What is Polygon? (POL)

Polygon is a blockchain scaling platform for Ethereum that has grown from a single Proof-of-Stake sidechain into a full ecosystem of scaling solutions. With Polygon 2.0, the network is shifting to a multi-chain Layer 2 architecture powered by the POL token - a hyperproductive asset enabling restaking, validation, and multiple roles across interconnected ZK-powered chains.
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Use the multichain Bitcoin.com Wallet app to buy, sell, trade, and manage your POL and connect to thousands of DApps on Polygon. Start experiencing the benefits of Web3 with the world's easiest-to-use self-custody wallet.

What is Polygon? Ethereum Scaling Meets the Value Layer of the Internet

Polygon is a leading Ethereum scaling platform that enables faster, cheaper, and more efficient blockchain transactions. Designed to solve Ethereum’s congestion and high gas fees, Polygon has grown into a powerful ecosystem of Layer 2 (L2) chains supporting decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, gaming, and enterprise applications.

Now, with the launch of Polygon 2.0 and the new POL token, the network is entering a new phase - one aimed at building what it calls the Value Layer of the Internet.

Learn more about Ethereum, blockchain technology, blockchain layers (L0, L1, L2, and L3), and decentralized finance (DeFi).

History of Polygon

Polygon was originally launched as the Matic Network in 2017 by a team of developers from India: Jaynti Kanani, Sandeep Nailwal, Anurag Arjun, and Mihailo Bjelic. The project began with a mission to solve Ethereum’s scalability issues through a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) sidechain.

In 2021, the team rebranded to Polygon as it expanded beyond the original Matic PoS chain into a full-fledged ecosystem of Ethereum scaling solutions - including zk-rollups and developer toolkits like Polygon CDK.

Despite the rebrand, the network’s native token retained the ticker MATIC - until the introduction of POL under the Polygon 2.0 roadmap.

Polygon at a Glance

Launch: 2017 (as Matic Network), rebranded to Polygon in 2021
Mission: Scale Ethereum without compromising security or decentralization
Solutions: PoS chain, zkEVM, and a growing ecosystem of zero-knowledge Layer 2 chains
Token: Transitioning from $MATIC to $POL, a next-generation hyperproductive token

The Problem: Ethereum’s Scaling Limits

Ethereum is the most secure and decentralized smart contract blockchain, but it wasn’t built for mass adoption. High fees and slow speeds limit its ability to serve millions of users simultaneously.

Polygon solves this by offering faster, cheaper alternatives that remain connected to Ethereum’s security and developer ecosystem.

Learn more about ETH gas and how fees work in Ethereum

Polygon 2.0 and the POL Token

In October 2023, Polygon Labs launched a major upgrade: the POL token, now live on Ethereum mainnet. POL is the centerpiece of Polygon 2.0, an ambitious roadmap to scale Ethereum through a network of ZK-based Layer 2s.

Key features of POL:

Hyperproductive utility: POL can be re-staked across multiple chains, allowing holders to validate, sequence, generate ZK proofs, and more - across many L2s at once.
Native re-staking: Unlike traditional staking, POL enables participation in multiple roles and chains simultaneously.
Future-ready: POL will eventually replace $MATIC, which powers the current Polygon PoS chain.

🔗 POL contract on Ethereum

Learn more about staking and restaking.

Key Components of the Polygon Ecosystem

Polygon isn’t a single blockchain - it’s a growing family of Ethereum-compatible chains, including:

1. Polygon PoS (Proof of Stake)

A sidechain that processes transactions quickly and cheaply. It’s secured by its own set of validators, with assets bridged from Ethereum.
→ Learn about bridging crypto.

2. Polygon zkEVM

A ZK-rollup that mirrors Ethereum’s EVM environment, allowing developers to deploy Ethereum smart contracts with low fees and high security.
→ Learn about zk-rollups.

3. Polygon CDK (Chain Development Kit)

A toolkit for developers to launch their own customizable Layer 2 chains powered by zero-knowledge technology. These chains can interoperate and share liquidity across the Polygon network.
→ Learn about cross-chain interoperability.

Use Cases: What Can You Do on Polygon?

Polygon supports a broad range of use cases:

DeFi: Lend, borrow, and swap on DEXs like UniSwap, QuickSwap, Aave, and Curve.
NFTs: Mint and trade NFTs with near-zero gas fees on OpenSea, Magic Eden, and more.
Gaming: Play blockchain games like Aavegotchi and Zed Run with low latency.
Payments & Remittances: Use Polygon to send crypto internationally at a fraction of Ethereum’s costs.
Enterprise & Institutions: Big brands like Reddit and Starbucks have used Polygon to launch Web3 products.

How Polygon Compares to Other Ethereum Layer 2s

Feature	Polygon zkEVM	Arbitrum One	Optimism
Tech Type	zk-Rollup	Optimistic Rollup	Optimistic Rollup
EVM Compatibility	Full (zkEVM)	Full	Full
Finality Speed	Fast	Slower (7-day exit)	Slower (7-day exit)
Fees	Low	Moderate	Moderate
Native Token	POL (in progress)	ARB	OP

→ Learn about the differences between zk-rollups and optimistic rollups.

Wallets and Tools to Use with Polygon

You can get started with Polygon using a self-custodial crypto wallet like the Bitcoin.com Wallet. Once your wallet is set up:

Add the Polygon network
Bridge assets from Ethereum
Explore dApps via sites like DappRadar or direct decentralized App (dApp) URLs

→ Learn more about crypto wallets.

The Road Ahead for Polygon

With the POL token live and the Polygon 2.0 roadmap underway, key upcoming upgrades include:

A new staking layer for POL
Migration of Polygon PoS to zkRollup
Shared liquidity and ZK interoperability across all Polygon chains

These upgrades aim to transform Polygon into an ecosystem of interconnected ZK chains - all powered by a single re-staked token, POL.

Polygon’s long-term goal? To build the Value Layer of the Internet - a global infrastructure where value flows freely, securely, and equitably for all.

Final Thoughts

Polygon has evolved from a single Proof-of-Stake sidechain into a full suite of Ethereum scaling solutions, now unified under the ambitious Polygon 2.0 vision. With the launch of the POL token and a network of ZK-powered Layer 2s on the horizon, it aims to make Ethereum more scalable, interconnected, and accessible than ever. Whether you’re a developer, trader, gamer, or NFT creator, Polygon offers the tools to build and interact with Web3 efficiently and affordably.

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