Polygon PoS
Polygon PoS (Proof-of-Stake) is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that uses a sidechain architecture to provide faster and cheaper transactions. It operates as a separate blockchain that runs parallel to Ethereum, using a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism to validate transactions and produce blocks. The network is secured by a set of validators who stake MATIC tokens and is fully compatible with Ethereum's tooling and smart contracts.
Developers should learn and use Polygon PoS when building decentralized applications (dApps) that require high throughput and low transaction fees, such as DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, or gaming platforms, as it alleviates Ethereum's congestion and cost issues. It is particularly valuable for projects targeting mass adoption where user experience is critical, as it maintains Ethereum's security and interoperability while offering scalability. Use cases include token swaps, minting NFTs, and deploying smart contracts with minimal gas costs.