Polygon (MATIC)

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What Is Polygon (MATIC)?

Polygon is a cryptocurrency, with the symbol MATIC, and also a technology platform that enables blockchain networks to connect and scale. Polygon—"Ethereum's internet of blockchains"— launched under the name Matic Network in 2017.

The Polygon platform operates using the Ethereum blockchain, and connects Ethereum-based projects. Using the Polygon platform can increase the flexibility, scalability, and sovereignty of a blockchain project while still affording the security, interoperability, and structural benefits of the Ethereum blockchain.

MATIC is an ERC-20 token, meaning that it's compatible with other Ethereum-based digital currencies. MATIC is used to govern and secure the Polygon network and to pay network transaction fees.

Understanding Polygon

Polygon uses a modified proof-of-stake consensus mechanism that enables consensus to be achieved with every block. (Achieving consensus using traditional proof-of-stake requires processing many blocks to achieve consensus.) The proof-of-stake method requires network participants to stake—agree to not trade or sell—their MATIC, in exchange for the right to validate Polygon network transactions. Successful validators in the Polygon network are rewarded with MATIC.

The Polygon network, as a secondary scaling solution, aims to address limitations of the Ethereum platform—namely high transaction fees and slow transaction processing speeds. Polygon can:

  • Deploy existing blockchain networks and develop custom blockchains
  • Enable communicate between Ethereum and other blockchains
  • Help existing blockchain networks to become compatible with Ethereum

Advantages and Disadvantages of Polygon

You may be wondering about the major strengths and weaknesses of Polygon. Especially if you are considering buying MATIC, keep reading to understand Polygon's advantages and disadvantages.

Polygon's strengths include:

  • Ability to process transactions quickly: By using a consensus mechanism that completes the transaction confirmation process in a single block, Polygon can maintain fast transaction processing speeds. Polygon's average block processing time is 2.1 seconds.
  • Transaction fees are consistently low: Polygon keeps its fees low to use the platform, with a typical transaction fee of around $0.01.

Among Polygon's weaknesses are:

  • Not an autonomous blockchain: Polygon is a Layer 2 solution that works atop the Ethereum platform. If the Ethereum platform experiences serious disruptions or ceases to exist, then Polygon would likely lose its value.
  • Limited use cases for MATIC: The MATIC token is designed to govern and secure the Polygon platform and pay transaction fees. Unlike some digital currencies, MATIC is not generally used for everyday purchases.

Polygon vs. Ethereum

Polygon is a secondary scaling solution that is compatible with and complements the Ethereum blockchain. Polygon aims to improve upon Ethereum as a blockchain development network. Polygon complements Ethereum by providing additional features relating to security, blockchain sovereignty, user and developer experience, and modularity.

Ethereum currently uses the proof-of-work consensus mechanism and is gradually transitioning to using proof of stake. Polygon uses a modified proof-of-stake mechanism that enables transactions to be processed quickly and cheaply.

Future of Polygon

Polygon in 2021 launched Polygon Studios, a subsidiary of Polygon that focuses on blockchain gaming and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Polygon Studios, if successful, could establish Polygon as a leading technology provider for decentralized gaming and NFTs.

In Jan. 2022, Polygon got a new chief executive officer (CEO). Ryan Watts has joined Polygon from YouTube, where he was the head of gaming.

How much are MATIC coins worth?

Polygon's MATIC tokens, for most of their history, have traded for less than $0.05. MATIC's price has appreciated significantly but has remained below $3.00. MATIC was trading for around $1.60, as of Feb. 18. 2022.

How many Polygon coins are there?

The maximum supply of MATIC is 10 billion tokens. The majority—7.53 billion MATIC—have already been issued.

How can I buy MATIC?

The easiest way to buy Polygon's MATIC tokens is through a major cryptocurrency exchange. You can establish an account with an exchange like Coinbase or Kraken, and then fund the account with your local currency. You also need a digital wallet, which can be self-hosted or hosted by the cryptocurrency exchange.

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