The first zkEVM to land on mainnet—discover how zkSync Era revolutionizes Ethereum scaling and learn how to get started.
Introduction to ZkSync Era
Developed by Matter Labs, zkSync is a Layer 2 (L2) scaling solution leveraging zero-knowledge (zk) rollup technology to enhance Ethereum's throughput. The initial version, zkSync Lite (1.0), launched in June 2020 but lacked smart contract support. Despite this, it amassed over $170M in TVL, primarily in ETH and stablecoins like USDC.
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Evolution: From zkSync 2.0 to Era
In October 2022, zkSync 2.0 debuted in "baby-alpha," introducing:
- EVM compatibility
- Support for Solidity, Rust, Yul, and Vyper
- Smart contract functionality
February 2023 marked a rebrand to zkSync Era, with mainnet access opening to all users on March 24, 2023. This made zkSync Era the first live zkEVM, challenging optimistic rollups like Arbitrum and Optimism.
How to Use ZkSync Era
Step 1: Set Up a Wallet
- MetaMask is recommended for the official bridge.
- Other wallets via WalletConnect are supported by some DApps.
Step 2: Bridge Assets
- Use the official zkSync Era bridge or alternatives like Multichain, Celer, or Orbiter Finance.
- ETH is required for gas fees.
Bridging Steps:
- Connect MetaMask to the bridge.
- Select the asset (e.g., ETH) and amount.
- Click “Deposit” and confirm the transaction.
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Step 3: Configure MetaMask
Add zkSync Era Mainnet manually:
- RPC URL:
https://mainnet.era.zksync.io - Chain ID: 324
- Currency Symbol: ETH
Exploring zkSync Era’s Ecosystem
Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs)
- Mute: Leading DEX with $1.4M TVL (swaps, liquidity pools).
- SyncSwap & Space.fi: Live on mainnet.
NFTs & Name Services
- zkApes: First NFT collection (mint price: 0.08 ETH).
- zkSync Name Service: Vanity .zk addresses via Star Protocol.
Upcoming Projects
Over 150 protocols (e.g., Uniswap, Balancer, 1inch) are expected to deploy soon.
FAQs
1. Is zkSync Era secure?
Yes, but it’s still in Alpha—only bridge assets you can afford to lose.
2. Will zkSync have a token?
Matter Labs plans to decentralize the sequencer in ~1 year, potentially introducing a token.
3. How do I qualify for an airdrop?
Activity on zkSync Era and Lite (e.g., using ZigZag, Lido, or Aave) may be criteria.
4. What’s the cheapest way to bridge to zkSync Era?
Compare fees on Multichain, Celer, and the official bridge.
Conclusion
ZkSync Era pioneers zkEVMs, offering low-cost, EVM-compatible scaling. While the ecosystem is nascent, its 150+ partnerships signal rapid growth. Stay tuned for DeFi launches and potential airdrop opportunities.
Keywords: zkSync Era, zkEVM, Layer 2, Ethereum scaling, Matter Labs, zero-knowledge rollup, DeFi, airdrop
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