Learn About Base Wallet & Layer‑2
What Is Base?
Base is an Ethereum Layer‑2 network developed by Coinbase to improve scalability and efficiency on the Ethereum blockchain. Built on the Optimism Stack in collaboration with Optimism, Base processes transactions off the main Ethereum chain using Optimistic Rollups, then settles them on Ethereum【331850288133232†L52-L83】. This approach reduces congestion and lowers fees while preserving the security of the underlying blockchain.
Key Features
Base offers significant scalability improvements by handling transactions off‑chain, allowing a higher volume of activity without overloading Ethereum【331850288133232†L87-L95】. Because only aggregated results are posted back to the main chain, gas fees are substantially lower. Base inherits Ethereum’s security and uses Optimistic Rollups, where transactions are assumed valid unless disputed, adding an extra layer of fraud protection【331850288133232†L98-L102】. The network is fully compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, making it easy for developers to deploy existing dApps on Base【331850288133232†L118-L127】.
Integration with Coinbase
Base integrates tightly with the Coinbase ecosystem. Users can access the network through Coinbase’s products, benefiting from lower fees and faster transactions, while developers leverage Coinbase’s tools and large user base to build and deploy applications【331850288133232†L109-L114】. According to Coinbase, Base’s mission is to make the on‑chain experience as simple as using a Web2 app and to bring the exchange’s millions of users on‑chain【189871565185096†L84-L113】.
Use Cases
Base supports a variety of applications. DeFi platforms like lending and trading benefit from faster settlement and lower transaction costs. Gaming projects use the network to process in‑game transactions more efficiently, providing a smoother user experience. Artists and collectors take advantage of lower‑cost minting and trading of NFTs【331850288133232†L149-L161】.
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