Many people invest solely by focusing on crypto price movements, while the infrastructure that supports the entire ecosystem is often overlooked.

Many don’t realize that when the network slows down, transaction fees increase, or if transactions are delayed without clarity, all of this essentially comes back to the condition of the mainchain, the underlying foundation.

Therefore, understanding how the mainchain works can help you understand risks more clearly and assess the quality of an asset more accurately.

By understanding the foundation, you’re not just tracking the price, but also understanding the resilience of the technology that supports it.

What Is the Mainchain in Crypto?

The mainchain is the primary link in a blockchain network, where all transactions are processed and permanently recorded.

You could say this is the “official path” where every activity must ultimately end, be verified, and finalized. Despite the existence of various additional layers or supporting solutions, the settlement of truly legitimate transactions always occurs on the mainchain.

To make it easier to understand, the mainchain can be likened to the main street in a city, a major route that always serves as the reference route for anyone seeking to reach an important destination.

Almost all vehicles will eventually pass through this street due to its central and coordinated nature.

Meanwhile, the surrounding smaller streets are alternative routes that help speed up travel or reduce traffic, but remain connected and dependent on the main street as the primary directional route.

The mainchain’s role is crucial because it serves as the foundation for the security and decentralization of a crypto network.

This is where the strengths of blockchain emerge: immutable data, a transparent system, and a network that is not controlled by a single party.

By understanding the mainchain, you will more easily see how a crypto ecosystem works from its foundation.

How Mainchain Works From Transactions to Permanent Recording

The mainchain acts as the backbone of a blockchain network, where all blocks are connected and all transaction records are permanently stored.

Once data enters the mainchain, it cannot be changed. To understand the process, here’s a simple overview of how a single transaction progresses until it’s finalized.

A Brief Flowchart of a Transaction on the Mainchain

It all starts when a user enters the sender address, recipient address, asset amount, and transaction fee.

Once sent, the transaction isn’t immediately recorded but instead enters the mempool (a kind of waiting room) along with other transactions awaiting processing.

From there, the transaction waits until someone on the network accepts it and includes it in a block.

The Role of Nodes, Validators, or Miners

The actors who ensure the network runs are called nodes. They distribute data, validate transactions, and maintain the integrity of the system.

Within this group of nodes, there are miners (in Proof of Work systems) or validators (in Proof of Stake systems) whose job is to collect transactions from the mempool, organize them into blocks, and then propose those blocks for network acceptance.

Without them, transactions would never move from the waiting room to the permanent record.

Consensus and Finality on the Mainchain

To ensure a block is truly recognized as valid, the network uses a consensus mechanism such as Proof of Work or Proof of Stake. This mechanism ensures that all parties in the network agree that the proposed block is valid.

Once a block is approved and added to the chain, the transactions within it reach finality. This means they are considered final and cannot be reversed or changed.

Secondary layer solutions like the Lightning Network exist to speed up transaction processing outside the mainchain when the network is congested.

However, while transactions can proceed quickly on this layer, the final settlement still returns to the mainchain. This is where transactions become official, permanent, and secure.

Mainchain’s Main Functions in the Blockchain Ecosystem

The mainchain plays a central role in the sustainability of a blockchain network. Here are three of its most easily understood primary functions.

Security and Decentralization

The mainchain serves as the network’s security hub. This is where thousands of distributed nodes verify data and ensure that no transactions can be manipulated.

The more participating nodes and the more distributed their locations, the stronger the security level.

This decentralization makes the mainchain resistant to disruptions, including attacks from parties seeking to control or alter data.

Settlement Place for Layer 2 and Sidechains

Layer 2 and sidechains were created to speed up or simplify transactions by processing them outside the mainchain.

However, while transactions can proceed much more efficiently on these layers, the final settlement must still be deposited back to the mainchain.

Here, the transaction results are recorded as an official record, ensuring that every activity has a valid and verifiable track record.

Large Archive of All Transaction History

The mainchain acts as a permanent archive that stores the entire transaction history since the first block. The immutable nature of storage makes it a source of transparency that can be audited at any time.

This is important because it provides trust for users, developers, and other parties requiring proof of transactions without having to rely on intermediaries.

Examples of Popular Mainchains in the Crypto World

Various crypto networks have their own mainchains that serve as the central hub of activity and the official settlement point for transactions. Here are some of the most well-known examples in the current blockchain ecosystem.

1. Bitcoin Mainchain and Its Relationship with the Lightning Network

Bitcoin is one of the earliest and most well-known mainchains. All Bitcoin transactions must ultimately be recorded on this mainchain to be considered valid.

On top of it, the Lightning Network exists as a side-channel that allows transactions to proceed faster and with lower fees.

Although activity on Lightning can occur almost instantly, the final settlement still returns to the Bitcoin mainchain as a permanent record.

2. Ethereum Mainchain and Various Layer 2s

Ethereum has a mainchain that hosts smart contracts, decentralized applications, and various DeFi protocols.

Due to this high activity, various layer 2 solutions (such as rollups) have emerged that process transactions outside the mainchain to reduce network load.

However, all data or transaction results from these layer 2s are ultimately deposited back to the Ethereum mainchain for official recording.

Mainchains in Other Ecosystems

Besides Bitcoin and Ethereum, many other ecosystems also have core mainchains that serve as the hub of their network activity.

For example, Solana has its own mainchain with a high-speed design to support high-volume transactions.

The principle is the same: each ecosystem typically has a mainchain that serves as the foundation where all official transactions are settled.

Mainchain vs. Sidechain vs. Layer 2: What’s the Difference?

In the blockchain ecosystem, not all transactions run on the same path. There’s the mainchain as the main foundation, there’s the sidechain as a separate chain, and there’s the layer 2 chain built on top of the mainchain. Here’s the difference between each.

1. Mainchain

The mainchain is the primary chain with the highest level of security. All official transactions are ultimately recorded there, making the mainchain the final center of the network.

However, because it must process all activity directly, the mainchain often has limitations, ranging from block size to the number of transactions that can be processed per second.

2. Sidechain

A sidechain is a separate blockchain that remains connected to the mainchain through mechanisms such as a two-way peg. This chain can have its own consensus rules, allowing for flexibility to increase speed or efficiency.

However, because it doesn’t fully rely on the mainchain’s security, its security level can vary. Sidechains were introduced to address scaling barriers on the mainchain, such as throughput and efficiency limitations.

3. Layer 2

Layer 2 is a scaling solution built on top of the mainchain, not a separate blockchain. Unlike sidechains, layer 2 security still relies on the mainchain.

The most common example is a rollup, which processes transactions outside the mainchain and then sends data or transaction proofs back to the mainchain for verification.

This approach allows for faster transactions without compromising core security.

Impact on Cost, Speed, and Security

Mainchains are typically slower and have higher transaction fees, but offer the strongest security. Sidechains and layer 2s can process transactions faster and cheaper due to their lower overhead.

However, each has trade-offs: sidechains may have varying levels of security, while layer 2s must still rely on the mainchain for official record-keeping.

Mainchain Limitations You Need to Understand

While mainchain offers the highest level of security, it still has a number of limitations that impact the user experience, especially during peak network traffic. Here are some of these limitations.

Scalability and Transaction Fees

One of the biggest challenges for mainchain is scalability. When the number of transactions increases sharply, for example during a bull market, the mainchain often experiences congestion.

Limited processing capacity causes a backlog of transactions, resulting in soaring transaction fees and longer validation times.

This situation also relates to the blockchain trilemma, where increasing scale often impacts security or decentralization.

Confirmation Speed

Each mainchain has a specific confirmation time before a transaction is considered final. This delay is important for maintaining network security, but can be a hindrance for users who want fast processing.

In congested network conditions, this wait time can become noticeably longer, resulting in a less efficient user experience.

Technical Risks and Network Upgrades

Mainchains can also face technical risks due to protocol updates, such as hard forks or soft forks. These major changes require coordination between core developers and the community to maintain network stability.

When disagreements arise, changes to network rules can create uncertainty or even divide the community. Therefore, the role of the community and core developers is crucial in maintaining the sustainability of the mainchain.

What Mainchain Means for Retail Traders and Investors

For retail traders and investors, understanding the mainchain is more than just technical knowledge. It’s crucial for assessing asset security, avoiding transaction errors, and optimizing costs and speed when transacting.

Here are three key things that are most relevant to everyday users.

1. Measuring Asset Security from the Mainchain

A strong mainchain usually indicates that the assets running on it also have a higher level of security.

The more established the reputation and longer the track record of the mainchain, the less likely it is to experience disruptions, manipulation, or system vulnerabilities.

Therefore, assessing the quality of the mainchain is one simple way to understand how safe an asset is for you to hold or transact with.

2. Things You Should Check Before a Transaction

Before sending or receiving assets, there are several important things to consider. First, make sure you know which network is being used, whether the transaction takes place on a specific mainnet or through an alternative route.

Second, check the transaction fee conditions and network congestion levels, as these can affect the final speed and cost.

Furthermore, ensure the wallet and platform you use are compatible with the network to ensure secure transactions.

3. Implications for Exchange and Wallet Use

Choosing a network for deposits or withdrawals directly impacts fees and processing times. Some networks are faster, while others are more secure or cheaper.

Understanding these differences helps you make informed decisions and avoid the risk of sending misplaced assets, as errors are irreversible in the blockchain world.

Knowing the mainchain will better equip you to choose the transaction path that best suits your needs.

How to Monitor Mainchain Activity with Simple Tools

Understanding mainchain health doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a number of simple tools that can help you see how the network is running, how busy it is, and even what the fee structure is. Here’s how to monitor them.

1. Understanding Blockchain Explorer

A blockchain explorer is a tool that allows you to view activity within a blockchain in real time. Through the explorer, you can examine transactions, new blocks, and even specific wallet addresses.

For example, Bitcoin can be monitored through Blockchain.com Explorer, while Ethereum can be monitored through Etherscan. These explorers serve as the primary window for viewing how the mainchain is performing over time.

2. Basic On-chain Data Relevant for Beginners

There are several basic on-chain data points that are quite easy to understand and useful as indicators of network health. Daily transaction volume, for example, provides an overview of how actively the network is being used.

Average transaction fees can indicate whether the network is congested or normal.

Meanwhile, the number of active addresses can be a general indicator of user activity. These metrics are enough to help beginners assess the situation without the need for in-depth technical analysis.

3 Limitations of Reading On-chain Data

While useful, on-chain data still has limitations. Not all numbers can be interpreted simply, and some metrics can be misleading if viewed without context.

Therefore, it’s important not to draw overly broad conclusions from a single indicator. Combining multiple data sets and understanding general market conditions will provide a much more accurate picture.

Conclusion

So, that was an interesting discussion about the mainchain as the often-overlooked foundation of blockchain, which you can read more about in the INDODAX Academy Crypto Academy.

In conclusion, the mainchain is the foundation of the entire blockchain ecosystem, where security is maintained, transactions are recorded, and finality is established.

All other layers, from sidechains to layer 2, ultimately rely on the mainchain for official record-keeping.

By understanding how the mainchain works and its role, you can assess the quality of a network more objectively.

This insight also helps you choose the right transaction channels, understand potential risks, and avoid decisions focused solely on asset prices.

Ultimately, it’s important for every user to start paying attention to the network where their assets reside.

It’s not just the charts that fluctuate, but also the infrastructure that ensures all transactions are secure and reliable.

By the way, in addition to gaining in-depth insights through various popular crypto education articles, you can also broaden your horizons through a collection of tutorials and choose from a variety of popular articles that suit your interests.

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FAQ

1.Does every blockchain have a mainchain?
Generally, yes. Almost all blockchains have a main chain that serves as the final reference for all transactions and data recorded on the network.

2.What’s the difference between a mainchain and a mainnet?
A mainnet is the main network of a blockchain that is fully operational and publicly used. Meanwhile, a mainchain is the core chain within that network—where all transactions are validated and secured.

So, mainnet refers to the state of the network, while mainchain focuses on the chain’s structure.

3.Are layer 2 assets riskier than those on the mainchain?
The risk depends on the design, security mechanisms, and level of decentralization of the layer 2 used. However, in principle, the mainchain usually has the highest level of security because it serves as the center of consensus and final validation.

4.Do retail users need to understand the technical details of the mainchain?
It’s not necessary to understand the technical details. Understanding the basic concepts of the mainchain and its role in security is enough to help you make more informed decisions when using applications or transferring assets.

5.How do you know if a transaction is secure on the mainchain?
Generally, a transaction is considered secure after receiving a certain number of block confirmations.

The number varies by network; for example, some blockchains consider 1–3 confirmations sufficient, while others recommend more for maximum security.

Author:  Boy