Definition ∞ An L1 blockchain, or Layer 1 blockchain, is a foundational blockchain network that processes and finalizes transactions directly on its main chain without relying on another network for security or consensus. Examples include Bitcoin and Ethereum. These base layers establish the fundamental security and decentralization properties of the ecosystem. All transactions and smart contract executions are recorded and verified on this primary chain. They are the bedrock upon which other layers are built.
Context ∞ The discourse surrounding L1 blockchains frequently centers on their scalability limitations, transaction costs, and energy consumption, particularly for proof-of-work networks. A key debate involves the trade-offs between decentralization, security, and scalability, often referred to as the blockchain trilemma. Future developments are concentrated on implementing protocol upgrades, such as Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake, and exploring novel consensus mechanisms to enhance L1 performance.
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