Starknet

Published: May 2, 2025 | Author, @MrJangKen | ID: 766881381

⚙️ The Layer 2 Revolution: Why It Matters in 2025
Ethereum remains the powerhouse of DeFi and Web3 development—but its limitations in speed and cost have pushed builders to adopt Layer 2 (L2) solutions. These L2 networks process transactions off-chain, then post data or proofs on Ethereum, significantly lowering fees and congestion while retaining Ethereum’s security.
As of 2025, three major players are leading this revolution:
🟧 Arbitrum (Optimistic Rollup)🔵 zkSync (zkRollup using SNARKs)🟣 Starknet (zkRollup using STARKs)
Let’s dive into how they compare and who’s emerging as the leader in this high-stakes ecosystem war.
🔍 Quick Overview of Rollup Technology
Layer 2s largely rely on rollups, which come in two major forms:
1. Optimistic Rollups (e.g., Arbitrum)
Assume all transactions are valid unless proven otherwise.Use fraud proofs and dispute windows.Slower finality compared to zkRollups.
2. Zero-Knowledge Rollups (e.g., zkSync, Starknet)
Validate transactions with cryptographic proofs.Offer near-instant finality.More complex to develop, but offer greater speed and scalability.
🟧 Arbitrum: The DeFi Titan
Key Features:
Type: Optimistic RollupToken: $ARBTVL (Total Value Locked): ~$19.3 BillionActive dApps: Over 2,200
What Makes Arbitrum Unique:
Dominant in DeFi, hosting protocols like GMX, Aave, and Uniswap.Introduced Arbitrum Orbit—Layer 3 infrastructure for custom rollups.Stylus upgrade enabled developers to write in Rust, C++, and WASM, expanding beyond Solidity.
Strengths:
EVM-compatible and developer-friendly.Massive ecosystem and liquidity.DAO treasury of over $3B for incentives and governance.
Weaknesses:
Finality delay due to fraud-proof system.Centralization concerns in bridge validation.
🔵 zkSync: The ZK Pioneer
Key Features:
Type: zkRollup (ZK-SNARKs)Token: $ZKS (launched Q1 2025)TVL: ~$6.5 BillionActive dApps: Around 1,100
Standout Innovations:
zkEVM allows Solidity-based apps with minimal adjustments.zkPorter enables off-chain data availability for high scalability.Built-in account abstraction allows for gasless transactions and smart wallets.
Strengths:
Near-instant transaction finality.High security and privacy.Gas-efficient, even during peak Ethereum congestion.
Weaknesses:
Slight compatibility challenges for older Solidity-based apps.Smaller ecosystem compared to Arbitrum, but rapidly growing.
🟣 Starknet: The Cryptographic Powerhouse
Key Features:
Type: zkRollup (STARK-based)Token: $STRK (launched Q1 2025)TVL: ~$4.2 BillionActive dApps: Around 870
What Sets It Apart:
Uses Cairo, its own language optimized for STARK proofs.Offers Validium (off-chain data availability) for improved cost performance.Powers major projects like dYdX and collaborations with institutions like Visa.
Strengths:
Exceptionally scalable due to STARKs.Enhanced security without a trusted setup.Robust cryptographic architecture.
Weaknesses:
Cairo learning curve is steep.Slower dApp growth compared to Arbitrum and zkSync.
📈 Ecosystem & Developer Growth (2023–2025)
Arbitrum:
Developer activity increased by 170% since 2023.Over 1,200 new dApps launched.Partnered with Chainlink, Frax, Sushi, and more.
zkSync:
Developer growth rose by 230%.zkEVM tools have matured rapidly.Key partners include Argent, Gitcoin, and Balancer.
Starknet:
310% increase in developer activity.Cairo bootcamps are onboarding developers from Solana and Polkadot.Collaborates with Immutable, dYdX, and Celestia.

💰 Airdrops & Community Hype
Arbitrum ($ARB):
Major airdrop in 2023 built early trust and governance participation.Strong DAO involvement and financial backing.
zkSync ($ZKS):
Highly anticipated airdrop finally launched in Q1 2025.Ecosystem fund announced alongside token for developer incentives.
Starknet ($STRK):
Retroactive rewards to early developers and users.Long-term token unlocks for sustained growth.
Hype & Sentiment Ranking:
zkSync 🔥Arbitrum 🚀Starknet ⚡
🌍 Real-World Adoption Highlights (2025)
Arbitrum:
Popular among gaming projects like TreasureDAO.Being used for undercollateralized loans and insurance primitives.
zkSync:
Powering mobile-first DeFi wallets and dApps with social login features.Used by companies for payroll and cross-border settlement.
Starknet:
Institutional-grade deployments including pilots with Visa.Integrations with academic institutions for digital credentials.
🧠 Performance Comparison Summary (List Format)
Ecosystem Size:
Arbitrum: Extremely large and active ecosystem with 2,000+ dApps.zkSync: Growing fast with over 1,000 dApps.Starknet: Still early-stage but focused on quality institutional use.
Speed & Fees:
zkSync: Fastest with low fees and instant finality.Starknet: Highly scalable, fast, but app compatibility is limited.Arbitrum: Fast and cheap, but still includes a delay for fraud-proof settlement.
Innovation:
Starknet: Leading in cryptographic innovation via STARKs.zkSync: Top-tier UX innovation (zkPorter, Hyperchains).Arbitrum: Dominates in EVM and mainstream dApp support.
Developer Tools:
Arbitrum: Best EVM support and familiar dev stack.zkSync: zkEVM evolving fast, easy onboarding.Starknet: Powerful but limited to Cairo devs.
Token Hype:
zkSync: Fresh token with active community excitement.Arbitrum: Steady and strong backing.Starknet: Still growing with academic/institutional support.
🔮 Looking Ahead – What’s Next?
For zkSync:
Launch of Hyperchains public testnet by Q2 2025.More on-chain privacy and smart wallet features.
For Arbitrum:
Further expansion of Orbit Layer 3 ecosystems.Onboarding AI-native and gaming-specific dApps.
For Starknet:
Cairo v2 will improve transaction throughput by 3x.Deeper partnerships with institutions and nation-states.
🧭 Final Verdict: One Winner or Three Champions?
There may not be a single winner in the Layer 2 wars—each protocol is carving out its niche:
Arbitrum dominates with its massive ecosystem and rapid developer onboarding.zkSync is leading in technical innovation and real-world application UX.Starknet is pushing the frontier of cryptographic scalability and institutional-grade applications.
Together, they’re not competitors, but critical pillars of Ethereum’s next chapter. 🔗
💬 Have Your Say!
What L2 are you most bullish on?Do you think zkSync’s privacy model will win long-term?Is Starknet’s cryptographic edge enough to catch up?
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments!

#Layer2 #Ethereum #Arbitrum #zkSync #Starknet

The lines between traditional finance and the burgeoning world of cryptocurrencies continue to blur, and one of the most significant developments in this convergence is the rise of stablecoin-linked payment cards. Visa, a global payments giant, is making a clear statement about the future of digital wallets by actively supporting and enabling these cards, signaling a strong belief in the evolution of crypto wallets into comprehensive financial super apps.
For years, a key challenge for widespread crypto adoption has been the practical utility of digital assets in everyday transactions. While holding Bitcoin or Ethereum might offer potential for appreciation, spending them at your local coffee shop often involved cumbersome conversion processes and limited acceptance. Stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable asset like the US dollar, offer a solution to this volatility, making them more viable for payments.
Visa's recent initiatives demonstrate a strategic embrace of this trend. By partnering with various crypto platforms and wallet providers, Visa is facilitating the issuance of cards that allow users to spend their stablecoin holdings anywhere Visa is accepted. This move isn't just about tapping into a new market; it's a fundamental bet on the future architecture of personal finance.
Why Stablecoin Cards Are a Game Changer:
* Enhanced Utility: Stablecoin cards bridge the gap between digital assets and real-world commerce. Users can now seamlessly utilize their crypto holdings for everyday purchases, increasing the practical value and adoption of stablecoins.
* Reduced Friction: By eliminating the need to convert crypto to fiat currency before spending, these cards streamline the payment process, making it more convenient for users.
* Financial Inclusion: For individuals in regions with volatile local currencies or limited access to traditional banking services, stablecoins and associated cards can offer a more stable and accessible financial alternative.
* The Rise of Crypto Super Apps: Visa's support for stablecoin cards is a strong validation of the growing trend of crypto wallets evolving into financial super apps. These platforms are no longer just for holding digital assets; they are integrating a range of financial services, including payments, lending, borrowing, and investment opportunities, all within a single user-friendly interface.
Visa's Strategic Play:
Visa's active involvement in the stablecoin card space is a calculated move to position itself at the forefront of this evolving financial landscape. By enabling these transactions on its vast network, Visa is not only capturing a share of the burgeoning crypto payments market but also ensuring its relevance in a future where digital assets play a more prominent role.
This strategy also benefits Visa's partners – crypto exchanges and wallet providers – by offering their users a tangible way to utilize their holdings, fostering greater engagement and adoption of their platforms. The ability to spend stablecoins seamlessly adds significant value to the user experience, making these wallets more attractive as primary financial tools.
Challenges and the Road Ahead:
Despite the significant potential, the widespread adoption of stablecoin cards is not without its challenges. Regulatory clarity surrounding stablecoins varies across jurisdictions, which can impact the rollout and acceptance of these cards. Furthermore, ensuring the security and stability of stablecoin ecosystems is crucial for building user trust.
However, the momentum behind stablecoins and the increasing interest from traditional financial players like Visa suggest a promising future. As regulatory frameworks mature and technological infrastructure continues to develop, stablecoin-linked cards are poised to become an increasingly common feature in the financial landscape.
Conclusion:
Visa's proactive steps are a strong signal that crypto wallets are evolving beyond simple digital asset storage into comprehensive financial super apps. By supporting stablecoin cards, Visa is playing a crucial role in integrating cryptocurrencies into everyday commerce, fostering the adoption of digital assets and ushering in a new era for the future of finance. As 2025 progresses, the development of stablecoin cards and crypto wallets is an exciting trend with the potential to reshape the future of financial services.
#BinanceAlphaAlert #STARKNET $SOL

When I made the list of platforms for Linea, some people asked about StarkNet. For the convenience of those who trade for StarkNet Airdrop, I have collected DeFi platforms that you can use in the ecosystem.

Wallets You Can Use:

1. Braavos

2.argent

You can install these as add-ons from the chrome store. Since the two wallets are different, you need to set up a separate wallet in both. You can use both wallets separately.

Bridges Where You Can Transfer Money to the StarkNet Network: