Optimism review: the OP Stack and the Superchain idea

Optimism (OP Mainnet) is a layer 2 network for Ethereum. Like Arbitrum, it is an optimistic rollup: it executes transactions off the main chain and posts the data to Ethereum, relying on the possibility of fraud proofs to keep results honest.

The OP Stack

Optimism publishes its software as the open-source OP Stack. Other teams use it to launch their own layer 2 networks. A well-known example is Base, a network launched by Coinbase in 2023 on the OP Stack.

The Superchain idea

The project describes a Superchain: many networks built on the same stack, sharing standards and, over time, more infrastructure, so that moving between them becomes easier.

Governance

The OP token is used for governance. Optimism's governance is split into two houses: the Token House, where OP holders vote, and the Citizens' House, which takes part in decisions about funding public goods through retroactive grants. Network fees on OP Mainnet are paid in ETH.

What users notice

• Lower fees than Ethereum's main chain.
• Compatibility with Ethereum wallets and tools.
• A withdrawal period of about a week through the native bridge.

Risks

Shared infrastructure, sequencer design, bridge security and smart contract risk apply to Optimism as to other rollups.

See the OP coin page.

This review describes the project's design and is not investment advice. Cryptocurrency prices can be highly volatile.