Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko has reiterated his stance that Layer-2 scaling solutions are unnecessary. He believes that Layer-1 platforms like Solana can already offer fast, cost-effective, and secure transactions without the need for additional infrastructure.
Solana Structure Bypasses L2 Challenges
Yakovenko highlighted that Solana's architecture avoids issues common to L2 by separating execution and data availability on a highly efficient base layer. He dismissed assumptions about storage constraints, calling 80 terabytes of data per year 'measly.' Yakovenko suggested developers avoid building 'valueless' L2 projects, advising launching a token directly if there is no strong case for utility.
Ethereum's Layer-2 Support
While Yakovenko criticized L2 development, Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin defended the network's shift toward Layer-2 reliance. He noted that Ethereum’s strong foundation enables scalable L2 networks to thrive. However, the sharp decline in Ethereum’s base-layer revenue following the Dencun upgrade in March 2024 has raised concerns.
Criticism of Ethereum's Access and Privacy
Some users have raised concerns over Ethereum's permission structure and lack of built-in privacy tools. Critics argue that new entrants must comply with identity checks, weakening decentralization. Others maintain that Ethereum remains permissionless, although the shift to proof-of-stake has changed the entry dynamics.
The comments from Yakovenko and Lubin highlight the significant divergence in opinions on the future of blockchain scalability and infrastructure design, emphasizing the differing approaches of Solana and Ethereum towards network governance and functionality.
