Unichain
UniChain is a secure, distributed append-only log and a DeFi-native Ethereum Layer 2 network designed for cross-chain liquidity and fast, low-cost transactions.
Overview
UniChain serves two complementary roles: as a secure, distributed append-only log for sharing large datasets and real-time data streams, and as a DeFi-native Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) blockchain designed to enable fast, low-cost, and cross-chain liquidity. The append-only log component is implemented as a Node.js module (@web4/unichain) that supports sparse replication, real-time updates, and cryptographic verification using signed Merkle trees. It is optimized for performance with a flat file structure and supports browser environments through pluggable storage providers. This makes UniChain suitable for decentralized applications that require reliable, verifiable, and efficient data sharing across peer-to-peer networks.
On the blockchain side, UniChain is positioned as a Stage 1 Rollup on Ethereum, offering a permissionless fault proof system that ensures trustless security. It targets DeFi developers and liquidity providers by providing 1-second block times (with plans for 200 ms), drastically reducing transaction latency and costs by approximately 95%. UniChain supports seamless cross-chain liquidity across multiple blockchains as part of the Superchain ecosystem, enabling users to access liquidity regardless of the chain they operate on. The network architecture balances efficiency with decentralization by using a single sequencer while allowing full nodes to verify blocks.
Developers can get started with UniChain by installing the @web4/unichain package for the append-only log or by following the comprehensive documentation for building on the UniChain L2 network. The append-only log API offers fine-grained control over data feeds, replication streams, and peer connections, making it flexible for building custom P2P data structures. For blockchain development, UniChain provides guides for wallet setup, contract deployment, and cross-chain interoperability. The project is open source under the MIT license, with active community support via Discord and GitHub.
The Problem
Sharing large datasets and real-time data streams securely and efficiently over decentralized networks is challenging due to bandwidth, verification, and replication constraints. Additionally, DeFi applications face high transaction costs, latency, and fragmented liquidity across multiple blockchains.
The Solution
Key Features
Append-only Data Feeds
Permanent, verifiable data streams that can be shared and replicated peer-to-peer.
Replication Streams and Swarming
P2P network support for syncing feeds with multiple peers using encrypted streams.
Flexible Storage Backends
Supports file system, in-memory, and browser storage providers via abstract-random-access.
Fast Block Times and Low Fees
1-second block times with plans for 200 ms, reducing transaction costs by ~95%.
Developer-friendly APIs
Comprehensive JavaScript API for feed management, replication, and cryptographic verification.
Key Strengths
How Developers Use Unichain
Decentralized Data Sharing for P2P Applications
Developers use UniChain's append-only log to build decentralized apps that require secure, real-time data replication across peers, such as collaborative editing or distributed messaging.
High-frequency DeFi Trading on Layer 2
DeFi developers leverage UniChain's fast block times and low fees to implement arbitrage bots and liquidity pools with minimal latency and cost.
Cross-chain Liquidity Aggregation
Financial institutions and liquidity providers use UniChain to access and move liquidity seamlessly across multiple blockchains within the Superchain ecosystem.
Works Well WithBaseOptimismModeBlast
EVM Chains
Power your next build
Discover trusted tools and services in the QuickNode Marketplace. Everything you need to launch faster and scale smarter.
Unichain Alternatives
Explore web3 competitors and apps like Unichain.
Fuse
Fuse is a public blockchain ecosystem designed for low-cost, scalable Web3 payments and business adoption with a focus on mobile-first and real-world use cases.
Ormi 0xgraph
Mantle Network is an Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain leveraging zero-knowledge proofs and modular architecture to enhance capital efficiency and scalability.
Hemi
Hemi is a modular Layer-2 protocol that integrates Bitcoin and Ethereum to enable superior scaling, security, and interoperability.
Polygon zkEVM
Polygon zkEVM is the first zero knowledge rollup scaling solution fully equivalent to the Ethereum Virtual Machine, enabling seamless Ethereum smart contract compatibility with lower costs and higher throughput.
Mantle
Mantle Network is an Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution using an EVM-compatible optimistic rollup with modular architecture for improved scalability and lower costs.
Lisk
Layer 2 blockchain built for founders in high-growth markets, based on the Superchain architecture.
Cyber
An Ethereum Layer 2 network focused on onchain social primitives, AI integration, and decentralized governance.
ZKsync
ZKsync is a network of interoperable ZK Rollup chains providing scalable, privacy-preserving, and compliant blockchain infrastructure secured by cryptography.
Rollux
Optimism is an open-source Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum designed to increase throughput and reduce transaction costs while maintaining security.
Pricing
Open Source | |
|---|---|
| Price (Monthly) | Free |
| Price (Annual) | Free |
| Messaging | N/A |
| Support | Community support via GitHub and Discord |
| Analytics |
Resources
UniChain provides extensive documentation, a detailed whitepaper, and active community channels to support developers building on its append-only log and Layer 2 blockchain.