In a strategic move, Polygon Labs has announced the discontinuation of contributions to its Edge framework, opting to redirect its efforts towards the expansion of the Chain Development Kit (CDK). The decision comes as Polygon Labs shifts its development priorities in response to changing industry dynamics.
Originally introduced as an open-source tool operating under the Apache License 2.0, the Edge framework, also known as Supernets, served as a platform for the creation of customizable blockchain networks compatible with Ethereum. However, Polygon Labs has observed a significant transformation in its development objectives over the past year, media reports said.
The newly adopted focus will now centre on CDK, a sophisticated toolkit designed to facilitate the development of Layer 2 ZK-Rollups. These Layer 2 networks, built using zero-knowledge proofs, are expected to offer seamless interoperability within a vast network ecosystem.
Prominent blockchain projects, including Immutable, OKX, Astar, Canto, Palm Network, Aavegotchi, IDEX, Nubank, and Manta Network, have expressed keen interest in leveraging Polygon CDK for their Layer 2 network development endeavours.
Polygon Labs stated, “Polygon CDK-deployed chains will be interoperable within a broader web of ZK-powered L2s in the CDK ecosystem, creating a single unified pool of liquidity. These are features that Edge does not support natively and require migration with significant modifications.”
Currently, Polygon employs two primary scaling methods: Polygon PoS, a sidechain solution, and zkEVM, a zero-knowledge rollup network. A pivotal area of focus for Polygon Labs is the forthcoming 2.0 upgrade, an ecosystem that will encompass multiple chains enriched with zero-knowledge capabilities. Set to be unveiled in 2024, this ecosystem, driven by CDK, aims to integrate Layer 2 chains based on ZK rollups and foster cross-chain communication.
