Cross-Chain Bridge

A cross-chain bridge is software that connects two or more blockchains so assets or information can move between them. Because most blockchains operate as separate networks with their own rules and ledgers, a token on one chain cannot normally be sent directly to another. Bridges solve this by using methods such as locking tokens on the original chain and issuing a matching “wrapped” version on the destination chain, or by coordinating liquidity pools across chains.

Cross-chain bridges matter because they help users access different apps, lower fees, or blockchain features without staying inside one ecosystem. For example, someone might bridge ETH from Ethereum to a layer 2 network to use a decentralized exchange with faster and cheaper transactions. A bridge is somewhat like a currency exchange booth at an airport: it helps value move between different systems, but users must trust the process and understand the risks. Bridges can be complex and have been targets for hacks, so security and reputation are important.