![32FTXiZsHoAW6noHJDhrg3W8ZKHVFSsLYM859aTDCF8iErLz9yWdsfFvveHVWtDCPzBkxxV97GBfYpbh3QgCkvj4gjgUYpwU3aULpreTdo4i57nZ4X3eJDLm7bSKS11mFZtY22Fo5xnaKgPp.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaA14yYovsucyYAUQJV6g48zrjJAQzEE7yRADJe3pwnRs/32FTXiZsHoAW6noHJDhrg3W8ZKHVFSsLYM859aTDCF8iErLz9yWdsfFvveHVWtDCPzBkxxV97GBfYpbh3QgCkvj4gjgUYpwU3aULpreTdo4i57nZ4X3eJDLm7bSKS11mFZtY22Fo5xnaKgPp.jpeg) [Source](https://pixabay.com/photos/blockchain-globe-network-3537389/) Hello fam, It is your favourite blogger @mato445 and I am happy to make this interesting post in this community today. In our last meeting on [this topic](https://steemit.com/hive-150122/@mato445/the-benefit-of-sidechain-in-the-context-of-blockchain-technology), we discussed about sidechains and its benefits. Today, we shall be learning about the similarities and differences between sidechain and the mainchain. Without any further ado, shall we begin this interesting journey.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN SIDE CHAINS AND MAINCHAIN

In the cryptospace, the main chain and the side chain are very important concepts that affects the functionality of scalability of blockchain networks. They both make a unique contribution to the overall buildup of the blockchain technology, offering varieties of advantages and producing series of solution to the blockchain network. Explained below are some of their similarities in the cryptospace. > THEY ARE COMPONENTS OF BLOCKCHAIN NETWORK At their peak, the main chain and side chain are both component of the blockchain network, a decentralized ledger upon which most cryptocurrency is built on. The main chain which is also known as the primary chain serves as the foundation layer of the network. It serves as the central ledger of the network, recording all it's transaction and also maintaining the integrity of the whole system. Using Bitcoin blockchain as an example, it operates as the primary chain for the blockchain network. The sidechain similarly, are auxiliary blockchain that function alongside the primary chain, providing extra flexibility and functionalities. With the aid of a two-way pegging mechanism, the sidechain are connected to the primary chain, enabling the seamless transfer of assets between them. > RELIANCE ON CONSENSUS MECHANISM ![gPCasciUWmEwHnsXKML7xF4NE4zxEVyvENsPKp9LmDaFuyQHsHbYrN3CHFiuZZcnCFEsa6wRYTtUjR8r2hAsEPJ4Bw3aE7UpFfg36ju4Xs69Hfqeu8GfJJWBuQsgjSqum8xiA3ok2kyoKaekNB.webp](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmSCB42CCP2cfKgsJspaxEdj7EcyJ2idegzDqRDbzSe2oF/gPCasciUWmEwHnsXKML7xF4NE4zxEVyvENsPKp9LmDaFuyQHsHbYrN3CHFiuZZcnCFEsa6wRYTtUjR8r2hAsEPJ4Bw3aE7UpFfg36ju4Xs69Hfqeu8GfJJWBuQsgjSqum8xiA3ok2kyoKaekNB.webp) [Source](https://pixabay.com/illustrations/earth-network-blockchain-globe-3537401/) Another similarities between side chain amd main chain is their reliance on consensus mechanism. The both chains validate transaction through the use of consensus algorithm and it also use this means to secure the network. Some popular consensus mechanism are proof of stake, proof of work, delegated proof of stake etc. These mechanisms ensures that a consensus is met by the distributed network, thus maintaining the security of the blockchain and preventing double-spending on the network. > USE OF SMART CONTRACT Another similarity between side chain and plasma chain is their use of smart contracts. Smart contract are known to be self-executing agreement that are directly written into code in the blockchain. Smart contract is supported by both side chains and main chain as it allows for the creation and executed of a programmed agreement that are written into codes. A popular mainchain which is known as ethereum is being made popular for it's robust smart contract functionality. And it can also be implemented by sidechains for the facilitation of specific use cases. > SCALABILITY Another similarity between sidechain and mainchain is the way in which they tend to address the issue of scalability in the network. With the growth and adoption of blockchain technology, there is an Importance for scalability inorder to enable the network accommodate a larger number of transaction. The side chain plays a huge role in reducing the role of the mainchain, and it does this by handling specific transaction in the network, hereby reducing congestion effectively and enhancing the overall network efficiency. > BLOCKCHAIN INTEROPERABILITY Sidechain and mainchain makes a unique contribution to the concept of interoperability of the blockchain. Interoperability can be explained to be the transfer of assets and data across multiple blockchain networks. With the feature of interoperability, users can easily transfer asset and data between the sidechain and mainchain, hereby building a more interconnected blockchain ecosystem.

CONCLUSION

![3zpz8WQe4SNGWd7TzozjPgq3rggennavDx3XPY35pEAVnqGWXBiZTWkTFJgTZ516nCtT3j1Xt6HxgrFTSGMgKndN9fYq7ruXLc9nh4F92UW9h46RnL8HTT9cxsSnwPi94cuhKjeuamPoA3LN4UNr.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmSqe1uqPcdtYgeH5xCMWTmkiMtLVZqiqzfjC4MtDQCzpk/3zpz8WQe4SNGWd7TzozjPgq3rggennavDx3XPY35pEAVnqGWXBiZTWkTFJgTZ516nCtT3j1Xt6HxgrFTSGMgKndN9fYq7ruXLc9nh4F92UW9h46RnL8HTT9cxsSnwPi94cuhKjeuamPoA3LN4UNr.jpeg) [Source](https://pixabay.com/photos/network-globalization-earth-3524352/) The similarities between the sidechain and the mainchain find their root in the roles being played by them in the blockchain network. The both chains relies on smart contracts, profer solutions to scalability concerns and also contribute to the interoperability of the blockchain.