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Definition: Polygon blockchain


A protocol and framework for creating Layer 2 blockchains and sidechains, both of which run parallel to and interact with the Ethereum network. Introduced in 2017 as the Matic network, which was a plasma-based Layer 2 blockchain, the name was changed in 2021, but MATIC remained as the symbol for Polygon's native token. Because of its Ethereum compatibility, more than a thousand decentralized apps (dApps) are compatible with Polygon chains. See Layer 2 blockchain and Ethereum.

Polygon "secured chains" use a pool of professional validators, whereas Polygon "stand-alone chains" handle their own security and validator pool. Polygon touts the following as "a suite of Ethereum scaling solutions."

Polygon Avail
A blockchain for storing transaction data that is separate from the smart contracts. Avail decouples the data and execution layers.

Polygon Edge
A framework for public and private Ethereum-compatible blockchains that enables cross-chain asset transfer to and from Polygon. Plug-ins are used to configure the networks.

Polygon ID
A digital ID system that uses zk-SNARK rollups (see zero-knowledge proof).

Polygon Miden
A Layer 2 blockchain that uses zk-STARK rollups. The Miden virtual machine is said to be quantum secure. See zero-knowledge proof and quantum secure.

Polygon Nightfall
A Layer 2 blockchain that uses optimistic rollups, which is a different proof method than zk-Rollups (see Optimism). Nightfall is suggested for private NFT marketplaces, DAO voting and supply chain orchestration.

Polygon PoS
A plasma-based Layer 2 blockchain that uses the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. See Layer 2 blockchain.

Polygon Supernets
A proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain with an optional Layer 2. See proof-of-stake algorithm.

Polygon Zero
A Layer 2 blockchain that takes advantage of all the computing power currently online. Polygon Zero uses zk-Rollups and generates fast proofs. See zero-knowledge proof.

Polygon zkEVM
An EVM-compatible Layer 2 blockchain that uses zk-STARK rollups and runs Ethereum smart contracts. See zero-knowledge proof.