Data Availability

Data Availability Service for GlitchD stack

GlitchD Data Availability Service

Data Availability Explained

Data availability is crucial in blockchain networks, particularly in Layer 2 solutions.

Rollups serve as a bridge between the Ethereum blockchain and off-chain computation, enabling transactions off-chain while maintaining Ethereum's security and asset system. While the emphasis often lies on scaling computation and execution, this is only part of the challenge. Both computation and data aspects are essential for effective blockchain scaling.

The increasing use of rollups, which facilitate more off-chain execution, heightens the need for efficient data availability solutions. This need arises from the necessity to store, access, and verify data from off-chain transactions. Robust data availability solutions are vital for the success of rollups. Without effective data handling, the scalability and performance advantages of rollups could be significantly compromised.

Base layer blockchains like Ethereum are evolving towards becoming Data Availability (DA) layers. At the same time, Ethereum is undergoing a significant transition. Historically an execution-focused blockchain, Ethereum is now incorporating new Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) to shift its focus towards data availability.