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Version: Endpoint V2

What is LayerZero?

LayerZero is an omnichain messaging protocol — a permissionless, open framework designed to securely move information between blockchains. It empowers any application to bring its own security, execution, and cross-chain interaction, providing a predictable and adaptable foundation for decentralized applications living on multiple networks.

Before LayerZero​

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Before LayerZero, cross-chain communication was a patchwork of monolithic bridges and isolated solutions. Achieving true cross-chain communication was a complex and often fragile endeavor.

Traditional methods relied on monolithic bridges with centralized verifiers or a fixed set of signers — approaches that imposed rigid structures and created single points of failure. When any component of these systems faltered, every connected application was put at risk, stifling innovation and leaving developers scrambling for secure solutions.

The LayerZero Framework​

LayerZero redefines cross-chain interactions by combining several key architectural elements:

  • Immutable Smart Contracts:
    Non-upgradeable endpoint contracts are deployed on each blockchain. These immutable contracts serve as secure entry and exit points for messages, ensuring consistency and trust across all networks.

  • Configurable Message Libraries:
    LayerZero offers flexible libraries that developers can select to tailor the way messages are emitted off-chain. This adaptability means applications can optimize message formatting and handling according to specific needs without being tied to a one-size-fits-all solution.

  • Modular Security Owned by the Application:
    Instead of relying on a centralized verifier network, LayerZero enables each application to configure its own security stack. Developers can choose from various decentralized verifier networks (DVNs) and set parameters like finality and execution rules. This modular approach shifts control to the application, allowing for tailored security that evolves with emerging technologies.

  • Permissionless Execution:
    By making the execution of cross-chain messages available to anyone, LayerZero ensures that once a message is verified, it can be executed without gatekeepers. This open design removes bottlenecks and facilitates seamless interaction across the blockchain mesh.

Together, these elements create a robust foundation that makes the following primitives possible.

Getting Started with LayerZero Concepts​

New to blockchain interoperability? Start with our foundational concept modules that progressively build from basic principles to LayerZero's specific approach:

Foundational Concepts​

  • Module 1: Interoperability Foundations
    Explore the fundamental approaches to blockchain interoperability—from trusted intermediaries to cryptographic proofs—and understand the trade-offs that shape cross-chain architecture decisions.

  • Module 2: Interface Coupling Problems
    Learn why traditional bridges create tight coupling between applications and infrastructure, and how this architectural limitation constrains innovation and security.

  • Module 3: LayerZero Protocol Architecture
    Discover LayerZero's five-layer separation of concerns—from immutable endpoints to configurable libraries—that enables composable cross-chain architectures without compromising security.

Implementation Concepts​

  • Module 4: Verification & Execution Services
    Understand how LayerZero's worker services—Decentralized Verifier Networks (DVNs) and Executors—provide configurable security models and permissionless message delivery.

  • Module 5: Application Design Patterns
    Master the core patterns for building Omnichain Applications (OApps), from basic messaging to advanced coordination patterns across multiple blockchains.

  • Module 6: Value Transfer Implementations
    Learn how LayerZero's token standards (OFT, ONFT) implement secure cross-chain asset movement through specialized messaging with token-specific invariants.

These modules provide a structured learning path from theoretical foundations to practical implementation, equipping you with the knowledge to build secure, scalable omnichain solutions.

Developer Documentation​

Ready to start building? Explore our platform-specific implementation guides and deployment resources:

Platform-Specific Development​

  • EVM Development
    Complete guide to building LayerZero applications on Ethereum Virtual Machine chains using Solidity contract standards.

  • Solana Development
    Build omnichain applications on Solana using Rust and Anchor framework with LayerZero's Solana programs.

  • Aptos Move Development
    Develop secure omnichain applications using the Move programming language on Aptos and other Move-based chains.

  • Hyperliquid Development
    Learn to integrate with Hyperliquid's unique dual-network architecture using LayerZero Composer patterns.

Network Support & Deployment​

  • Deployed Contracts
    View all supported blockchain networks with their LayerZero V2 contract addresses, including Endpoints, Message Libraries, and Executors.

  • DVN Addresses
    Browse the complete list of Decentralized Verifier Networks (DVNs) that provide verification services for LayerZero applications across all supported chains.

Further Reading​

Ready for deeper technical understanding? Explore LayerZero's core architecture components and key primitives:

Core Architecture Components​

For detailed technical understanding of LayerZero's architectural elements:

  • Protocol Overview
    Learn how LayerZero defines secure messaging channels between sender and receiver contracts through immutable Endpoints and standardized Message Packets.

  • Message Library Overview
    Understand the modular, immutable libraries that handle message encoding, verification, and processing across different blockchain environments.

  • Workers Overview
    Discover how Decentralized Verifier Networks (DVNs) and Executors provide verification and execution services through the unified Worker interface.

  • Omnichain Applications Overview
    Explore the generic messaging interface that enables applications to send and receive arbitrary data across multiple blockchain networks.

Key Primitives Built into LayerZero​

LayerZero's architecture provides a robust set of core primitives that redefine cross-chain interaction:

  • Omnichain Message Passing (Generic Messaging)
    This primitive enables applications to send and receive arbitrary data across a fully-connected mesh of blockchains. Applications can push state transitions to any network in the LayerZero mesh.

  • Omnichain Tokens (OFT & ONFT)
    Unified token standards that empower the cross-chain transfer of both fungible and non-fungible tokens. These standards ensure a consistent global supply through mechanisms like burn/mint or lock/unlock—abstracting away the differences across blockchain environments and providing a seamless token experience.

  • Omnichain State Queries (lzRead)
    Go beyond simple messaging—this primitive allows smart contracts to request and retrieve on-chain state from other blockchains securely. It empowers your applications to "pull" data across chains efficiently.

  • Omnichain Composability
    By decoupling security from execution, this design enables developers to build complex, multi-step workflows across chains. It breaks down cross-chain operations into discrete, manageable messages that achieve instant finality, facilitating advanced use cases and improved user experiences.