Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko recently threw some shade at Layer-2 cryptocurrencies, arguing they’re unnecessary and complicate blockchain scaling. He believes Layer-1 solutions, like Solana, are perfectly capable of handling the job on their own.
Yakovenko’s Argument Against Layer-2s
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Yakovenko stated bluntly: Layer-2 blockchains are pointless. He contends that efficient Layer-1s like Solana already offer speed, low costs, and strong security. Layer-2s, he says, just add extra complexity without offering real long-term benefits. He highlighted that Layer-1s avoid the slowdowns and security compromises often associated with Layer-2 solutions, particularly those involving complex fraud proofs and upgrade processes. Solana’s separate execution and data layers, he explained, contribute to its efficiency.
Solana’s Data: A Case in Point
Yakovenko pointed to Solana’s relatively small data generation—around 80 terabytes annually—as evidence that storage isn’t a major bottleneck for Layer-1 scaling. He argued that this amount is manageable, making Layer-2 solutions redundant. He even suggested that instead of building a Layer-2, developers should simply launch a token. Regarding unused storage, he mentioned plans to utilize decentralized storage providers like Filecoin.
The Counterargument: Layer-2s Are Essential
However, not everyone agrees with Yakovenko. Many crypto investors believe Layer-2 solutions are crucial for scaling to accommodate billions of users. They argue that Layer-2s offer advantages in speed, cost, security, interoperability, and specialization.
Yakovenko’s Rebuttal
Yakovenko countered this by arguing that a Layer-1 like Solana can handle billions of users. He provided calculations to support his claim. He also stated that Solana’s design allows it to directly compete with all Ethereum Layer-2 solutions, unlike Ethereum itself. He concluded that multiple Layer-2s are unnecessary if a single one can handle parallel execution and utilize all available resources./p>
