A Layer 2 is a network built on top of a base blockchain that processes transactions away from the main chain and settles the results back to it. The aim is lower fees and higher throughput.
A rollup is a Layer 2 network that executes transactions off the main chain and posts them in compressed batches to it. Fraud proofs (optimistic) or validity proofs (ZK) keep the results honest.
A zkEVM is a virtual machine that runs Ethereum-compatible smart contracts and produces zero-knowledge proofs that the execution was correct. It powers ZK rollups that support existing Ethereum tools.
Blockchain interoperability is the ability of separate blockchains to exchange data, assets and messages so applications can work across them. It relies on bridges, messaging protocols and shared standards.
A cross-chain bridge is a protocol that moves tokens or messages from one blockchain to another. It usually locks an asset on the source chain and issues a matching representation on the destination.
A gas fee is the charge paid to a blockchain network to process a transaction or run smart contract code. It is priced per unit of computation and rises when the network is busy.
A Layer 1 blockchain secures and settles transactions itself, while a Layer 2 processes them off the main chain and posts the results back to it. Layer 2s exist mainly to lower fees and raise throughput while borrowing the base chain's security.
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