واژهنامه
Sidechain
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Sidechain is a separate blockchain that runs in parallel to a main ("parent") blockchain and is connected to it by a two-way peg — a mechanism that lets assets move between the two chains. Sidechains add features (faster blocks, smart contracts, privacy) without changing the parent chain's protocol.
How the two-way peg works
- A user locks coins on the parent chain (e.g., Bitcoin)
- An equivalent amount is minted on the sidechain
- To move funds back, the sidechain tokens are burned or locked
- The original coins are released on the parent chain
Different sidechains use different peg implementations: federated (trusted signers), merge-mined, or cryptographically proven.
Examples
- Liquid Network — Bitcoin sidechain for faster, more private inter-exchange settlement. Operated by a federation of member institutions. Uses L-BTC pegged 1:1 to BTC.
- Rootstock (RSK) — Bitcoin sidechain adding EVM-compatible smart contracts. Secured via merged mining with Bitcoin.
- Polygon PoS — originally launched as an Ethereum sidechain; adds high throughput and low fees.
Sidechains vs Layer 2
Sidechains have their own consensus and security — they do not inherit security from the parent chain (Rootstock is a partial exception via merged mining). Layer 2 solutions like Lightning Network or rollups derive their security from the main chain's consensus, which is a stronger guarantee.
