Ethereum Layer 2 Solutions: A Beginner’s Guide to Developing in Solidity and Other Languages

As a developer new to Ethereum, you’re probably eager to explore the latest scaling solutions. One of the most exciting aspects is the Layer 2 (L2) technologies that enable faster and more efficient transactions, reducing the congestion issues faced by traditional Ethereum. In this article, we’ll delve into two prominent L2 solutions: Arbitrum, Optimism, and Zksync, focusing on how to develop on Solidity and other programming languages.

What are Layer 2 Solutions?

Layer 2 solutions aim to increase the scalability and usability of Ethereum without compromising security. By offloading complex logic and calculations from the blockchain’s main chain, these solutions can improve transaction processing times, reduce congestion, and improve the overall user experience.

Arbitrum: A Scalable L2 Solution

Arbitrum is one of the most popular Layer 2 solutions on Ethereum. It was built by a team led by Mihai Alisie, a well-known developer in the Ethereum ecosystem. Arbitrum aims to provide fast and secure transactions while reducing the congestion issues faced by traditional Ethereum.

To develop on Arbitrum using Solidity:

• Install the Arbitrum SDK: Download the latest version of the Arbitrum SDK from the official project website.

• Create a new contract: Write your own Solidity contract, which can be deployed on the Arbitrum main chain.

• Use the EthAbi library: Use the EthAbi library to work with the Ethereum ABI (Application Binary Interface).

• Interact with the Arbitrum API: Use the Arbitrum API to call functions and interact with your contract.

Example:

solidity pragma ^0.8.0;
import "
contract MyContract {
function myFunction() public pure returns (bool) {
// Call the Arbitrum API to execute a transaction
uint256[] memory inputs = uint256[](1);
uint256[] memory outputs = uint256[](2);
(inputs[0], outputs[0]) = abi.encodePacked(1, 2); // function call example
// Use the API to interact with your contract
bool result = abi.decodeBool(address(this).call.value(inputs[0] * 10).result(), true);
return result;
}
}

Optimism: A Scalable L2 Solution

Optimism is another popular L2 solution that provides fast and secure transactions. Its main focus is on reducing latency and improving the user experience.

To develop Optimism using Solidity:

• Install Optimism SDK

  : Download the latest version of the Optimism SDK from the official project website.

• Create a new contract: Write your own Solidity contract, which can be deployed on the Optimism main chain.

• Use the OptimismAbi library

  

  : Use the Optimism Abi library to work with the Ethereum ABI.

• Interact with the Optimism API: Use the Optimism API to call functions and interact with your contract.

Example:

solidity pragma ^0.8.0;
import "
contract MyContract {
function myFunction() public pure returns (bool) {
// Call the Optimism API to execute a transaction
uint256[] memory inputs = uint256[](1);
uint256[] memory outputs = uint256[](2);
(inputs[0], outputs[0]) = abi.encodePacked(1, 2); // function call example
// Use the API to interact with your contract
bool result = abi.decodeBool(address(this).call.value(inputs[0] * 10).result(), true);
return result;
}
}

Zksync: A Scalable L2 Solution

Zksync is a Level 2 solution that uses a new consensus mechanism to enable fast and secure transactions.