Can someone explain what LayerZero is and why it’s important like I never worked in web3 in my life? https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/04/04/crypto-protocol-layerzero-raises-120m-series-b-at-3b-valuation/

Writer. Building @pinatacloud. Tinkering with a Farcaster native alternative to GoodReads: https://readcast.xyz \ https://polluterofminds.com

Without getting into web3 details: LayerZero is a generalized way to transmit information (and value) across different chains.

It's important to web3 because it unlocks a lot of interoperability between otherwise siloed blockchains. And the idea is that can do a lot more than purpose-built bridges.

Building integral.xyz — previously EIR at Electric Capital

my understanding is that bridges are purpose-built to move funds and have very limited functionality. i.e. bridging ETH to polygon or solana.

layerzero allows you to 'message' another chain with arbitrary information. that information can be a transfer of value, but it can also be anything else.

Right but I haven’t seen an explanation of how it isn’t actually just a bridge. I’ve said this elsewhere, but I assume I just don’t understand it well enough.