What is Neo X?
Neo X is an EVM-compatible side chain to Neo N3 as part of the Neo ecosystem. The main purpose of Neo X is to serve as an interoperability layer between the EVM world—such as Ethereum, Polygon, and others—and the Neo ecosystem. Neo X acts as a portal to other technologies besides Neo N3, making it easier to integrate various blockchain technologies.
Why Are Neo X and EVM Compatibility Important?
Non-EVM chains like Neo, Cardano, Algorand, and Polkadot have always been strong innovators, adding new features and exploring the unknowns of blockchain technology. On the other hand, Ethereum's EVM has become an industry standard, taught in universities and widely used in the blockchain community. By combining the strengths of both non-EVM and EVM-compatible chains, Neo X aims to offer the best features for use cases, dApps, and applications, thus fostering greater interoperability and innovation.
Is Neo X going to replace Neo N3?
No, Neo X is not intended to replace Neo N3. Instead, it aims to complement Neo N3 by opening up to the EVM world and onboarding developers who are already familiar with the EVM tech stack. This complementary approach ensures that both ecosystems can thrive and benefit from each other’s strengths.
What was AxLabs’ role on Neo X and on the Mainnet launch?
AxLabs played a crucial role in building the native bridge between Neo N3 and Neo X. Additionally, AxLabs advised on the general development and roadmap of Neo X. As part of BaneLabs, which includes community members like Neo SPCC and Neo Global Development, AxLabs contributed significantly to the idealization and development of Neo X, focusing particularly on the native bridge.
What were the main challenges AxLabs came across during the Neo X development?
One of the main challenges was the fundamental differences between EVM-compatible chains and non-EVM chains like Neo. For instance, Neo VM uses a dynamic type size, whereas EVM chains use fixed-size types. This required a deep understanding of both virtual machines to create a seamless bridge between them. Another challenge was the uncertainty and concerns from the community about how Neo X would be built and governed. Lastly, the complexity and importance of the project demanded rigorous audits and reviews to ensure its robustness.
Should we expect updates on tools created by AxLabs, such as neow3j to support Neo X?
While tools like neow3j were specifically built for Neo N3, there is potential for new tools and features to support Neo X. For example, 1ClickNode could allow users to easily deploy Neo X nodes in Cloud Providers. Additionally, AxLabs is exploring ways to add EVM compatibility to GrantShares DAO. This initiative could expand the DAO governance and funding capabilities within the Neo ecosystem.
What does AxLabs expect for the future of Neo X?
AxLabs hopes to see an expansion of the Neo X community, both in terms of numbers and the quality of projects. The ultimate goal is to attract at least one highly successful dApp that can draw significant user engagement. This would validate the work done on Neo X and inspire further development and innovation. AxLabs envisions Neo X as a complementary piece of the Neo ecosystem, continually evolving based on community needs and demands.
