Introduction
Polygon Labs, a prominent player in the blockchain development space, has announced its decision to discontinue contributions to the Edge framework, also known as Supernets. The move comes as the company redirects its resources towards the development of the Chain Development Kit (CDK). Over the past year, Polygon’s development priorities have undergone a significant transformation. While Polygon Edge, an open-source tool aimed at facilitating the creation of custom blockchain networks compatible with Ethereum, was the company’s initial focus, it is now shifting gears.
The Emergence of the Polygon CDK
Polygon is now placing its emphasis on the Chain Development Kit (CDK), a comprehensive toolkit designed specifically for the development of Layer 2 ZK-Rollups. These specialized networks leverage zero-knowledge proofs to enhance privacy and efficiency while building on top of other blockchains. Notably, the CDK enables interoperability among various chains within a wider network, a feature lacking in Polygon Edge. With the introduction of the CDK, Polygon Labs aims to establish a unified liquidity pool by integrating ZK-powered Layer 2 networks within the Polygon ecosystem. This interconnected web of networks sets Polygon apart from the capabilities of its predecessor, Polygon Edge.
Several entities, including Immutable, OKX, Astar, and others, have already expressed interest in utilizing the Polygon CDK for their Layer 2 network development. Currently, Polygon’s scaling methods include the Polygon PoS sidechain and the Polygon zkEVM zero-knowledge rollup network. The upcoming upgrade in 2024 will further enhance the ecosystem by incorporating zero-knowledge capabilities into a network of multiple chains, strengthening Polygon’s position in the blockchain space.
Polygon Labs’ strategic decision to prioritize the development of the Chain Development Kit (CDK) instead of the Edge framework reflects the ever-evolving nature of blockchain technology. By focusing on advanced, interoperable, and efficient systems, Polygon is aligning itself with the latest technological trends and paving the way for future innovations in the blockchain sector.