A Layer 1 is a base blockchain with its own consensus system. A Layer 2 is built to extend a base network, but the term covers designs with meaningful differences.
Execution and settlement
Ask where transactions execute, where data is available, and how the result is validated or challenged. These details explain more than a simple transaction-per-second claim.
Bridges add assumptions
Moving assets between networks can involve contracts, delays, and additional security assumptions. Review the supported withdrawal path and official documentation.
Compare trade-offs
Fees, decentralisation, developer tooling, security, and user experience all matter. No single metric provides a complete comparison.
For educational purposes. Views should be assessed against their evidence and publication date.
