Linera is a new blockchain platform designed to significantly improve scalability for web3 applications. It was founded by Mathieu Baudet, an expert in cryptographic protocols.
What is Linera
Here's how it works:
- Microchains: Linera uses a unique approach called microchains. These are many lightweight chains operating in parallel within the same group of validators. Scalability is achieved by adding more chains rather than increasing block size or rate.
- Security with DPoS: Linera ensures security using delegated proof of stake (DPoS). Each microchain runs on standard hardware, allowing for continuous verifications and accountability of validators.
- Simplified Consensus Protocol: The platform uses a mempool-free consensus protocol inspired by reliable broadcast. This reduces block latency, making web3 applications faster and more responsive.
- Unlimited Microchains: The system is designed to support an unlimited number of microchains. Only the chains being actively used require work from validators. They communicate using asynchronous messages, leveraging the validators' internal network.
- Elastic Scaling for High Demand: Validators can adjust their workload by dividing it among internal workers (shards) as needed. This sharding is internal and seamless to users.
In summary, Linera offers a groundbreaking solution for scalable and responsive web3 applications. Its microchain technology, combined with a simplified consensus protocol and elastic scaling, makes it a promising platform for the future of blockchain technology.
Team of Linera
Mathieu Baudet
Founder
Mathieu Baudet holds a PhD in security protocols and has years of experience building distributed systems as an infrastructure engineer at Meta. As a researcher on Libra/Novi, he worked on an academic protocol called FastPay which laid the foundations for the Linera protocol.
Bernadette Cay
COO
Bernadette launched products at Google, spanning both B2B and B2C products across Chrome, Google Maps, and AdWords. Bernadette scaled products, infrastructure, and cross-functional teams during a critical period of hypergrowth at MoPub, the mobile ad exchange acquired by Twitter
Linera review
Pros
Unmatched Scalability
Offers unparalleled horizontal scaling for web3 apps using parallel microchains.
Microchain Innovation
Introduces microchains, allowing millions of chains to run simultaneously.
DPoS Security
Uses Delegated Proof of Stake, enabling independent verification and validator accountability.
Simplified Protocol
Employs a mempool-free consensus protocol for reduced block latency.
Unlimited Microchains
Supports countless microchains, requiring validator effort only for active chains.
Cons
Complex System
Microchains and multi-chain approach may be hard to grasp and implement.
Validator Reliance
Heavily depends on validators for security and microchain operation.
New Tech Risks
Pioneering microchains could lead to unforeseen challenges.
Elastic Scaling Issues
Elastic scaling might struggle to meet demand spikes.
Sharding Transparency
Internal sharding simplifies use but may reduce user transparency and control.
Opportunities
AirdropTestnet
Minimal cost: Free
Linera
Participate in the early stages of the Linera testnet!