Sidechain
scalability · interoperability
An independent blockchain that runs in parallel to a main chain and is linked via a bridge or pegging mechanism.
A sidechain is a separate blockchain that runs alongside a main chain and connects through a bridge or two-way peg. Users move value to the sidechain to access different fees, block times, applications, or execution rules.
A sidechain usually has its own validators, miners, federation, or consensus rules, so it may not inherit the full security of the main chain. Bridge design is often the largest risk because locked assets can depend on signers, contracts, or validators behaving correctly.
Related terms
Bridge
→Infrastructure that enables moving assets or messages across blockchains.
technology · defi
Interoperability
→The ability of blockchains, wallets, and applications to exchange assets, messages, or data across different systems.
infrastructure · protocol
Wrapped Token
→A tokenized representation of an asset on another chain, typically intended to be backed and redeemable 1:1.
token · interoperability
Layer-1
→The base blockchain layer that defines consensus, transaction validity, settlement, and data availability.
blockchain · architecture
Layer-2
→A protocol built around a Layer-1 to move activity off the base chain while relying on it for settlement or security.
scaling · architecture