As a Layer 1 blockchain protocol, Cardano is pushing the boundaries of what it can do in terms of adding new features. The first Hydra head has recently opened on mainnet, according to a recent update from Input Output Hong Kong (IOHK), the start-up that created the Cardano protocol, setting a whole new benchmark for scalability on the proof-of-stake (PoS) network.
The purpose of the Cardano Hydra protocol’s development, as stated in a video insight offered by developer Sebastian Nagel, is to scale the parent blockchain’s transactions in order to increase its usability. Considered a family of Layer 2 protocols, Hydra works to promote Cardano’s adoption where quick and inexpensive transactions are needed.
One of the most significant developments in the Cardano ecosystem for this year is the creation of Hydra. A community that feels this will position Cardano as a strong smart contract hub in terms of scale and transaction costs is pleased by the news that the first Hydra head is live on mainnet.
According to Nagel, Hydra is the first of the protocols that will assist Cardano in achieving the desired level of scalability. Nagel affirmed that there would be no hard forks because the Hydra head is not an upgrade.
Driving scalability on L1 protocols
While competing Layer 1 protocols are doing everything they can to achieve continuous scalability, Cardano is investigating ways to make its network more scalable through Hydra.
For instance, the Ethereum network is embracing a number of Layer 2 solutions, such as Polygon zkEVM, Optimism (OP), and Arbitrum (ARB), among others, to help change the network’s future and enable greater use.
With a throughput of 300,000 transactions per second (TPS), Sui Network has lately entered the competitive fight to control the smart contract and decentralised finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
