To reduce its dependency on the technology of Optimism, Coinbase has resolved to develop its own software to operate the network, Base.
This change is accompanied by Base aiming to accelerate the rate and frequency of upgrades, which will put it in a position to be increasingly independent, quicker, and more nimble in the innovation process.
Base moves to a unified software system
Base, which is one of the biggest Ethereum scaling products, has been utilizing the Optimism technology stack since its release.
First, the alliance allowed Base to scale fast and develop applications without having to start afresh.
But, as the network expanded, Coinbase discovered that the dependence on several external systems was progressively harder to maintain.
Currently, Coinbase has unified its own “Base stack” that brings the network sequencer and other parts together into a single software stack.
Through this, Base will streamline the process of upgrading the system and eliminate the reliance on the release cycles of Optimism.
The new structure will also mean that all software upgrades will be done in-house by Base and that it will be able to release hard forks more frequently.
The network is targeting two to six hard forks annually, which is a drastic rise compared to the past three hard forks with the Optimism-based configuration.
Faster upgrades and improved flexibility
This move by Coinbase enables Base to speed up its protocol upgrades and forget the delays introduced by third-party software teams.
Through the unified technology stack, Base is able to roll out new features such as more powerful cryptography, quicker withdrawals, and more efficient scaling without other teams taking time to roll out new features.
The network is also researching the capacity to utilise multi-proofs and zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to enhance the transaction speed and security.
The node operators are now making a decision between either using the client that is maintained by Optimism or using the Base client.
Such a shift will guarantee the alignment of every section of the network with the vision of Base to be more innovative and have greater control over its further evolution.
Optimism’s diminished influence and new challenges
The shift is also a significant loss to Optimism, where one of its biggest partners has switched its technology stack.
With Base proceeding with its new independent system, the role that Optimism plays in the development of the network will be diminished.
This might strain Optimism to modify and improve its own network in order to be competitive.
Though Coinbase is still going to retain a certain degree of support by Optimism throughout the transition, Base is now better placed to be innovative.
Base can become a major force in the Ethereum scaling scene with the possibility to manage its upgrade cycle and governance.
Such an innovation will allow developers to create more stable, innovative products without as many limitations.
Base’s path to independence
Coinbase taking control of the entire running software of Base is an important move in the Ethereum scaling ecosystem.
The removal of the reliance on Optimism will enable Base to speed up its development and provide developers and users with more flexible solutions.
Consequently, the network will be positioned to become a significant player in the Layer 2 space, innovate, and provide faster and more secure transactions.
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