- ZKsync Lite’s deprecation signals shift towards advanced Ethereum scaling solutions.
- ZKsync Era introduces full smart contract functionality for Ethereum developers.
- ZKsync assures users’ funds remain safe during Lite’s phase-out.
ZKsync has announced plans to officially deprecate ZKsync Lite, its original zero-knowledge rollup, in 2026. This decision signals a major shift as the company moves away from its early Ethereum scaling solution to focus on more advanced technologies.
The team announced in a post on X, confirming that ZKsync Lite’s sunset will be a planned, orderly transition, ensuring that no other systems within the ZKsync network are affected. Specific details, dates, and migration guidance will be shared in the coming months.
The Rise of ZKsync Lite and Its Role in Ethereum Scaling
Launched in 2020 as ZKsync 1.0, ZKsync Lite was designed as a payments-focused Ethereum Layer 2 solution. The network enabled features like token transfers, atomic swaps, and NFT minting, though it lacked smart contract functionality.
This limitation hindered its use compared to more recent rollup designs, but ZKsync Lite served as a crucial proving ground for zero-knowledge technology on Ethereum. The network successfully validated core concepts that now shape the next generation of Ethereum scaling.
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Currently, approximately $50 million remains bridged to ZKsync Lite, but its daily usage has significantly declined, with fewer than 200 operations being processed daily. Despite this drop, ZKsync assures users that their funds are safe and that withdrawals to Ethereum Layer 1 will continue throughout the deprecation process.
ZKsync halted active development on Lite in March 2023, shifting focus to ZKsync Era, a zkEVM-powered solution that supports full smart contract functionality. ZKsync Era represents the next step in Ethereum scaling, offering developers the ability to port applications without sacrificing security or performance.
A Shift Towards the Future: ZKsync’s Vision for Ethereum Scaling
This move to phase out ZKsync Lite aligns with ZKsync’s broader vision to drive forward Ethereum scalability through more sophisticated solutions. ZKsync Era, with its zkEVM capabilities, marks a significant leap forward by providing the infrastructure needed to scale Ethereum with the security guarantees users expect. ZKsync Lite’s deprecation is a natural progression as the company pivots to more feature-rich platforms that can support a broader range of decentralized applications.
Despite facing challenges like the recent discontinuation of its Ignite liquidity rewards program and concerns over low revenue generation, such as those from Aave DAO, ZKsync is committed to refining its products. The focus remains on advancing Ethereum scaling and ensuring the success of its future offerings, including the modular blockchain framework and privacy-focused systems like Prividiums.
ZKsync’s evolution marks a key moment in the Ethereum ecosystem as it moves toward the next generation of rollup solutions. With ZKsync Lite being phased out, the company is ensuring that its technology remains at the forefront of scaling innovation.
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