# Optimism: From Layer 2 to Superchain By [tatlav.eth](https://paragraph.com/@tatlav) ยท 2023-09-23 --- Optimism is a layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that aims to provide fast, cheap, and secure transactions for decentralized applications. Optimism uses a technique called optimistic rollups, which bundle transactions together and submit them to the Ethereum mainnet as a single transaction. This reduces the gas fees and congestion on the mainnet, while preserving the security and decentralization of Ethereum. However, Optimism is not just another layer 2 solution. It has a grand vision of becoming a superchain, a unified network that connects different chains and layer 2s using the OP Stack, a modular codebase that powers Optimism and the superchain. The OP Stack is designed to be compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which means that any smart contract or application that works on Ethereum can also work on Optimism and the superchain without any changes. The superchain project aims to solve the problem of fragmentation and interoperability in the blockchain space. Currently, there are many different chains and layer 2s that offer different features and trade-offs, but they are often isolated from each other and have limited composability. This means that users and developers have to deal with multiple wallets, bridges, tokens, and standards, which creates friction and inefficiency. The superchain project seeks to create a seamless and coherent layer 2 ecosystem that leverages the best of each chain and layer 2, while also enabling cross-chain communication and collaboration. The superchain will allow users and developers to access any chain or layer 2 from Optimism or any other OP Stack-based network, without having to worry about the underlying technical details. The superchain will also enable new possibilities for innovation and experimentation, such as cross-chain composability, atomic swaps, meta-transactions, and more. Optimism is not only a technical project, but also a social experiment. Optimism is driven by the ethos of public goods funding, which means that it uses its protocol revenue to support projects that contribute to the public good of the Ethereum ecosystem. Optimism has launched a program called Retroactive Public Goods Funding (RPGF), which rewards projects that have built useful infrastructure or tools for Optimism or Ethereum in general. RPGF is based on the principle of retroactive rewards, which means that projects are rewarded after they have proven their value and impact, rather than before. Optimism is one of the most promising and ambitious projects in the blockchain space. It is not only scaling Ethereum, but also transforming it into a superchain that connects different chains and layer 2s in a harmonious way. Optimism is also creating a new model of sustainable ecosystem funding that rewards public goods creation and fosters collaboration. **What is Op Stack?** Op Stack is the standardized, shared, and open-source development stack that powers Optimism, Base, and the Superchain1. Op Stack is designed to be compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which means that any smart contract or application that works on Ethereum can also work on Op Stack-based networks without any changes. Op Stack also enables cross-chain communication and collaboration between different chains and L2s, such as Optimism, Base, opBNB, opETH, opDOT, and more231. **_Op Stack consists of three main components:_** _OVM_: The Optimistic Virtual Machine (OVM) is a fully compatible EVM execution environment that supports all existing Ethereum tooling and infrastructure. The OVM enables fast and cheap transactions on L2s by using optimistic rollups, a technique that bundles transactions together and submits them to the Ethereum mainnet as a single transaction. The OVM also uses fraud proofs to ensure that any invalid transaction can be challenged and reverted on the mainnet1. _OP Bridge_: The OP Bridge is a standardized protocol for transferring assets and messages between different chains and L2s. The OP Bridge allows users and developers to access any chain or L2 from Optimism or any other OP Stack-based network, without having to worry about the underlying technical details. The OP Bridge also enables new possibilities for innovation and experimentation, such as cross-chain composability, atomic swaps, meta-transactions, and more1. _OP Governance_: The OP Governance is a shared governance layer for all OP Stack-based networks. The OP Governance allows stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process of the OP Stack codebase and the Superchain network. The OP Governance also ensures that the OP Stack remains an open-source public good that serves the best interests of the Ethereum ecosystem. --- *Originally published on [tatlav.eth](https://paragraph.com/@tatlav/optimism-from-layer-2-to-superchain)*