Optimism is a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, designed to increase transaction speed and reduce fees while maintaining the security and decentralization of the main Ethereum network. Launched by the Optimism Foundation, it leverages a technology called Optimistic Rollups, which processes transactions off-chain and then submits them in batches to the Ethereum mainnet. This approach significantly reduces congestion on the main chain and lowers gas fees, making it more efficient and accessible for developers and users alike.
The native token, OP, is used within the Optimism ecosystem for governance and incentivizing participants who help secure and maintain the network. Optimism has gained popularity as a platform for decentralized applications (dApps) that require high throughput and low costs, making it a go-to solution for developers looking to scale their Ethereum-based projects. With its commitment to open-source development and a strong focus on user experience, Optimism is helping advance Ethereum's capability to support widespread adoption and complex applications.