Vitalik Buterin advises developers to build Layer 2 (L2) based on the security and censorship resistance of Layer 1 (L1) Ethereum, keeping L2 simple to just handle transaction ordering and verification.
This approach helps balance performance and reliability, something enterprise blockchains pursued in the 2010s but failed to achieve. Currently, Ethereum's L2 ecosystem is closer to that goal than ever.
MAIN CONTENT
Vitalik Buterin emphasizes the foundational role and security of Ethereum L1 in building L2.
L2 should keep the design simple, focusing on the roles of sequencer and prover.
The current Ethereum L2 ecosystem can achieve high speeds while maintaining decentralization and safety.
Layer 1 Ethereum has a heavy workload, why should Layer 2 remain simple?
Vitalik Buterin himself is a co-founder of Ethereum and a renowned expert on blockchain. He believes that allowing L1 to handle security, censorship resistance, and data availability functions enhances the overall system's reliability. L2 should only focus on the tasks of transaction sequencing and proving to optimize performance and reduce complexity.
The best way to build L2 is to leverage L1's strengths such as security, censorship resistance, and data transparency, while simplifying L2's functionality to only sequencing and proving on the core execution.
Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, stated on X on July 15, 2025
Designing L2 this way not only reduces security risks but also allows the system to achieve a balance between high processing speed and decentralization – something many previous blockchain projects failed to do in the 2010s when trying to integrate all functions into one layer.
How does Ethereum Layer 1 protect users in the Layer 2 ecosystem?
According to Vitalik, L1 Ethereum has now become the last line of defense for end users when L2 encounters issues. This provides unprecedented safety for cryptocurrency users, especially in the context of increasing adoption and transactions on Ethereum.
The security layer of Ethereum L1 provides users of the network with a safety net in case of abnormalities in L2, ensuring a safe and sustainable development of the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Overview analysis of the Ethereum ecosystem, Vitalik Buterin, 2025
Compared to previous enterprise blockchains that focused solely on fast efficiency while neglecting decentralization, the close integration between L1 and L2 of Ethereum offers better reliability, suitable for both speed and distributed control.
What is the impact of Vitalik Buterin's perspective on the current design of Layer 2?
Vitalik's advice is highly regarded and applied by the community and developers of Ethereum L2. This strategy helps scale the network and enhance cryptocurrency adoption globally.
Many developers and blockchain experts believe that leveraging the existing security strength of L1 to support a minimalist L2 approach fits well with the trend of developing efficient, safe, and sustainable systems.
Real-world examples proving the effectiveness of the Layer 2 model based on Layer 1
L2 ecosystems like Optimism and Arbitrum have successfully leveraged Ethereum's L1 security and data while keeping the second layer simple and focused. This helps minimize the risk of errors and accelerate transaction processing.
According to a 2024 report from ConsenSys, L2 solutions based on Ethereum's L1 have improved average processing capacity by 10 times while maintaining a high level of decentralization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Layer 1 and Layer 2 differ in Ethereum?
Layer 1 is the main Ethereum network responsible for securing and processing base transactions, while Layer 2 are scaling layers that help accelerate and reduce fees by processing off-chain but still rely on L1 for verification.
Why does Layer 2 need to remain simple according to Vitalik Buterin?
L2 should only handle transaction sequencing and proving to minimize errors, maximizing L1's security and censorship resistance, making the system safer and more efficient.
How does Ethereum Layer 1 protect users when L2 encounters issues?
L1 provides mechanisms to ensure that transactions on L2 are accurately verified and can rectify errors when L2 encounters issues, protecting users' assets to the maximum extent.
What are the real-world applications of the Layer 2 model based on Layer 1?
Optimism and Arbitrum have successfully implemented this model, helping to scale transactions while maintaining high safety and decentralization, as reported by ConsenSys in 2024.
What is the community's perspective on this advice from Vitalik?
Most developers and users agree with the development strategy based on the strengths of L1, viewing it as a sustainable direction for Ethereum's future.
Source: https://tintucbitcoin.com/vitalik-layer-2-ethereum-can-layer-1-hon/
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