Linea is an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) network built to enhance the scalability and efficiency of the Ethereum blockchain. Developed by Consensys, the company behind popular Web3 tools like MetaMask and Infura, Linea uses zero-knowledge (zk) rollup technology to process transactions off-chain. This approach dramatically increases transaction throughput and significantly lowers gas fees compared to the Ethereum mainnet, making decentralized applications (dApps) more accessible and affordable for both developers and users. Linea is designed as an "extension" of Ethereum, maintaining the foundational network's security and core values while overcoming its limitations.

A core feature that distinguishes Linea is its full EVM-equivalence, which ensures maximum compatibility with Ethereum. Developers can easily migrate existing smart contracts and dApps from Ethereum to Linea without needing to rewrite any code. This seamless integration with familiar developer tools and infrastructure, including MetaMask, Truffle, and Hardhat, provides a user-friendly experience and significantly reduces the barrier to entry for building on the network. This EVM-equivalence is a key factor in attracting a broad range of projects, from DeFi protocols to NFT marketplaces, into the Linea ecosystem.

Furthermore, Linea has established an innovative economic model that aligns its success with Ethereum's own growth. The network uses ETH as its native gas token, reinforcing Ethereum's value. A portion of the network's transaction fees is used to burn both ETH and the native LINEA token, creating a deflationary mechanism that ties network activity to value accrual for both assets. This, combined with a large ecosystem fund managed by an Ethereum-native consortium, directs resources toward rewarding network users and funding long-term Ethereum public goods, solidifying Linea's commitment to strengthening the broader Ethereum ecosystem.