Why I created this topic: There was confusion about Blockchain Layers as usual but I did not find any topic where discussed all the layers in one place and that was beginner-friendly, so I am trying to make it easy for beginners to understand the blockchain layers in one topic.
Introduction of Layer:To know L1, L2, L3 etc of the block chain, we first need to know what is meant by Layer?-In simple terms, a block-chain layer is a blockchain system where each layer is named based on a specific task.
For example, the components of a complete building are-
"Foundation Main, Structure Electric System / Water System Elevator /, Stairs Rooms (gym, office, restaurant) Electrical wiring, plumbing, water supply, Light switch, water tap etc" And each of them has a specific purpose to fulfill.Now if I compare these with the layers of a block chain then-
| |Apartment Building | | |Blockchain Layer| | |Example in Coin/Blockchain| |
| Foundation | Layer 0 | Cosmos-Polkadot-type blockchain infrastructure/, internet, hardware, |
| Main Structure | Layer 1 | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana |
| Elevator / Staircase | Layer 2 | Lightning Network, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base |
| Rooms (Gym, Office, Restaurant) | Layer 3 | Application-specific networks / app-specific chains |
| Electrical Wiring, Plumbing, Water Supply | Layer 4 | Smart-contract / application infrastructure such as Cosmos SDK modules or application frameworks |
| Light Switch, Water Tap | Layer 5 | Wallets and user-facing dApp interfaces |
Laye-0 Even though we might get an idea from the already mentioned example, in simple terms, we can say that Layer-0 is a coordinator that acts as an infrastructure for creating multiple blockchains.
This means it is a foundation that helps in later creating Layer-1 or scaling it.
Layer-1 Layer-1 is the direct foundation of a blockchain network where the rules, starting from the programming language, block duration, consensus procedures, and more are determined. Example- Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana
more detailsLayer-2 Layer-2 is a solution to some problems based on Layer 1, which basically works like an Elevator in a building. For example, we find solutions to the complexities that Bitcoin and Ethereum networks often face in Layer-2.
like Lightning network use for lower tx fee and fast transaction for bitcoin and Arbitrum from Ethereum.
Layer-3 As a definition of Layer-3, we can assume that it is a special layer created for a specific use case, which is based on Layer-2.
For example- Xai(L3) based on Arbitrum(L2) , whose main tasks are on the gaming-focused blockchain.
Layer-4 We cannot properly call it a standard architectural layer (L0-L3), but by definition "it
is an application layer that includes the smart contracts, the dapps or the decentralized applications, and all the software that runs on the Blockchain network." Layer-5 This is also not a standard architectural layer (L0-L3), but to explain it simply, Layer-5 is the part of the blockchain that the user directly faces.
Like- the wallets and Dapp Interfaces.
source- https://shardeum.org/blog/what-are-blockchain-layers/ & Chatgpt used to generate the table"N.B.- If there are any mistakes in my writing or if there is any need for enhancement, all your suggestions are welcome."
