the Dilemma of the Intent Paradigm and the Open Intents Framework

As Ethereum transitions to a multi-chain future, users navigating Layer 2 networks like Arbitrum, Base, and Mode for DeFi, social, and AI use cases face the challenges of complex cross-chain operations and low efficiency. This fragmented experience has given rise to the "Intent" paradigm, where users simply declare their goals (e.g., "Swap 100 USDC on Base for 100 USDT on Arbitrum"), and professional solvers automatically handle the complex processes of path planning and transaction settlement. However, the high technical barriers, liquidity management difficulties, and weak ecosystem collaboration have always limited the large-scale adoption of this paradigm.

The Birth of the Open Intents Framework

The Open Intents Framework is the Ethereum community's collective response to this challenge. Initiated by the Ethereum Foundation, Hyperlane, and Bootnode, this open-source framework, centered on "modularity" and "community building," aims to transform intent infrastructure from closed "islands" into open "Lego bricks."

Deconstructing the Intent Stack: From Reinventing the Wheel to Plug-and-Play

Traditional intent protocols require developers to build full-stack technologies from scratch, including smart contracts, solvers, and settlement layers, often leading to redundant development efforts. The Open Intents Framework breaks this deadlock with three modular tools:

1. ERC-7683 Standard Reference Implementation
   As a common language for cross-chain intents, ERC-7683 defines standardized interfaces for intent creation, execution, and settlement, supported by community leaders like Vitalik Buterin. The framework not only provides open-source reference code for ERC-7683 but also complements the mainnet contracts of Across Protocol, ensuring flexible innovation under a unified standard.

2. Solver "Programmability"
   The built-in TypeScript solver offers cross-protocol indexing, transaction submission, and liquidity rebalancing functions. Developers can quickly customize their own solver logic based on this. For example, Eco Protocol is adapting it as the official solver for Eco Routes, while Everclear is integrating automated rebalancing capabilities to reduce liquidity management costs.

3. Smart Contract "Lego Assembly"
   From basic limit order exchanges to settlement mechanisms supporting Hyperlane ISM, the framework's pre-configured smart contract library allows developers to combine components as needed. In the future, Arbitrum broadcast standards and RRC-7755 storage proofs can be integrated as modules, enabling diverse evolution of the intent settlement layer.

Community Resonance: From Tools to Ecosystem Synergy

The ambition of the Open Intents Framework extends beyond being a technical tool; it aims to spark a "collective experiment" in the intent ecosystem:

1. Open Collaboration of Solver Networks
   Platforms like Khalani plan to connect fragmented solvers into a shared network, while Uniswap's The Compact protocol explores the integration of intents with resource locking. These innovations can be quickly integrated through the framework to form a chain-wide solving capability.

2. Diverse Experimentation in Settlement Layers
   Developers can freely choose between Hashi's oracle aggregator, Espresso's confirmation layer, or Optimism Superchain's native interoperability solution as settlement modules, seeking the optimal balance between security and efficiency.

3. Seamless User Experience
   Applications like Superbridge have already experimented with embedding framework modules into front-end interfaces. In the future, wallets and DApps will only need to call standardized interfaces to provide users with a "one-click cross-chain" experience.

Builders' Manifesto: Stitching the Multi-Chain World with Open Protocols

As Arbitrum launches a general intent engine, Base experiments with the RRC-7755 standard, and the Open Intents Framework opens its modular tools, the Ethereum community is responding to the biggest question of the multi-chain era with "open collaboration": How can we make users unaware of the existence of chains?

The answer may lie in the framework's underlying design—it does not attempt to define a single technical path but lowers collaboration costs through standardized interfaces, allowing developers to focus on differentiated innovation. As its manifesto states: "If we build it together, we win together."

The Path to a "Single-Chain Experience"

There are no lone heroes on the path to a "single-chain experience," but the power of open protocols will ultimately bring the multi-chain world together. The codebase for the Open Intents Framework is now open on GitHub, with auditing to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. Whether exploring new order logic (such as cross-chain Dutch auctions), experimenting with liquidity management solutions, or adding intent features to existing protocols, developers can join this open-source experiment and work with over 30 ecosystem teams to weave a seamless future for Ethereum.