The OP Labs development team responsible for creating the Optimism L2 network for Ethereum has introduced a new feature - error proofs in smart contracts. This innovation allows users to initiate withdrawals themselves without the involvement of trusted third parties. According to Cointelegraph, this innovation is part of OP Labs' plan to decentralize the blockchain.
Support for additional networks
In the near future, four more networks built on the OP Stack will begin supporting proof of errors. Among them will be the Base, Metal, Mode and Zora blockchains. This means that Optimism users will be able to withdraw Ethereum and ERC-20 tokens without the involvement of third parties. If the command sequencer attempts to process an invalid withdrawal, it can be challenged and removed by any user who provides evidence of the error.
Stages of decentralization
With the introduction of proof of error, Optimism has achieved the first stage of decentralization, meeting the criteria formulated by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. In a commentary for the publication, Karl Floersch, founder and CEO of OP Labs, said:
"Optimism and other second-tier solutions are becoming increasingly decentralized."
He emphasized that creating a proof system is a difficult task due to high security requirements, but this step is necessary to ensure the reliability and decentralization of the network.
Plans for the second stage of decentralization
Karl Floersch also noted that the transition to the second stage of decentralization must be “quick and decisive.” The OP Labs team is in the process of implementing several ideas and validation systems that will help achieve this goal.
New top managers in the Optimism team
In the fall of 2023, two new top managers joined the Optimism team: former Google employee Prithvi Subburaj and ex-head of YouTube Gaming Ryan Wyatt. They took the positions of Operations Director and Head of Development, respectively, which strengthened the team and contributed to the further development of the project.
The introduction of proof of error into Optimism smart contracts represents an important step towards decentralization and increased network security. Supporting this feature on additional networks such as Base, Metal, Mode and Zora enhances the user experience and builds trust in the platform. In the future, further stages of decentralization and strengthening of the team with top managers from technology giants promise to strengthen Optimism’s position in the Ethereum ecosystem and the cryptocurrency community as a whole.