Key Takeaways
Linea is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses zk-rollups to deliver faster and cheaper transactions.
The network is fully EVM-equivalent, allowing any Ethereum-based application or smart contract to run on Linea seamlessly.
Linea’s architecture features a sequencer, prover, and bridge relayer, which work together to handle transactions with speed and security.
Developers can use the same tools and infrastructure as on Ethereum, with native integrations to MetaMask and Infura for onboarding and scalability.
What Is Linea?
Linea is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses zk-rollups to deliver faster and cheaper transactions. Instead of processing every transaction directly on Ethereum, Linea processes them off-chain and then submits a validity proof back to the network. This approach helps reduce congestion on Ethereum while still benefiting from its security.
Linea is EVM-equivalent, meaning developers can redeploy existing Ethereum smart contracts to Linea with minimal effort. This sets the network apart from EVM-compatible blockchains, which may still require changes and adjustments.
Linea was developed by Consensys, the company behind MetaMask (a popular crypto wallet) and Infura (a blockchain infrastructure provider). Linea is supported in MetaMask by default through an Infura RPC endpoint, giving users a direct connection to the network.
How Linea Works
Zk-rollups
Linea uses zk-rollups to process transactions off-chain in batches and then submit a summary of those batches back to Ethereum. Each summary is accompanied by a zero-knowledge proof (ZKP), which is a cryptographic proof that confirms all transactions were valid without exposing their details.
Linea relies on a specific type of proof called a zero-knowledge Succinct Non-interactive Argument of Knowledge (zk-SNARK). A zk-SNARK allows one party to prove that a statement is true without disclosing the underlying information. The proofs are succinct, meaning they remain small and efficient to verify even for large computations, and non-interactive, meaning they only need to be passed once from the prover to the verifier without further communication.
Because zk-SNARKs are compact and quick to verify, Linea can process more transactions at lower cost while still inheriting Ethereum’s security. This approach differs from optimistic rollups, which use fraud proofs and typically require a seven-day waiting period for withdrawals. With zk-rollups, validity is established through cryptographic proofs submitted directly to Ethereum, enabling users to withdraw funds more quickly and at no additional cost.
Linea’s Architecture
Sequencer
When a transaction is submitted on Linea, the sequencer determines the order in which it is processed. It collects transactions from the mempool, groups them into blocks, executes those blocks, and generates summaries of the results known as execution traces. These traces are then passed to the prover to verify that the computations were correct.
Since all transaction data must eventually be posted to Ethereum, where storage is costly, the sequencer also compresses and optimizes this information to reduce storage costs. By keeping blocks compact, the sequencer helps Linea remain efficient and cost-effective while keeping the data valid.
Prover
The prover takes the execution traces produced by the sequencer and generates a zk-SNARK proof. This cryptographic proof verifies that an entire block of transactions was processed correctly, without the need to re-run or expose each individual transaction. For Ethereum validators, this makes verification quicker and less resource-intensive, as they only need to check the proof instead of processing each transaction.
Bridge relayer
The bridge relayer manages communication between Linea, Ethereum, and other blockchains. It works alongside Linea’s canonical message service, a system of smart contracts and supporting protocols that facilitate the transfer of both assets and data across networks.
The relayer ensures that tokens move securely between Ethereum and Linea while also transmitting key state updates, such as Merkle tree changes and validity proofs. Linea’s roadmap includes plans to decentralize this component over time, reducing reliance on a central operator and contributing to the network’s security goals.
How Transactions Work on Linea
Submission: A transaction is signed in a wallet and sent to Linea, where it enters the mempool, a temporary holding area for pending transactions.
Block building: The sequencer verifies if the transaction is valid. Valid ones are ordered (often by fees), placed into a block, and executed. A receipt is then issued once the transaction is included.
State update: The transaction updates Linea’s state and is stored in execution traces. At this stage, it has soft finality, which means it’s confirmed on Linea but not yet finalized on Ethereum.
Conflation: Multiple blocks are bundled into a batch so they can be proven together, reducing costs since one proof can cover many transactions.
Proof generation: A ZKP is generated for the batch, confirming that all transactions were executed correctly without requiring Ethereum to re-run them.
Finalization: The proof and batch are submitted to the Ethereum network. Once verified, transactions achieve hard finality and are permanently recorded.
Linea Token
The LINEA token is the native token of the Linea network and is designed to support both Linea and Ethereum. Unlike other Layer 2 blockchains, gas fees on Linea are paid in ETH. The token isn’t tied to governance and doesn’t have special allocations for insiders, investors, or the team. Instead, LINEA is given directly to users and builders as rewards, helping to grow the ecosystem in a more open and community-driven way.
Linea also introduces a dual-burn mechanism. Since gas fees are paid in ETH, part of the network’s net profits is allocated to reduce the token supply. 20% of net ETH profits are used to burn ETH, while the remaining 80% are used to burn LINEA. This system creates a direct connection between activity on Linea and the scarcity of both tokens.
Linea (LINEA) on Binance HODLer Airdrops
On September 8, 2025, Binance announced LINEA as the 37th project on the Binance HODLer Airdrops. Users who subscribed their BNB to Simple Earn and/or On-Chain Yields products from August 25 to 28 were eligible to receive LINEA airdrops. A total of 720,099,900 LINEA tokens were allocated to the program, accounting for 1% of the total token supply.
LINEA was listed with the Seed Tag applied, allowing for trading against the USDT, USDC, BNB, FDUSD, and TRY pairs.
Closing Thoughts
Linea is a Layer 2 network designed to scale Ethereum while staying aligned with its security and design principles. The network’s use of zk-rollups enhances efficiency, and full EVM equivalence enables developers to deploy applications seamlessly. For users, this means faster and more affordable transactions. By using ETH for gas fees and incorporating a dual-burn mechanism, activity on Linea will continue to support and strengthen the Ethereum ecosystem.
Further Reading
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