Chain Abstraction: A New Paradigm for Blockchain Architecture

Chain abstraction, as the third stage in the evolution of blockchain architecture, represents the merging process from monolithic chains to modular public chains and then to abstraction. This concept goes far beyond a simple combination of technologies; in fact, it is a profound paradigm shift.

Abstraction is commonly used in computer engineering to simplify complex systems, making them easier to understand and operate. In the blockchain field, chain abstraction aims to simplify complex processes such as mnemonic management, gas fee handling, and cross-chain operations, allowing users to operate more easily. This innovation not only affects the user experience aspect but also delves into infrastructure and middleware.

The cross-chain bridge field is a typical example. In addition to traditional message passing and liquidity pool models, the emerging Solver Network and Filler Network models separate cross-chain message passing from liquidity provision. A well-known decentralized exchange collaborated with a cross-chain protocol using the ERC-7683 standard, unifying the cross-chain order structure and Filler Network. Another cross-chain protocol introduced AI agents as automated arbitrageurs, achieving the intention of instant settlement bridging. There are also protocols that have transformed from cross-chain bridges to professional clearing layers.

In the upcoming Pectra upgrade of Ethereum, the EIP7702 proposal will allow regular external account addresses to point to smart contract addresses, granting them programmability. This means that users can utilize advanced features such as multi-signature, custom batch transactions, one-click circular staking and lending, and automatic yield compounding.

In the wallet domain, a well-known smart contract wallet has launched an innovative feature that allows users to create wallets with the same address on multiple EVM-compatible chains with a single signature, greatly simplifying management complexity.

Overall, chain abstraction is not just an improvement in user experience, but a comprehensive technological revolution. These changes may initially go unnoticed by the public, but over time, they will surely reshape the architecture of Blockchain and the industry landscape of Web3. This incremental innovation will ultimately lead to groundbreaking changes, as described by the black swan theory, where significant transformations often come from the most unexpected places.