyond. For Web2 businesses, Base offers a trusted entry into Web3, backed by Coinbase’s expertise. It’s an opportunity to explore a technology shaping the future.

Ready to build on Base? Join the Tech & Innovation Digest community, share your thoughts in the comments, or visit Base.org to start your onchain journey. Let’s elevate the future together!

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and not an endorsement of any digital asset, protocol, or project. The risk of loss in cryptocurrency can be substantial, and Coinbase makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. Use of Coinbase’s services is subject to their terms and policies.