Chain Abstraction is a technical concept and solution aimed at making users completely unaware of the existence of different underlying blockchains (such as Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, etc.) when interacting with the blockchain ecosystem.
Users can access all applications (DApps) and assets on all chains seamlessly with a unified account, a common 'fuel' (Gas), and a coherent experience, just like using today's internet, without worrying about which specific chain they are deployed on.
1. Why do we need chain abstraction? — The pain points of the current multi-chain world
To understand the value of chain abstraction, you first need to grasp the current dilemmas faced by Web3 users:
1. Fragmentation of accounts and wallets:
You need to create different wallet addresses on different chains.
Managing private keys/mnemonics across multiple chains is very complex and dangerous.
The wallet balance and assets of each chain are independent.
2. Complexity of Gas fees:
Each chain has its own native token as Gas fee (such as Ethereum's ETH, BNB Chain's BNB, Avalanche's AVAX).
If you want to trade on a new chain, you must first purchase that chain's Gas token through a centralized exchange and cross-chain transfer it, which is extremely cumbersome.
3. Fragmented user experience:
When you use a DApp deployed on multiple chains (for example, a DeFi application), you need to manually switch networks.
If you switch to the wrong network, it may result in asset loss.
Users need to possess 'blockchain knowledge' to operate correctly, which is a very high barrier for the general public.
Chain abstraction was created to solve all these pain points.
Two, how does chain abstraction work? — Key technologies and components
Chain abstraction is not a single technology but a system made up of various technologies. Its core is to build an 'abstraction layer' that hides complex underlying details. Key components include:
1. Universal Account
Users only need one main account (usually based on a high-performance chain or a specific account abstraction standard, such as ERC-4337), which can serve as a unified entry point for all on-chain identities and assets.
Operations on other chains are authorized by this main account, and users do not need to directly manage private keys for other chains.
2. Gas fee payment and unification (Gas Abstraction)
Gas payment: Allows users to pay Gas fees using any token (such as stablecoin USDC), or to have the DApp project cover it for the user. The system automatically completes token exchanges in the background.
Unified Gas: Users only need to hold one main chain's Gas token (or even none), and the system automatically handles all target chain's Gas fees through cross-chain messaging and smart contracts.
3. Seamless integration of cross-chain interoperability
The chain abstraction layer integrates powerful cross-chain communication protocols (such as CCIP, IBC) and cross-chain bridges.
When users want to interact with a DApp on another chain, the chain abstraction infrastructure automatically completes the cross-chain transfer of assets and message delivery in the background, with users being completely unaware.
4. Intent-centric Architecture
This is a more advanced form of chain abstraction. Users no longer need to specify complex transaction paths ('how to do it'), but only declare their intentions ('what to do').
For example: Users only need to say, 'I want to buy ARB with 100 USD worth of ETH,' and the 'solver' in the chain abstraction network will automatically find the optimal execution path (which may involve selling ETH on Ethereum, cross-chaining to Arbitrum, and then buying ARB), packaging it into a transaction that requires the user to sign only once.
Three, a vivid example: chain abstraction vs. non-chain abstraction
Scenario: You want to make a deposit in a DApp deployed on the Arbitrum chain, but your main asset is USDC on the Ethereum mainnet.
Without chain abstraction (current state):
1. Open MetaMask and make sure the network is set to the Ethereum mainnet.
2. Connect to DApp. The DApp prompts you to switch to the Arbitrum network.
3. You manually switch the network to Arbitrum.
4. The system prompts that there is no ETH on Arbitrum to pay the Gas fee.
5. You find a cross-chain bridge to transfer some USDC from the Ethereum mainnet to Arbitrum (this process requires paying ETH from the Ethereum mainnet as Gas fee).
6. Waiting for cross-bridge confirmation (10 minutes to a few hours).
7. After completing the cross-chain transfer, you finally have USDC and a little ETH as Gas on Arbitrum.
8. Now you can make a deposit operation in the DApp.
With chain abstraction:
1. Connect to DApp with your unified account (such as a smart contract wallet).
2. Click 'Deposit.' Sign to confirm.
3. Done.
In this process, the system automatically recognizes that your assets are on the Ethereum mainnet while the DApp is on Arbitrum.
It initiated the cross-chain transfer for you in the background and automatically paid all involved Gas fees using the USDC in your account.
· You only signed once, and there is no need to know concepts like Ethereum, Arbitrum, cross-chain bridges, and Gas fees.
Four, the significance and future of chain abstraction
1. The key to large-scale adoption: It removes the biggest barrier for ordinary users to enter Web3 — complexity. The user experience can rival or even surpass that of Web2 applications.
2. Liberation of developers: Developers can focus on application logic without worrying about the complexities of multi-chain deployment. They can build truly 'full-chain applications.'
3. Enhancing security: Reduces the risk of asset loss due to user errors (such as switching to the wrong network).
4. Promoting innovation: Intent-based architecture will give rise to new market roles (such as solvers) and more efficient transaction execution methods.
Five, projects currently dedicated to chain abstraction
1. Ethereum ecosystem's ERC-4337 (account abstraction): Provides the foundational account model for chain abstraction.
2. NEAR Protocol: Proposed the concept of 'chain abstraction' early on, with its Nightshade sharding design and BOS component system aimed at achieving this goal.
3. Cosmos & IBC: Through the Inter-Blockchain Communication protocol, it inherently has the ability for inter-chain communication and is evolving towards a chain abstraction experience.
4. LayerZero & CCIP: As the underlying cross-chain communication, it is a key component for building chain abstraction infrastructure.
5. Some emerging L1 and L2: Such as Berachain, Monad, etc., all considered native support for chain abstraction from the design stage.
6. Wallet projects: Many smart contract wallets (such as Safe, Zerion) are integrating chain abstraction features.
Sixth, highlight the key points
Chain abstraction is the necessary path for Web3 to move from a 'technical expert paradise' to 'mass consumer goods.' It integrates today's fragmented and complex multi-chain world into a single, unified, and smooth experience for users. It is not just a technological advancement but a profound revolution in user experience.
