Base by Coinbase: A next level platform to improve Ethereum

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Published on July 03, 2024 | 4 min read

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As the use of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies continues to grow, so does the need for faster, more secure and cost-effective technologies. This is where Base by Coinbase comes in. Base is a new Ethereum-based crypto platform that increases transaction speed and security and supports a variety of applications.

Here’s what Base is, how it works, its benefits and potential drawbacks and its use cases.

What is Base by Coinbase?

Base by Coinbase is a crypto platform that uses the Ethereum network to increase transaction speed, security and accessibility while reducing costs. Unlike other cryptocurrency platforms, Base is specifically designed using blockchain to support decentralized applications (dApps).

Base uses what’s known as Ethereum’s Layer 2 blockchain. The Layer 2 blockchain is designed to perform transaction-heavy work with speed, keeping costs lower for the main Ethereum blockchain (Layer 1). Base uses OP Stack, an open-source development platform, to create greater compatibility and ease of transition for developers familiar with Ethereum.

Because of this approach, Base can offer low transaction fees, faster transaction times and full compatibility with Ethereum processes. Base is linked with Coinbase, making it accessible for broader adoption in the blockchain ecosystem.

How does Base work and what is it used for?

Built as an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) blockchain network, Base is designed to increase performance, interoperability and scalability while decreasing transaction costs and settlement time.

Base processes transactions off-chain through a mechanism known as “rollups,” bundling multiple transactions together and submitting them as a single batch to Ethereum’s Layer 1 for validation. This approach reduces costs and load on the main Ethereum network.

The primary use cases for Base include the following:

Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms
Non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces
Gaming and virtual worlds
Social media platforms
Supply chain and logistics applications

Base’s compatibility with Ethereum-based tools and frameworks, along with lower fees and faster transaction times, make it a useful platform for developers and individuals.

The benefits of Base by Coinbase

Base by Coinbase offers some key advantages for individuals and businesses:

Faster transactions: Base processes transactions quicker than the main Ethereum network, making it more efficient and user-friendly, especially during peak network activity.
Lower fees: One of the biggest draws of Base is its significantly lower transaction fees compared to the main Ethereum network, making it a better option for frequent users.
Interoperability: Base supports a wide variety of blockchain applications and services, including decentralized exchanges, DeFi platforms and NFTs.
Developer-friendly: Developers can run their existing Ethereum-based applications on Base without having to overhaul their code.
Scalability: Base offers increased scalability, so it can handle a higher volume of transactions efficiently.
Accessibility: Base is linked with Coinbase, one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges, so it’s easily accessible to a broad audience in the blockchain ecosystem.

The potential drawbacks of Base

While Base by Coinbase is a powerful tool, it’s equally important to consider its potential limitations and challenges:

Complexity: Layer 2 solutions such as Base can introduce complexity that may be daunting for newcomers to blockchain technology. This complexity could slow user adoption and create hurdles in understanding its functionality.
Security concerns: While Base tries to maintain the security standards of the Ethereum Layer 1 blockchain, its new protocols could allow vulnerabilities and create security risks.
Centralization: Base’s dependence on Coinbase, which holds significant control over transactions, challenges the decentralization ethos of blockchain technology. This concentration of authority within one entity may raise concerns for users, though Coinbase says it intends to decentralize the platform over time.
No native crypto coin: Unlike some competitors, Base doesn’t have a native crypto token. This lack might put Base at a disadvantage as it can’t incentivize developer activity through token grants, a common practice in the blockchain ecosystem.
Scalability concerns: Despite its robust infrastructure, Base has had transaction failures and increased gas fees during periods of high use. So it may need further scalability to manage significant user growth in the future.
User experience: The transition from traditional Ethereum transactions to Base might not be seamless for all users, leading to potential difficulties.

Can you buy Base from Coinbase?

Coinbase says it does not currently plan to issue a new network token for Base. Instead, Base will use Ethereum as its native gas token. So at least for now there is no Base crypto coin to buy.

Coinbase warns that users should be aware that scammers may try to send fake Base tokens and suggests that you don’t interact with anyone peddling fake Base coins.

Bottom line

Base by Coinbase is a Layer 2 solution for the Ethereum network, offering faster transaction times, lower fees and increased compatibility with the Ethereum ecosystem. Despite some key advantages, users should pay attention to potential drawbacks such as security and complexity.