Introducing Bedrock: Understanding the First Official Release of the OP Stack

TL;DR

• Optimized batch compression and Ethereum DA reduce transaction fees

• Efficient handling of L1 reorgs reduces delays and improves processing

• Modular proof systems give developers flexibility and scalability

• Enhanced node performance through removal of technical debt

• Provides a robust platform for building within the Ethereum ecosystem

Expected Improvements

Transaction Fee Reduction

Bedrock introduces enhanced data compression to lower costs and removes L1 execution gas, reducing L1 data fees to the theoretical minimum.

This results in an additional ~10% fee decrease compared to earlier versions of the protocol.

Decreased Delays

Bedrock optimizes handling of L1 reorgs, improving deposit confirmation from ~10 minutes to ~3 minutes.

This dramatically improves the UX for deposits into rollups.

Modular Proof Systems

Bedrock abstracts proof systems, allowing developers to select fault proofs or validity proofs (e.g.

zk-SNARKs) without changing the rollup architecture.

This modularity enables flexibility and code reuse within the OP Stack.

Enhanced Node Performance

Bedrock introduces major optimizations:

• Supports multiple transactions per block (not one per block)

• Reduces state growth by ~15GB/year at current volumes

• Removes the separate “data transport layer” node requirement

• Updates node software for efficient L1 transaction queries

It also aligns closer to Ethereum, supporting EIP-1559, chain reorgs, and other L1 features.

Bedrock Design Principles

Modularity

Bedrock’s modular design enables swapping components, upgradability, and future-proofing.

Examples include separation of the rollup node and execution client and modular fault proof design.

Code Reuse

Bedrock maximizes Ethereum code reuse:

• Minimally modified Ethereum execution clients

• Use of EVM contracts instead of precompiled code

This inherits Ethereum’s battle-tested security and reliability.

Ethereum Equivalence

Bedrock strives for maximum compatibility with Ethereum. Differences include:

• Faster block time (2s vs 12s)

• Special transaction type for L1 deposits

• Different fee model

Otherwise, developers enjoy a near-identical Ethereum dev experience, easing migration and integration.

Learn More

For more details on Optimism Bedrock, see the Optimism Docs.

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