5 Fascinating Facts About Ethereum Layer 2 Optimism You Need to Know

5 min read

Jul 11, 2024

Read this article to learn more about one of the largest Ethereum L2s, Optimism.

what is optimism cryptocurrency

As the blockchain landscape continues to evolve, we at NuFi are committed to integrating all blockchains that enhance user experience and broaden functionality.

Last week, we took a significant step forward by integrating the Optimism blockchain into our wallet. But why Optimism, you might ask?

Here are five fascinating facts about Optimism that highlight its potential and why it’s a game-changer for the blockchain community.

1. Market Cap and User Base

Optimism is making waves in the blockchain world with its impressive market statistics. Currently, Optimism boasts a market cap (MC) of $1.8 billion, with a fully diluted market cap reaching $6.9 billion. The total value locked (TVL) on the Optimism network is approximately $650 million, indicating the substantial trust and investment from the crypto community.

According to data from Dune, Optimism has a user base of 8,666,782 and has processed over 250 million transactions. These numbers are a testament to the network’s growing popularity and reliability.

Also read: How Staking Crypto Works

The integration of Optimism into NuFi means our users can now tap into this network, enjoying its robust ecosystem and dynamic community. Whether you are an investor looking to diversify your portfolio or a developer seeking a reliable platform for your decentralized application (dApp), Optimism provides a solid foundation.

2. A Flourishing Ecosystem of dApps

One of the standout features of Optimism is its thriving ecosystem of decentralized applications (dApps). There are hundreds of cryptocurrencies and dApps operating on Optimism, each contributing to a vibrant and diverse blockchain environment. Notable among these are Velodrome Finance, an automated market maker, and liquidity protocols such as Synthetix and Aave.

Velodrome Finance simplifies trading by allowing users to trade assets directly from their wallets without relying on traditional exchanges. This automated market maker (AMM) ensures liquidity and stability in the trading process, making it a favorite among crypto enthusiasts.

Synthetix and Aave are liquidity protocols that provide users with unique opportunities to lend, borrow, and earn interest on their crypto assets. These platforms are integral to the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape, offering innovative financial services that are accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

By integrating Optimism, NuFi users can now explore and interact with these groundbreaking applications seamlessly, taking full advantage of the diverse opportunities within the Optimism ecosystem.

3. Funding Innovation through Grants

Optimism isn’t just about technological advancements; it’s also about community growth and fostering innovation. A key aspect of this commitment is the allocation of a portion of transaction fees to fund public goods projects. Optimism has earmarked 850 million OP tokens for this purpose, currently valued at $1.36 billion.

This grant initiative supports a wide range of projects aimed at benefiting the broader community. From open-source development to educational programs, these grants help drive innovation and development within the blockchain space. The focus on public goods funding underscores Optimism’s dedication to building a sustainable and inclusive blockchain ecosystem.

For developers and project creators using NuFi, this integration opens up new possibilities for securing funding and support from the Optimism network. It’s an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that can have a lasting impact on the community.

4. Unique Security with Optimistic Rollups

Security is a paramount concern in the blockchain industry, and Optimism addresses this with its unique "optimistic rollup" approach. In this model, transactions are assumed to be valid by default and are only challenged if a discrepancy is detected. This method relies on "fault proofs" to ensure the integrity and security of the network.

Optimistic rollups enable high throughput and scalability without compromising on safety. This approach allows Optimism to process transactions quickly and efficiently, making it a viable solution for scaling Ethereum and other blockchain networks.

Read more: What are the Differences Between EVM and SVM?

For NuFi users, this means transactions on the Optimism network are not only faster but also secure. The robust security framework provided by optimistic rollups ensures that user assets and data are protected, fostering a sense of trust and reliability.

5. Significantly Lower Gas Fees

One of the most compelling advantages of Optimism is its low gas fees compared to Ethereum’s mainnet. High gas fees have been a persistent issue on Ethereum, often making transactions prohibitively expensive for users. Optimism addresses this problem by offering significantly lower transaction costs.

Since its launch, Optimism users have collectively saved over $1.1 billion in gas fees. This substantial reduction in transaction costs makes blockchain technology more accessible and affordable for a broader audience. Whether you are conducting a simple transaction or interacting with a complex dApp, the cost savings can be substantial.

With the integration of Optimism, NuFi users can now enjoy these lower gas fees, making it more cost-effective to transact and engage with the crypto world. This is particularly beneficial for frequent users and developers who need to manage numerous transactions efficiently.

Explore Optimism with NuFi

Do you like using Optimism or simply want to explore its potential? Now is the perfect time to dive into the Optimism network with NuFi's browser extension. Our integration makes it easier than ever to experience the benefits of this innovative Layer 2 solution. From lower transaction costs and faster processing times to a thriving ecosystem of dApps and strong security measures, Optimism has a lot to offer.