Solana Co-Founder rips L2s: L1 blockchains deliver superior speed & security

- Anatoly Yakovenko argued that L1 blockchains, like Solana, can obtain superior pace, cost-efficiency, and safety with out counting on layer-2 options.
- His stance challenged the prevailing trade narrative on blockchain scaling.
Solana [SOL] Co-Founder Anatoly Yakovenko has challenged the necessity for layer-2 (L2) options, arguing that layer-1 (L1) blockchains can obtain superior pace, cost-efficiency, and safety on their very own.
His view challenges the trade’s perception that L2 options are crucial for enhancing blockchain scalability and efficiency.
Yakovenko claims L1 networks can obtain scalability with out counting on further layers, sparking debate about blockchain growth.
This debate additionally questions whether or not Solana’s high-performance structure helps Yakovenko’s perspective on blockchain scalability.
Why Anatoly Yakovenko favors L1 over L2
Taking to X (previously X), Yakovenko noted,
“There isn’t a motive to construct an L2.”
He additional added,
“L1s may be quicker, cheaper, and safer. They aren’t slowed down by a glacially shifting L1 information availability stack, or must compromise safety with complicated fraud proofs and improve multisigs.”
Together with his remarks, Yakovenko has doubled down on his skepticism towards layer-2 networks, questioning their very existence.
He identified that Solana generates solely about 80 terabytes of knowledge per yr—a “measly” quantity in his view—difficult the notion that L1 blockchains face crucial storage limitations.
What’s extra?
Concentrating on the rising use of L2 options, Yakovenko instructed builders might keep away from complexities by launching a token as a substitute.
He argued {that a} single L2, processing transactions effectively and using blobspace totally, reduces the necessity for a number of L2s.
In the end, he believes that the variety of genuinely helpful sensible contracts is restricted, making the proliferation of L2 networks redundant.
Solana co-founder criticizes Ethereum L2
Moreover, Yakovenko critiques Ethereum’s [ETH] scaling mannequin, arguing that L2s hurt its base layer somewhat than present help.
He claims these networks divert high-priority transactions from Ethereum, weakening its core as a substitute of reinforcing it.
This aligns with Ethereum’s transaction income, which has dropped 95% since its peak in late 2021. Yakovenko’s argument raises questions on whether or not L2 options genuinely profit Ethereum in the long term.
Solana vs. Ethereum
That being mentioned, Solana’s speedy ascent in key blockchain metrics has positioned it as a competitor to Ethereum, difficult its dominance because the main L1 community.
With increased each day DEX buying and selling quantity, elevated consumer exercise, rising charges, and superior value efficiency, Solana has demonstrated exceptional development in current months.
Crypto analysis agency Delphi Digital means that this momentum might lengthen into 2025, probably resulting in Solana surpassing Ethereum as the highest Layer-1 blockchain.
Market pattern
In the meantime, as the controversy over blockchain scaling intensifies, Solana has gained momentum, with SOL surging to $141.95, at press time, after a 7.25% improve prior to now 24 hours.
Ethereum additionally noticed a lift, with ETH rising to $2,094.76 following a 4.06% achieve, in line with CoinMarketCap.
Whether or not Yakovenko’s imaginative and prescient of a future dominated by high-performance L1s will materialize stays to be seen, however his daring stance continues to problem the prevailing narrative within the crypto area.