Interoperability and why is it important for DApps scaling?

Interoperability is the act of construing blockchain networks that can connect with one another. 

Since Bitcoin’s inception, more and more blockchain networks have intertwined with each other, which means users will have difficulty moving their assets from one network to another, limiting their usage of Dapps or decentralized applications and other advantages offered by specific chains.

A lack of interoperability limits users, but it also limits decentralized app (DApp) developers by forcing them to create one chain despite its pros and cons. These limitations also prevent networks from scaling, as interoperability ensures networks can reach as many users as possible.

For example, features a robust virtual machine environment called the EVM. However, developers wanting to utilize the EVM are forced to build on the Ethereum platform, which is slow and expensive despite its massive user base.

What is the EVM?

The EVM is present so as to facilitate developers to create and test their applications in a protected environment prior to their deployment in the public network.

Ethereum’s virtual machine is a runtime environment — a sort of operating system in which developers can build and test their DApps without requiring powerful hardware of their own. Developers write their DApps in the Solidity programming language before sending them to the EVM, which can then execute the code via smart contracts.

However, the EVM exists in an isolated environment separate from the rest of Ethereum’s network. Such an operation is vital to the success of DApp development, as it enables developers to build while utilizing the full power of smart contracts without congesting the network or leaving their projects vulnerable and without an appropriate stance on security.

As Ethereum is a decentralized network, anyone in the world can access the EVM, ensuring DApp development is accessible as possible. The EVM is powered by nodes connected to the Ethereum network, as is the history of the Ethereum blockchain.

What are other blockchain networks suitable for DApps development?

Take for example Polkadot. Polkadot is a next-generation blockchain aiming for interoperability and building upon the concepts introduced by Ethereum. It is a blockchain protocol attempting to unite blockchain networks into one compatible environment.

The protocol is broken into two-chain types: the main chain (also known as a relay chain) and parachains. Polkadot’s main chain is similar to other blockchain networks, providing transaction consensus, and security. Parachains, however, are user-built chains that harness the power of the main chain and relay information to the main chain to ensure Polkadot has a consistent transaction history.

By providing security through the main chain and allowing for developer-powered parachains, Polkadot aims to offer all sorts of use cases without sacrificing scalability. Not only this, but such versatility will enable developers to build bridges or connections between blockchain networks, which, in turn, enables interoperability.

In this same vein, Polkadot also offers its own sort of virtual environment through Substrate.

What is Substrate?

The substrate is similar to Ethereum’s EVM, ensuring developers can build and test their applications in an isolated environment.

The substrate is an open-source development platform providing developers with a framework for building their own parachains. Substrate-powered chains are tied to the Polkadot main chain while also being interoperable with other blockchain networks. The Substrateoffering provides an isolated virtual environment similar to Ethereum’s for app development and testing.

DApp developers will enjoy direct integrations with popular applications like Meta Mask and Remix, helping streamline the development process and ensure more useful DApps for CLV users. As a result, more DApps harnessing the interoperability options offered by Polkadot means a more scalable future for all.