A cross-chain bridge is infrastructure that enables interoperability among blockchain networks, facilitating the transfer of assets and data between chains.
These bridges are crucial for connecting blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which use different rules and mechanisms, allowing them to communicate seamlessly.
Cross-chain bridges make cross-chain interoperability possible, paving the way for faster, cheaper, and more flexible crypto systems.
They enable cross-chain transfers between networks, reducing fees, speeding up transactions, and providing access to more liquidity.
Apps can operate across multiple networks simultaneously thanks to cross-chain bridges, enhancing user experience and tapping into diverse user bases.
Efficient movement of capital in DeFi is made possible by cross-chain bridges, supporting yield chasing, liquidity deployment, and strategy optimization.
NFTs and blockchain games benefit from cross-chain interoperability, allowing players to transfer assets between ecosystems and access larger markets.
Cross-chain bridges also facilitate cross-chain governance for DAOs, enabling users to participate in voting and decision-making processes across various blockchains.
Bridges employ smart contracts, validators, relayers, and oracles to coordinate data and assets between blockchains that were not originally designed for interaction.
Different bridge models exist, such as lock and mint, burn and mint, lock and unlock, programmable token bridges, federated bridges, and relay or notary bridges.