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Getting started with your own l2 chain development

Starting to Build an L2 Chain | Developers Seek Guidance on Experimental ETH-Based Network

By

Maya Chen

Apr 15, 2025, 09:08 PM

Edited By

Daniel Wu

2 minutes reading time

A vibrant illustration depicting the concept of Layer 2 blockchain development with Ethereum, featuring coding symbols and network diagrams.

A budding developer is venturing into the challenge of creating a Layer 2 (L2) blockchain, but uncertainty looms over essential decisions. As the tech community buzzes with opinions, the call for insights comes at a critical moment in the ETH ecosystem.

Community Voices Raise Concerns

Seeking assistance on a developmental venture, one experienced Python programmer is turning to the community for guidance. This developer, fresh into L2 chains, is exploring options for launching an experimental network based on Ethereum. The question remains; how much ETH is necessary to deploy a functional mainnet chain? The hunt for knowledge reflects broader uncertainties in blockchain technology.

Comments from the community highlight mixed sentiments regarding the difficulty and necessity of building an L2 chain from scratch. Some feel it's a valuable learning endeavor, while others warn against the time commitment involved. "While I appreciate the enthusiasm, developing an L2 chain isnโ€™t ideal for educational purposes, as itโ€™s time-consuming," noted one user.

Themes in the Discussion

The conversations spark three pivotal themes:

  • Development Tools: Many suggest using established resources like py-evm and Polygonโ€™s CDK to simplify the process.

  • Learning Opportunities vs. Practicality: Thereโ€™s a divide as to whether this journey is worthwhile, with some arguing for forking existing chains like zkSync or Optimism instead.

  • Budgeting for ETH: Speculation runs wild about how much investment is necessaryโ€”especially for those looking to deploy a mainnet chain.

"You can launch your own test L1 network using py-evm," emphasized a knowledgeable participant, shedding light on potential alternatives for the developer.

Interestingly, the community appears to be polarized: while some offer constructive suggestions, others question the practicality of the endeavor. "Find something better to spend your time doing," stated one comment, pointing to the intense complexities inherent in blockchain development.

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Tools to Utilize: Consider popular frameworks like py-evm or Polygonโ€™s CDK for easier implementation.

  • ๐Ÿ’ธ Funding Needs: The conversation hints at uncertainty around how much ETH would be required for ambitious projects.

  • โš ๏ธ Time Investment: Opinions indicate L2 development could drain resources without substantial returns, leading many to recommend exploring existing infrastructures.

The ongoing dialogue around opening new avenues for Ethereum development reflects a vibrant and slightly frenetic community. For those looking to dive into L2 chains, these insights could light the pathway forward, steering new entrants toward informed decisions amidst the ethers of blockchain technology.

For further exploration of these topics, community members recommend resources at py-evm or check technical guides from Polygon.

As the developer continues to seek advice, the landscape remains dynamic, with hints of potential breakthroughs for aspiring blockchain engineers.