Optimism networks and public RPC endpoints

Optimistic rollups are Ethereum layer-2 (L2) networks that work simply as extensions of Ethereum, recording transactions and smart contracts and sending them to the Ethereum mainnet at once. They rely on their validators that validate transactions, and typical examples are Arbitrum and Optimism. 

Let’s look closer at these networks and see how to get the Optimism RPC endpoint for Web3 developers.

Optimistic Ethereum rollups

Optimistic rollups represent a significant advancement in Ethereum’s scalability, functioning as an L2 solution designed to enhance transaction throughput and reduce latency. They achieve this by processing transactions off-chain while leveraging the security of the Ethereum mainnet (layer-1, L1). 

The term “optimistic” and the name Optimism both refer to the mechanism by which these rollups operate. They assume that all transactions are valid unless validators prove otherwise. This assumption allows for greater efficiency, as it minimizes the amount of data that must be recorded on-chain.

This architecture enhances scalability and retains the security features inherent to Ethereum.

Two most popular examples

Arbitrum and Optimism are the two most popular optimistic L2 networks, and before focusing on the Optimism nodes, let’s look at both of them closer to compare them.

Arbitrum

Arbitrum is one of the leading optimistic rollup solutions that focuses on providing enhanced scalability for Ethereum applications. It utilizes an EVM-compatible environment, allowing developers to deploy existing Ethereum smart contracts with minimal modifications. Arbitrum’s architecture facilitates fast transaction processing and significantly lower fees compared to Ethereum’s mainnet.

A notable feature of Arbitrum is its use of a unique sequencer model, which orders transactions and submits them in batches to Ethereum. This model allows for quick finality while maintaining robust fraud-proof mechanisms to ensure transaction validity.

Optimism

Optimism is another prominent optimistic rollup that aims to improve Ethereum’s scalability while ensuring compatibility with existing dApps. Like Arbitrum, it processes transactions off-chain and aggregates them before submitting them to the mainnet. Optimism also emphasizes user experience by offering lower gas fees and faster transaction speeds.

One of the standout features of Optimism is its commitment to community incentives, including support for various projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing user engagement within its ecosystem. The platform has gained traction due to its simplicity and effectiveness in scaling decentralized applications.

Public RPC nodes

Public remote procedure call (RPC) nodes are essential components for interacting with blockchain networks. For example, an Optimism RPC node allows its user to send requests and receive responses from the blockchain. It can either be set up using robust hardware or ordered from an RPC node provider, such as GetBlock.  

Users typically need to create an account with these services, after which they can generate API keys that provide access to RPC endpoints for Optimism.

Using an RPC endpoint

Once a user obtains an RPC endpoint, it can be integrated into applications using libraries such as Web3.js or Ethers.js. That’s how the Optimism API endpoint can be integrated into the app’s code, empowering it with blockchain functionalities.

Benefits and challenges of optimistic rollups

Let’s evaluate what such solutions can offer to Web3 developers.

Benefits

1. Speed: By processing transactions off-chain without additional computations, optimistic rollups significantly increase transaction speeds.
2. Ease of usage: Developers can easily migrate existing dApps to optimistic rollups without extensive modifications due to their EVM compatibility and plain realization.
3. Community incentives: Platforms like Arbitrum and Optimism have great instruments to incentivize and support developers and validators.

Challenges

1. Overdependence on validators: Their security model relies heavily on validators’ honesty. If malicious actors exploit this trust, it could compromise the system’s integrity.
2. Challenge periods: Users must endure so-called “challenge periods” (typically 1 week), during which a transaction may be proven fraudulent and become invalid. While it contributes to the network’s safety, it may be inconvenient for users.

Conclusion

Optimistic rollups present a promising solution for scaling Ethereum while maintaining security through innovative mechanisms like fraud proofs and state roots. As these technologies continue to evolve, Optimism and Arbitrum hold great potential for transforming how decentralized applications operate on Ethereum.