Sidechain
Also known as: Parallel Blockchain, Bridged Chain, Interoperable Chain
An independent blockchain that runs in parallel to a main chain and is interoperable through a bridge.
A sidechain is a separate blockchain that operates independently of the main chain but is connected to it via a two-way bridge. This allows assets and data to move between chains while enabling different consensus mechanisms, features, or experimental upgrades. Sidechains improve scalability, flexibility, and innovation without risking the stability of the main network. Examples include Polygon PoS (for Ethereum), Liquid Network (for Bitcoin), and Gnosis Chain. Sidechains are particularly useful for enterprise solutions, DeFi applications, and faster or cheaper transactions.