This article introduces Linea, a zkEVM-based Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) solution developed by ConsenSys, the creators of Metamask! We'll provide a simple explanation of Linea's technical features, competitive comparisons, and its relationship with Consensys and Metamask.

Linea is a Layer 2 network developed to solve Ethereum's scalability problem, employing zkEVM (Zero-Knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine) technology. This allows Ethereum smart contracts and DApps to be deployed on Linea without modification, achieving faster and lower-cost transactions while maintaining Ethereum's security and compatibility. Developed by ConsenSys, the developers of Metamask, Linea is expected to integrate with various projects and Metamask itself. As of February 20, 2025, a token has not yet been issued, but the official announcement states that a token issuance is planned for the first quarter of 2025. Currently, the TVL is $235M, ranking 29th among all chains and high among chains without issued tokens. Official Documentation: https://docs.linea.build/

• Fully EVM-compatible zkEVM: Linea is fully compatible with Ethereum, allowing existing smart contracts to run as is. This allows developers to easily migrate from the Ethereum ecosystem without learning new tools or languages.
• High Security and Instant Finality: Linea employs zk-rollups, maintaining Ethereum's security while providing instant transaction finality. This allows users to move funds smoothly and use DApps without waiting for transaction confirmation.
• Low Cost and High Throughput: Linea achieves significantly lower fees compared to Ethereum's Layer 1, allowing for cheap and smooth transaction processing. This makes it suitable for many use cases, such as micropayments and in-game item transactions.
• User-Friendly UX: Linea uses ETH for gas fees, so users don't need to purchase new tokens and can use their existing Ethereum wallets.
• Ecosystem Expansion and Governance: Linea announced the establishment of the Linea Association in 2024, transitioning the network's development and governance to the community. They also plan to issue a LINEA token, allowing token holders to participate in important network decisions.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Improved Scalability: Linea solves Ethereum's scalability issues and can process more transactions efficiently.
• Security and Instant Finality: zkEVM technology ensures security and instant transaction finality.
• Low Fees: Fees are significantly lower compared to Ethereum Layer 1.
  

Disadvantages

• Adoption of New Technology: zkEVM is a new technology and is not yet fully mature, so there are technical risks involved.
• Intense Competition: The Ethereum Layer 2 market is highly competitive, and Linea needs to differentiate itself from other Ethereum Layer 2 projects (Arbitrum, Optimism, zkSync).

Ethereum's Layer 2 (L2) solutions are divided into Optimistic Rollup (Arbitrum, Optimism) and ZK Rollup (zkSync, StarkNet, Polygon zkEVM). Linea is a new ZK Rollup project that emerged in the latter half of 2023 and is rapidly growing. Below are Linea's advantages compared to its main L2 competitors.

Comparison with Arbitrum and Optimism (Optimistic Rollup)

• Withdrawal Speed and Security: Optimistic Rollups have a withdrawal delay of about a week, but Linea uses ZK Rollup, allowing for instant fund transfers to L1. ZK Rollup is also superior in terms of security due to its cryptographic proofs.
• Fees: Linea utilizes data compression technology, resulting in the lowest fees compared to other L2s. For example, while Arbitrum and Optimism may have fees of tens of cents, Linea keeps them below a few cents.
• MetaMask Integration: Linea has deep integration with MetaMask, providing an excellent user experience. Backed by ConsenSys' product suite, it creates a very user-friendly environment for both developers and users.

Comparison with zkSync Era and Polygon zkEVM (ZK Rollup)

• EVM Compatibility: Linea offers EVM compatibility that is faithful to Ethereum's specifications, allowing code written in Solidity to run as is. This makes it easy for Ethereum developers to migrate and develop smoothly. Matter Labs' zkSync Era has its own specifications for account systems, etc., and is not fully EVM equivalent, so compatibility adjustments may be required in some details. Linea faithfully implements the Ethereum Foundation's EVM specification, guaranteeing compatibility where "code that runs on EVM will run 100% on Linea".
• Open Source and Community Contribution: Linea has fully open-sourced its code and takes an open stance towards external verification and contribution. This enhances the reliability and development speed of the technology.
• Performance and Cost: Linea achieves some of the lowest fees and high TPS, achieving lower costs earlier than Polygon zkEVM and zkSync Era.

Comparison with StarkNet

• Compatibility: StarkNet uses its own Cairo language and has low compatibility with Ethereum, while Linea offers full EVM compatibility, making it very easy for Ethereum developers to use.
• Decentralization and Open Source: StarkNet is not yet fully decentralized, while Linea is promoting open-sourcing and decentralization plans early on, giving it an advantage in transparency and trust.

• What is ConsenSys?: A blockchain company founded by Joseph Lubin, co-founder of Ethereum, ConsenSys has long been involved in developing Ethereum's infrastructure. Linea is positioned as a zkEVM rollup born from ConsenSys and relies heavily on Ethereum's technical foundation.
• Integration with ConsenSys Tools: Linea is closely integrated with ConsenSys tools such as Infura, MetaMask, and Truffle. For example, Linea uses Infura's node providing service, allowing developers to easily access Linea nodes using their Infura API keys. Development frameworks like Truffle and Hardhat also have configurations for Linea, improving the developer experience.

Collaboration with MetaMask

• Integration with MetaMask: MetaMask is one of the world's largest cryptocurrency wallets, and Linea's mainnet is integrated into MetaMask by default. This allows users to easily connect to the Linea network without manually configuring RPC settings.
• Fund Transfers: MetaMask's Bridge feature allows for fund transfers between different networks, enabling users to smoothly move funds between Ethereum and Linea.
• Marketing Cooperation: MetaMask provides marketing support for Linea's campaigns, such as the Crypto Holiday Challenge, and actively promotes Linea on its official blog and social media. Incentives beneficial to users, such as fee-free USDC purchases via MetaMask, are offered.

Collaboration with ConsenSys Products

• Infura: Linea's RPC endpoint service utilizes Infura. This allows developers to securely connect to Linea nodes and smoothly develop DApps.
• ConsenSys Diligence: ConsenSys Diligence audits MetaMask Snaps and Linea components, ensuring security.
• Quorum and Rollups: Linea creates synergy with other ConsenSys products and collaborates with enterprise-focused private rollups and blockchain solutions.

Linea launched a large-scale user participation campaign called "Linea Voyage" as a preview of a future airdrop, increasing user engagement. This program aimed to enhance user experience and education during Linea's testnet and early mainnet phases. It was suggested that the distributed points could be exchanged for tokens in the future.

Overview of Linea Voyage

• Purpose: To expand the Linea ecosystem and educate users.
• Start: The testnet Voyage started in May 2023, where participants earned points by completing various tasks (e.g., bridging, swapping, NFT minting).
• Rewards: Voyage NFTs (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omega ranks) were distributed based on user contribution.
• Users: The testnet was very successful, with hundreds of thousands of users participating. LXP (Linea Voyage XP) Points
• LXP Token: Participants received a token called "LXP (Linea Voyage Experience Points)". This is a soulbound token (non-transferable) that represents the participant's contribution and serves as proof of community contribution.
• Airdrop: After the testnet ended, LXP was distributed as an airdrop at a later date. The distribution method was adjusted on a logarithmic scale, favoring general participants over the top 1%. Additional Voyage Campaigns
• Voyage Campaigns after Mainnet Launch: Linea continued to hold themed Voyage campaigns such as "DeFi Voyage" and "Entertainment Festival" after the testnet ended, distributing LXP again.
• DeFi Voyage: LXP was airdropped to users who participated in designated DeFi protocol usage tasks on Linea. Airdrop and its Impact
• LXP Points: Although the LINEA token itself has not been airdropped yet, LXP points are expected to play an important role. There is widespread anticipation within the community that LXP will be an indicator for a future LINEA token airdrop.

Linea's roadmap consists of five phases aimed at achieving full network decentralization and feature expansion. Here's a brief summary of the progress and goals of each phase.

• Phase 0 (2023): The alpha release of the Linea mainnet is complete. A security council has been established, and network monitoring and protection systems are in place.
• Phase 1 (2024 - Ongoing): Open-sourcing Linea's software stack and aiming for 100% EVM coverage. This will increase transparency and improve reliability.
• Phase 2 (Planned): Diversifying the security council and introducing censorship-resistant withdrawal functionality. This will allow users to independently withdraw funds and establish a more decentralized operational structure.
• Phase 3 (Planned): Aiming for decentralization of network operators and governance. The introduction of the LINEA token will establish a governance system where the community makes network decisions.
• Phase 4 (Planned): Implementing multi-prover (multiple proving systems) and reducing governance authority. This will ensure technical redundancy and complete a more stable and decentralized network.