This is article 7/10 in Part II of our series, How To Build Wealth and Grow Crypto Assets and Income by Staking.
Key Takeaways
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Polygon offers Ethereum scalability, interoperability, fast transactions, low fees, and security.
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Developers build on Polygon because of the SDK, Proof of Stake chain, EVM, zkEVM, Nightfall, Hermez, Miden, ID, and Supernets.
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Reasons to buy the MATIC token include the Polygon architecture, developer friendly ecosystem, rapidly growing ecosystem, high-performance infrastructure, and security.
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Reasons to stake MATIC tokens include consistent income, potential capital appreciation, support for Ethereum, diversification of investment returns, inflation hedge, strong community, compounding effect of staking, and having a vote in governance.
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Ethereum has revolutionized the way we think about money and investments. Polygon is a Layer 2 scaling solution that improves Ethereum’s performance. It remedies issues like high gas fees and slow transaction times.
MATIC is the native token of the Polygon ecosystem, used for staking, governance, and securing the network. MATIC tokens will soon be converted into POL tokens.
Staking MATIC tokens can be a great way to build your crypto portfolio. In this article, we will tell you why Polygon’s MATIC token is worth your consideration.
The advantages of Polygon
There are more than a few reasons to build on and use Polygon. Here are some important ones.
1. Scalability: Polygon’s Layer 2 solution significantly increases Ethereum’s transaction throughput, enabling the network to handle more transactions simultaneously.
2. Reduced transaction fees: Polygon users enjoy substantially lower gas fees when compared to transacting directly on the Ethereum blockchain.
3. Interoperability: Polygon enables seamless communication and data sharing between Ethereum and other blockchains. That fosters greater collaboration and innovation in the crypto space.
4. Security: Polygon’s Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism ensures the network’s security and stability. Blocks United is one of 105 active validators protecting the network and its assets.
In a nutshell, Polygon helps developers overcome the limitations of Ethereum, like slow transaction speeds and high gas fees.
Why developers build on Polygon over Ethereum
Before we get into MATIC staking, we will look at the tools Polygon offers developers.
1. Polygon SDK: The Polygon Software Development Kit is a modular and extensible framework. It supports the Ethereum JSON-RPC API and is compatible with Ethereum development tools. That makes it easy for developers to create scalable, customizable, and interoperable dApps.
2. Polygon PoS (Proof of Stake) Chain: The Polygon PoS Chain is a sidechain that runs parallel to the Ethereum mainnet, providing a secure and scalable environment for dApps. It uses a Proof of Stake consensus mechanism, ensuring energy efficiency and fast transaction times. The PoS Chain supports the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing developers to deploy smart contracts and dApps seamlessly.
3. Polygon Nightfall: Nightfall is an optimistic rollup solution that leverages zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to enable fast and private transactions. Nightfall allows developers to create dApps that handles tens of thousands of transactions while maintaining high throughput and user privacy.
4. Polygon Hermez: Hermez is a zk-rollup solution that focuses on providing high throughput and scalability for decentralized applications (dApps). By bundling multiple transactions into a single proof, Hermez reduces data stored on the Ethereum mainnet, resulting in lower transaction fees and faster confirmation times. The primary goal of Hermez is to improve scalability and transaction efficiency on Ethereum, while also providing some level of privacy through the use of zk-rollups.
5. Polygon zkEVM: The zkEVM is a groundbreaking solution that combines the benefits of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) with the functionality of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It allows developers to build and deploy smart contracts that are both highly scalable and privacy-preserving.
The primary focus of the zkEVM is to provide a scalable, secure, and privacy-focused environment for smart contracts on the Ethereum network, which is distinct from the broader transaction scalability focus of Hermez. Zero-knowledge proofs enable the verification of transactions without revealing the underlying data, ensuring privacy for users.
The zkEVM leverages these proofs to bundle multiple transactions into a single proof, thereby reducing data stored on the Ethereum mainnet. This approach significantly lowers gas fees and improves transaction throughput, making it an ideal solution for developers.
By integrating the zkEVM into its ecosystem, Polygon further demonstrates its commitment to providing a wide range of tools and services that cater to the evolving needs of developers.
6. Polygon Miden: Miden is a privacy-focused layer-2 scaling solution. It leverages zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and other cryptographic techniques, which enables private and scalable transactions on the Ethereum network.
While, both Miden and Hermez use zero-knowledge proofs, Miden emphasises privacy. It allows developers to create dApps that handle a large number of private transactions without compromising speed or efficiency.
7. Polygon ID: Unlike Hermez and Miden, Polygon ID is a decentralized identity management solution. It focuses on giving users control over their digital identities while interacting with dApps and services.
ID streamlines user onboarding and authentication processes by offering a unified, secure, and privacy-preserving identity management system, without directly impacting transaction scalability.
These solutions serve different purposes and address specific challenges.
Polygon Hermez focuses on improving transaction scalability and efficiency on the Ethereum network using zk-rollups. In contrast, Polygon Miden emphasizes transaction privacy,
Polygon ID handles decentralized identity management, and Polygon zkEVM offers a scalable and privacy-preserving environment for smart contracts.
8. Polygon Supernets: Supernets are interconnected, Ethereum-compatible blockchains that allow developers to take advantage of multiple Polygon solutions simultaneously. If Starbucks wanted to launch its own blockchain on Polygon, it would launch a Supernet. Supernets connect to other Supernets. They are similar to Cosmos zones.
While Polygon Hermez, Miden, ID, and zkEVM each focus on specific aspects like scalability, privacy, identity management, or smart contract execution, Polygon Supernets foster seamless interoperability between decentralized applications (dApps).
This interconnectedness enables developers to harness the unique features and capabilities of various Polygon solutions while benefiting from the security and decentralization of the Ethereum network.
Polygon aims to provide developers with a comprehensive suite of tools and resources to build high-performance, secure, and user-friendly dApps that cater to a wide range of use cases.
Should I buy the MATIC token?
Before we continue, know that nothing in this article is investment advice and that past performance is not indicative of future results. As Ethereum grows, demand for Layer 2 scaling solutions will grow and vice versa. Let’s take a ten thousand foot view of Polygon and why the MATIC token may be a valuable addition to your crypto portfolio.
1. Multi-chain architecture: Unlike single-chain Layer 2 solutions, Polygon adopts a multi-chain architecture, enabling it to support various scaling solutions, like Plasma, zkRollups, and Optimistic Rollups. This flexibility allows Polygon to cater to different use cases and developers’ needs.
2. Developer-friendly: Polygon provides a user-friendly environment for developers, making it easy for them to build and deploy scalable decentralized applications (dApps) on the network.
The platform is compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which means developers can leverage their existing knowledge and tools from Ethereum to build on Polygon with minimal friction.
3. Growing ecosystem: Polygon has attracted projects, developers, and users. It boasts a diverse ecosystem of dApps, decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), gaming, and more.
4. High-performance infrastructure: Polygon’s infrastructure can process around 65,000 transactions per second (TPS) with low latency. This level of performance is crucial for supporting mass adoption and seamless user experience.
5. Robust security: 105 validators stake their MATIC tokens to participate in the consensus process. This decentralized security model ensures the network remains resistant to attacks and manipulation. 105 validators pales in comparison to the thousands on Ethereum, but more validators means longer transaction times.
6. Demand for MATIC tokens: As both Ethereum and the Polygon ecosystems expand. That will likely have an impact on the token’s value.
Why stake MATIC tokens?
Staked MATIC tokens can be an excellent way to build crypto assets for a few reasons…
1. Income: Staking MATIC tokens generates income. Stakers contribute to the network’s security and are paid a portion of the transaction fees and newly minted MATIC tokens. Staking can be a consistent source of income, especially if the network continues to grow and attract more users.
2. Capital Appreciation: It’s important to reiterate that past performance of any asset or investment is not indicative of future investment results. Polygon’s technology has attracted attention from numerous high-profile projects, like Nike, Starbucks, Adidas, Prada, and Reddit. The Polygon team is constantly forming new partnerships. These partnerships lead to exposure and use of the MATIC token.
3. Supporting the Ethereum Ecosystem: By staking your MATIC tokens, you help to enhance Ethereum’s capabilities, making it more attractive to users and developers. As more individuals stake their tokens, the Polygon network becomes increasingly secure. This not only safeguards your investment but also reinforces the overall stability of Ethereum. This can positively impact the value of your MATIC tokens.
4. Diversification of Investment Returns: Staking MATIC tokens offers a different way to generate returns, allowing you to diversify your assets. Additionally, staking reduces the temptation to sell your tokens during market fluctuations, helping you to maintain a long-term investment strategy.
5. Easy and Accessible Staking Process: Polygon’s staking platform is user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to start staking MATIC tokens. Stake using popular wallets, like Metamask, Coinbase Wallet and Trust Wallet.
6. Strong Community and Ecosystem: Polygon has a vibrant community of developers, investors, and enthusiasts. They all work together to support and promote the network. By staking your MATIC tokens, you become part of this thriving community.
As the Polygon community continues to expand, its potential for growth and development will grow. That will likely affect demand for the MATIC token.
7. Staking as an Inflation Hedge: With central banks increasing the money supply, it is essential to find investments that hedge against inflation. Staking MATIC tokens can be a smart choice. The staking yield generated, plus the potential for token price appreciation could be an effective hedge against the devaluation of fiat currency.
8. Compound Staking Rewards: Reinvesting your staking rewards compounds your returns. This compounding effect can lead to wealth accumulation over time.
9. Participating in Network Governance: MATIC stakers delegate voting power to validators. Validators vote on network proposals and changes to the ecosystem. By staking your tokens, you can influence the network’s development and potentially enhance the value of your investment.
Check out the Polygon forum improvement proposals.
10. No Risk of Impermanent Loss: Impermanent loss is a risk associated with providing liquidity to decentralized exchanges (DEXs). When you stake your MATIC tokens, you must endure token price swings but avoid exposure to impermanent loss. This makes staking a comparatively safer option for those looking to generate income from their crypto assets.
Conclusion
The Polygon network offers a powerful combination of scalability, flexibility, performance, and security.
By leveraging these solutions, developers can overcome the limitations of the Ethereum network and create high-performance, scalable, and cost-effective applications. That drives the adoption of blockchain technology and enhances the overall user experience.
People looking to build wealth using alternative assets, like crypto can consider Polygon.
Staking MATIC tokens is a smart strategy that allows you to generate income, benefit from potential adoption of the technology, be part of strong community, support the growth of the Ethereum ecosystem, and assert your independence.
You are certainly welcome to stake with us at Blocks United.
Past performance is not indicative of future results or returns. Cryptocurrencies are a highly speculative investment. Do not invest more than you can afford to lose. Additionally, the information contained in this article and on our website is not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as financial advice. We are not attorneys, accountants or financial advisors, nor are we holding ourselves out to be. The information contained in this article and on our website is not a substitute for financial advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. We have done our best to ensure that the information provided in this article and on our website and the resources available are accurate and provide valuable information. Regardless of anything to the contrary, nothing available in this article, or from our website should be understood as a recommendation that you should buy or sell anything, or not consult with a financial professional to address your particular information. Blocks United expressly recommends that you seek advice from a professional. Neither Blocks United nor any of its employees or owners shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions on this website, or for any damage or investment losses you may suffer. Seek competent financial advice from a professional who is familiar with your situation.