Massa blockchain introduced autonomous smart contracts and blockclique architecture to solve the blockchain trilemma.
Blockchain technology has been growing and redefining itself, with numerous networks like Ethereum, Cardano, Polkadot, etc., vigorously competing for the spotlight. A key aspect of this contest is the race to give users the perfect balance between decentralization, scalability, and security.
These three elements of blockchain networks are almost impossible to co-exist. This has become known as the blockchain trilemma, and limits large Layer 1 chains, which resulted in a noticeable regression in the crypto space as blockchains are becoming increasingly centralized.
Ethereum significantly reduced its energy consumption after the Merge, but at the expense of becoming much more centralized. Other blockchains, such as Solana, have managed to achieve better scalability and decent security, but also at the cost of increased centralization.
Layer 1 blockchains are based on technologies that function at the blockchain level, while Layer 2 blockchains integrate third-party solutions with layer 1 technology. This trilemma limitation on Layer 1 blockchains is the reason we’ve been seeing lots of Layer 2 scaling solutions popping up everywhere, all trying to remedy the problem.
There is one Layer 1 blockchain, however, which may have already solved this difficult development challenge. And this time, without sacrificing decentralization. It’s time we started paying attention to Massa.
So, what is Massa?
Massa is a newly developed Layer 1 blockchain that finally manages to combine the ever-elusive trifecta of security, decentralization, and scalability. It solves the blockchain trilemma by uniquely combining several state-of-the-art innovations in its technology stack, such as transaction sharding, autonomous smart contracts, and blockclique architecture. Watch the blockchain trailer below.
Autonomous smart contracts are smart contracts that do not need to be triggered to function. Normally, smart contracts on a blockchain are triggered by external handlers like bots or servers, and this hinders decentralization, which reinforces the trilemma. Hence, Massa solves the trilemma by using autonomous smart contracts, which need only on-chain information to be triggered.
Blockclique architecture, which allows the breaking down of blockchain tasks into small units or “shards” which are processed simultaneously, also contributes considerably to how Massa blockchain solves the trilemma.
Initiated in 2017 by an experienced team, the test version of the Massa blockchain is currently available for use, and the white paper; “Blockclique: Scaling Blockchains through Transaction Sharding in a Multithreaded Block Graph” details how the blockclique functions to solve the trilemma.
Just another Layer 1 blockchain?
Not satisfied with being just another overhyped Layer 1 chain, Massa actually delivers innovative solutions for some of the most pressing problems in blockchain, all the while making huge improvements in other areas as well.
One of the team’s more interesting tech breakthroughs is in the area of autonomous smart contracts, which further empowers the all-important decentralization aspect of Massa. Being a core value in Massa, decentralization is the one feature that differentiates blockchain networks from the growing monopoly of Web2 networks.
Decentralization done right
When talking about network decentralization, one of the best criteria is the Nakamoto Decentralisation Coefficient. This is where Massa’s achievements truly shine. The Nakamoto coefficient measures the minimum number of users (not validators, but real people) required to disrupt a decentralized system.
Because there are many entities holding a large number of validators, the Nakamoto coefficient of many coins (including Bitcoin) is around 3 or 4 (relative to the hash rate of the largest mining pools). In order to compromise a network, the attacker only needs to achieve a majority of 51%. However, some blockchain networks require a higher percentage.
Interestingly, the number of nodes is not the sole factor determining the Nakamoto coefficient. There are other variables, such as the number of active developers and global distribution of nodes, plus the number of clients and owners also playing essential roles.
A lot of the high-ranking Layer 1 networks’ scores are rather poor:
- Avalanche – 25
- Cardano – 24
- Solana – 19
Massa’s results of over 1000 set a new record for the Web3 world’s most decentralized blockchain (besides Bitcoin).
(NDC of blockchains. Source: Massa.net)
There are over 6000 validator nodes running on the Massa network testnet, a number that is set to increase after the official launch. Let’s have a quick look at that metric for other, less decentralized networks:
- Avalanche – 1209 validators
- Cardano – 3200 validators
- Solana – 2051 validators
Because decentralization lies at the very core of the blockchain ethos, the Massa team believes that when a blockchain isn’t truly decentralized, then it’s basically the same as an AWS database. The team maintains that Maasa has achieved unprecedented levels of decentralization through a wide range of community-focused methods.
Anybody can run a Massa node
Sure, you’ve heard this one before. A blockchain project claiming that setting up and running a node can be done by anyone, only to go and switch the rulebook later, introducing new requirements average users cannot afford. Massa empowers all users to, with just a few tokens, create their very own node.
No expensive hardware required
But what kind of hardware is needed? That’s the best part. If you’re reading this, you most likely already have the necessary hardware! Users can run their node directly from a PC and turn it into a validator without sacrificing security or scalability. This is how Massa gives the world true decentralization.
The blockchain we need
The blockchain trilemma is yet to be sufficiently solved by all the big-name layer 1 blockchains out there. Some are in dire need of scaling solutions and are severely lacking in security features, while others are still way too centralized.
Massa proactively solves the blockchain trilemma, achieving scalability without the need for any Layer 2 solutions. This, along with the level of decentralization and accessibility, uniquely positions Massa as the one viable blockchain for the Web3 future. The project is pretty much ready to onboard the next 1bn users into Web3, providing them with an accessible, scalable, secure, and easy-to-use environment.
Can Massa be the Layer 1 blockchain of Web3?
With 10,000+ transactions/second and its 1000+ Nakamoto coefficient, Massa has proven that it does not compromise security. It has finally given blockchain users and developers a new way to build.
(Source: Massa.net)
Thanks to Massa’s autonomous smart contract feature and its blockclique architecture, this blockchain is the most decentralized Layer 1 in the space. The cherry on top is Massa’s invitation to everyone to build on it without any barriers to entry, as well as to set up and run a node with a miniscule investment.
Currently running on testnet, Massa network has set its official launch somewhere between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023. You are welcome to become an early Massa adopter and share feedback with the Massa community on Telegram, Discord, or Twitter.
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