Polygon network: A comprehensive side chain solution to Ethereum.
Polygon network, often referred to as “ethereum’s internet of blockchains’ ‘is a multi-leveled scaling solution built atop the Ethereum network. Undoubtedly, Ethereum still remains the “developer’s choice” to build blockchain-based projects. Its multifaceted infrastructure and multi-chain system have facilitated the creation of some of the biggest blockchain projects. However, Ethereum’s recurring issues of low scalability and interoperability, high gas fees, poor user experience, and low throughput have long become the sore points interfering with the networks’ growth. Therefore, a team of blockchain developers brought forth the idea of Polygon as a side chain solution to Ethereum. The idea was to create a self-sustaining protocol that would become the go-to solution for developers wanting to build Ethereum-compatible projects using Polygon nodes.
Why choose Polygon for application building?
This layer two protocol is EVM- compatible with a dual architecture (protocol and framework) comprising four layers (Ethereum, security, polygon network, and execution layer). Visualise Polygon as a plug-in component leveraged for developing and deploying various applications.
Let’s check out the factors why 3000 plus apps are in various stages of development on Polygon.
- Polygon provides top-notch infrastructural support to the developers by giving them access to decentralized cloud storage and their RPC providers. Developers can also avail special developers packages on tenderly, Gelato and others.
- Polygon network is a democratic web3 solution that has built credibility based on its ability to offset the high gas prices of Ethereum. The cost of deploying a smart contract using Polygon is as low as $0.31, while costs on Ethereum can go up to hundreds of dollars!
- Polygon combines the Proof of stake mechanism with plasma technology. Its cutting-edge plasma framework enables scalability, increased speed, and high-end security in application deployment.
- Polygon can process 65000 transactions per second (TPS) on an individual side chain.
- Polygon creates checkpoints through its network layer, allowing newer projects to remain on the side chain. The aim is to incentivize mobile-based miners to join the network by keeping the ability of the Polygon framework to run on low-costing nodes with less storage.
- Poly-developers get exclusive Polygon’s community support and access to discord where they ask queries, get assistance in the development process, and form collaborations.
- Blockchains within Polygon’s gambit can pass arbitrary messages amongst each other using Ethereum-compatible tools like MetaMask, MyCrypto, Remix, etc.
- Polygon network provides complete technical and analytics support to Poly-developers. Not only do they get in-house support, but they also get help with troubleshooting and access to the network Telegram’s community. Dune Analytics dashboard provides analytical assistance through bounty campaigns for all Polygon projects.
- Poly-developers also get the backing of liquidity providers, Polygons’s investor network, venture capital support, and market-maker partners.
- Polygon enables easy and quick one-click deployment. Additionally, its ability to cross-chain between Ethereum and sovereign blockchain makes it a developer-friendly platform. A seamless Polygon Node deployment is essential at this point, and Zeeve can help you with that. Zeeve is a renowned blockchain node hosting and infrastructure platform that will help you create and deploy projects by connecting to Polygon nodes.
Steps to deploy DApps using Polygon nodes
Developing web3 applications on Polygon will give you the freedom to create projects that can exist on both Ethereum and Polygon and also oscillate between the two networks. You can develop a full-stack decentralised application like a social media app, create an NFT or develop a smart contract. If you already are an Ethereum developer, you have the privilege to access all Ethereum-compatible tools to create applications using Polygon, such as Truffle, MetalMask, Remix, web3sj, etc. The polygon test network is named Polygon Mumbai test network, which is connected to the Ethereum Goreli Testnet.
The following steps are required for full stack development using Magic SDK, enabling developers to connect with the Polygon network by citing the network’s URL when creating a Magic instance.
Connecting Polygon to metamask
The first step is to switch to Polygon RPC and connect to the MetaMask wallet, followed by a configuration setup with Polygon’s Mumbai testnet. Once you have established the connection, add MATIC tokens to MetaMask to pay network fees and process transactions.
Connect to Polygon
For creating interoperable projects, two instances of Magic and two instances of Web3 are required in magic.js. However, if you are developing a Polygon-based app, then one instance of Web3 and Magic are required. Add magicEthereum.network = “ethereum” to identify the created Magic network.
Kindly note that developers must use the same API for both Magic instances, so the user’s public address does not alter.
Switch between networks
Poly-developers can oscillate between Polygon and Ethereum using the Select dropdown menu. As one instance points to Ethereum and another at Polygon, developers can simply update that instance for the application depending on which network the user has selected.
View user balance
If the API key is the same for both instances, the developer’s public address would be the same on both Polygon and Ethereum. In that case, a simple web3.eth.getBalance call is required for both networks. Please note that depending on the network, use given symbols representing native cryptocurrencies, ETH for Ethereum and MATIC for Polygon.
Relay transaction
Again, the process of sending transactions is easy and similar for either of the networks. Code the required amount to be sent, along with “from” and “to” addresses. Furthermore, if no gas or gasPrice is specifically entered, the gas limit and price are calculated automatically. Otherwise, the input values will be used.
Deploying smart contracts
Individual smart contracts are required to enable user interaction on both Ethereum and Polygon. In order to call the contract, they will also need to know the correct address where it has been deployed proactively.
Following the steps mentioned above, you have successfully created a DApp connected to multiple networks.
Final thoughts
Polygon leverages Ethereum’s features and functionalities with its own to create sustainable decentralised projects. From creating DApps, and smart contracts to minting NFTs, Polygon lends its supreme capabilities to create programs that are Ethereum-compatible, scalable, and created with minimum gas fees. Polygon is already home to 50 plus projects such as Tokenpocket, NFT20, Uniswap, and Polycat.finance, among others. So if you also wish to jump the bandwagon, get in touch with Zeeve to deploy your Polygon nodes and other decentralized projects.
