Introduction to Alternative L1s

Ethereum proved that a general-purpose blockchain could anchor DeFi, NFTs, and DAOs — but it was never the only design on the table. Dozens of alternative Layer 1 networks launched with different consensus rules, execution models, and hardware assumptions, each betting that a specific tradeoff would attract users and developers.

Solana optimized for high throughput and low latency. Cosmos optimized for sovereign appchains connected through IBC. Avalanche split responsibilities across multiple internal chains. None of these replaced Ethereum's role as the deepest liquidity hub — they offered parallel venues where different apps and user bases could thrive.

This course maps the major alt L1 landscape: why these chains exist, how they work under the hood, and what you should evaluate before building, bridging, or holding assets on them.