Centralized Bridges
Centralized bridges are blockchain interoperability solutions that facilitate the transfer of assets and data between different blockchain networks through a trusted, centralized intermediary or operator. They act as custodians that lock assets on the source chain and mint equivalent representations on the destination chain, enabling cross-chain transactions. This model relies on a single entity or a small group to manage the bridge's operations and security.
Developers should learn about centralized bridges when building applications that require fast, low-cost cross-chain asset transfers, especially in enterprise or regulated environments where trust in a known entity is acceptable. They are useful for scenarios like centralized exchanges moving funds between chains, initial token offerings across networks, or projects prioritizing ease of integration over decentralization. However, they introduce single points of failure and trust risks compared to decentralized alternatives.