🌉 What are bridges in Web3 and why are they needed?
Bridges in Web3 are tools that connect blockchains to each other, allowing the transfer of assets or data from one chain to another. It's like a 'customs' between different countries of the blockchain world.
🔄 Why are bridges needed?
Imagine: you have a token on Ethereum, but you want to use it in a game that runs on Avalanche. Without a bridge — no way. But with a bridge — it's simple: you transfer the token from one blockchain to another.
🧠 How does the bridge work?
You send an asset to the bridge smart contract on the first blockchain (for example, Ethereum)
The contract locks this asset
On the second blockchain (for example, Arbitrum) — a wrapped copy of the token appears
Then you can use this copy like a regular token
🔁 The reverse exchange is also possible: just 'unwrap' the token back.
📌 Types of bridges
Centralized (e.g., Binance Bridge): fast, but require trust
Decentralized (Axelar, Wormhole, Stargate): built on smart contracts, without intermediaries
Native bridges (Polygon ↔ Ethereum): built into the ecosystem
Popular Web3 bridges
Axelar feature: support for cross-chain dApps and dWallets; LayerZero: minimum intermediaries, decentralized; Wormhole: one of the first cross-network bridges; Stargate: fast liquidity, support for multiple networks
⚠️ Risks
Bugs in smart contracts (there have been major hacks)
Fake bridge websites
Delays and high fees
➡️ So always check addresses and use reliable official ones.
💡 Why is this important for the future of Web3?
Without bridges, blockchains are closed 'islands'. Bridges turn them into a single ecosystem where data, NFTs, and tokens can circulate freely. This is key to scaling, interaction between projects, and the emergence of new types of Web3 applications.
#Web3 #CrossChainInteroperability #Squar2earn
