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This specification defines the Base Chain protocol: how nodes derive and execute blocks, how transactions are propagated, and how state transitions are verified. It covers core protocol rules, execution behavior, and proving.

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Design Goals

Our aim is to design a protocol specification that is:
  • Opinionated: Simplicity through deliberate design choices. We identify the best solution and commit to it.
  • Maximally Simple: By focusing on just what Base needs, we radically simplify the stack. The protocol spec and codebase should be understandable by a single developer.
  • Fast Cycles: We ship upgrades frequently rather than batching risk into infrequent large ones. We target six smaller, tightly scoped hard forks per year on a regular cadence, with fortnightly releases.
  • Ethereum Aligned: Base wins when Ethereum wins. We accelerate deployment of high-impact changes ahead of L1 to provide data that informs the Ethereum roadmap.

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Lineage

Base Chain inherits Ethereum’s EVM semantics, transaction rules, and L1-anchored security. It was originally built on the OP Stack. After the Jovian Hardfork, Base Chain follows this specification.