What is Cross-Chain Development?
Cross-chain development enables applications to interact with multiple blockchain networks. This includes reading data from different chains, executing transactions, and transferring assets between networks.
Multi-Chain API Providers
- Alchemy - 20+ chains with single API
- Ankr - 40+ blockchain RPCs
- QuickNode - Multi-chain endpoints
- Chainstack - Multi-cloud deployment
- Covalent - Unified API across chains
Cross-Chain Bridges
- Wormhole - Guardian-secured cross-chain messaging
- LayerZero - Omnichain interoperability
- Axelar - Cross-chain communication
- Allbridge - Asset bridging
Multi-Chain Architecture
Design Patterns
Chain Abstraction - Build a unified interface that works across chains.
Chain-Specific Modules - Separate logic for each chain with common core.
Multi-Sig Execution - Execute actions on multiple chains atomically.
Use Cases
- Cross-Chain DEXs - Swap tokens across different blockchains
- Portfolio Trackers - View assets across all chains
- Omnichain NFTs - Unified NFT experience
- Yield Aggregators - Find best yields across chains
Challenges
- Finality Times - Different confirmation times across chains
- Gas Costs - Managing native tokens for each chain
- Security - Bridge vulnerabilities
- Fragmentation - Liquidity and data spread across chains