Arbitrum Stylus is an important update for Arbitrum Nitro, which is behind Ethereum-enhancing chains like Arbitrum One and Nova.
What is Arbitrum Stylus
Here's how it works:
- EVM+ Technology: Stylus adds a new virtual machine that works with the existing Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This means current Ethereum contracts still work the same but with extra features.
- Supports Rust Language: Stylus focuses on making it easier for more people to build on the blockchain. It starts by supporting Rust, a programming language, and plans to add more languages. This is good for creating different kinds of blockchain apps, like games or art.
- Efficient Coding and Execution: Stylus has tools (SDK and CLI) to help write code easily. The code then changes into a format (WebAssembly, then machine code) that runs fast and uses less energy (gas).
- Fast and Cheap: It speeds up how fast programs run and makes them cheaper to use by improving the technology (Wasmer) behind it.
- Safe: Stylus also focuses on security. It has a special way to detect issues in smart contracts, making them safer. Plus, it uses Arbitrum Nitro's technology to make sure everything runs correctly.
In summary, Stylus makes building on Ethereum better by adding new features, supporting more languages, and making it faster, cheaper, and safer.
Team of Arbitrum Stylus
Ed Felten
Co-Founder
Ed Felten - the co-founder of Offchain Labs, computer science professor at Princeton University and previously served as the Deputy U.S. Chief Technology Officer under the Obama administration.
Steven Goldfeder
Co-Founder
Steven Goldfeder - the co-founder of Offchain Labs. Steven Goldfeder is a computer science researcher and has contributed to various blockchain-related projects.
Harry Kalodner
Co-Founder
Harry Kalodner - the co-founder of Offchain Labs. Harry Kalodner is also a computer science researcher and has expertise in decentralized systems and cryptocurrencies.
Funding of Arbitrum Stylus
Undisclosed
Total Funds Raised
Arbitrum Stylus is built by Arbitrum, which has raised a substantial $123,7 million from top-tier VCs such as Polychain, Pantera Capital, Lightspeed Venture Partner and others.
Arbitrum Stylus review
Pros
Compatibility
EVM+ ensures existing EVM contracts, dApps, and tools work seamlessly on Arbitrum Nitro, easing the transition for Ethereum developers.
Enhanced Performance
Dual VMs offer improved efficiency, parallelism, and throughput, enhancing smart contract execution.
Flexibility
Developers gain versatility in application development, choosing between the traditional EVM and the additional VM.
Security
Arbitrum Nitro's security is expected to match or surpass previous versions, maintaining rigorous standards.
Interoperability
The integration of Solidity and WASM programs removes language barriers, promoting diverse development.
Innovative Use Cases
Stylus overcomes constraints, opening possibilities for on-chain gaming and generative art.
Cons
Integration Issues
Despite EVM+ being additive, some existing tools or apps might face integration challenges.
Adoption Uncertainty
The adoption rate of this new paradigm within the Ethereum and dApp community is not guaranteed.
Security Complexities
Managing two VMs introduces potential security risks, especially in their interaction.
Increased Complexity
The introduction of a second VM adds complexity, potentially steepening the learning curve for developers and users.
Initial Language Support
Early support is stronger for Rust, which could limit initial development diversity.
Dependency on Fraud-Proving Tech
Stylus' security heavily leans on Arbitrum Nitro's fraud-proving technology, making it critical for overall safety.
New Tech Risks
As a new technology, unforeseen bugs or vulnerabilities could arise, presenting risks to users and developers.